Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-29-25
8-29-25
Another School Shooting. More GOP "Thoughts and Prayers." https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/28/another-school-shooting-more-gop-thoughts-and-prayers/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A school shooting in Minnesota highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence, with the shooter carrying three weapons.
- The article criticizes the GOP for prioritizing gun rights over public safety and calls for Democrats to regain control to pass sensible gun laws.
- A commenter emphasizes the need to address mental health issues while noting that individuals like the shooter should not have access to firearms.
- The article reflects broader frustrations about political inaction and the influence of organizations like the NRA on gun policy.
South Carolina: 1/3 of Vouchers Awarded to Students Who Remained in Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/28/south-carolina-1-3-of-vouchers-awarded-to-students-who-remained-in-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
- A state audit in South Carolina revealed that one-third of taxpayer-funded school vouchers were awarded to students who either returned to public schools or never left them.
- The South Carolina Department of Education suspended 1,229 accounts due to enrollment verification issues, with 1,005 participants leaving the program after receiving at least one $1,500 scholarship payment.
- The state recovered unused funds from scholarship accounts but did not attempt to recover spent voucher money.
- South Carolina’s voucher program provides $6,000 annually to low- and middle-income families for private schools or public schools outside their zoned districts.
Trump Regime Halts Work on Wind Farms in Rhode Island and Maryland https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/28/trump-regime-halts-work-on-an-almost-finished-wind-farm/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Trump administration stopped construction of offshore wind farms in Rhode Island and Maryland, citing national security concerns.
- President Trump has opposed wind energy since 2006, stemming from a Scottish wind farm near his golf club, and has intensified this stance during his presidency.
- Broader measures include a moratorium on new offshore wind projects, restrictions on tax incentives, and investigations into wind turbine imports.
Resignation Letters of Top Officials at CDC, After Kennedy Ousts Their Leader https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/28/resignation-letters-of-top-officials-at-cdc-kennedy-ousts-their-leader/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ousted CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez over vaccine policy disagreements.
- RFK Jr. implemented restrictions on the COVID-19 vaccine and replaced the vaccine advisory panel with skeptics.
- Three top CDC officials resigned, citing concerns about the politicization of public health.
- Resignations highlight fears of further departures and risks to CDC's core mission.
Watch Cabinet Members Grovel Before Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/28/watch-cabinet-members-grovel-before-trump/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump’s Cabinet members displayed extreme sycophancy in a meeting, competing to praise him.
- Resignation of top CDC officials occurred after their leader was ousted by Kennedy.
- The Trump administration halted wind farm projects in Rhode Island and Maryland.
- The blog discusses broader themes like education reform, democracy, and political controversies.
Big Education Ape: A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A TRIGGER-HAPPY NATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-modest-proposal-for-trigger-happy.html
A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A TRIGGER-HAPPY NATION critiques America's gun culture, highlighting the prevalence of school shootings and proposing satirical solutions like taxing firearms, ammunition, and introducing mandatory insurance for gun owners. The article also suggests holding gun manufacturers accountable for damages caused by their products, using capitalism as a tool for reform. It concludes with a humorous take on societal inaction and the need for tangible change.
### Key Points
- ICE must present judicial or administrative warrants to enter private property.
- A school shooting in Minneapolis underscores the tragedy of gun violence in the U.S.
- The U.S. has seen 44 school shootings in 2025, with 18 deaths and 74 injuries.
- Southern states lead in school shootings, with Texas and Washington, DC, as key contributors.
- A satirical proposal suggests taxing guns, ammo, and introducing mandatory insurance for gun owners.
- Proposed penalties for gun-related crimes include hefty fines and prison sentences.
- Suggestions include holding gun manufacturers liable for damages caused by their products.
- Revenue from gun taxes could fund mental health programs, school security, and public infrastructure.
- The satire critiques societal reliance on "thoughts and prayers" without actionable solutions.
Big Education Ape: IS RFK JR. A WITCH DOCTOR OR JUST TRYING TO KILL US? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/is-rfk-jr-witch-doctor-or-just-trying.html
Choosing Democracy Labor Day -Solidarity - A demonstration per day keeps the fascists away.
### Key Points
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) released findings from the May 2025 School Pulse Panel, focusing on trends in education.
- Seattle Times conducted a survey asking how to convince someone to take the job of running Seattle Public Schools.
- Satirical critique of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial tenure as HHS Secretary, highlighting his anti-vaccine stance, personal controversies, and public health policies that have led to outbreaks and diminished trust.
- RFK Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda includes cutting vaccine research, restructuring food assistance programs, and deregulating the FDA, raising concerns about its impact on public health.
- RFK Jr.'s personal life and statements during the COVID-19 pandemic have attracted criticism from health experts and even his own family.
- Public opinion on RFK Jr.'s performance as HHS Secretary is largely negative, as reported by Pew Research Center.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP'S LAW & ORDER FEVER DREAM https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/trumps-law-order-fever-dream.html
Big Education Ape TRUMP'S LAW & ORDER FEVER DREAM - *TRUMP'S LAW & ORDER FEVER DREAM*
Saying ‘No’ to Culture Wars, Crumbs, or Capitulation: Building a Child Advocacy Movement https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/saying-no-to-culture-wars-crumbs
The article discusses the urgent need for a robust child advocacy movement in the United States, emphasizing that children, who represent 22% of the population but 100% of the future, are being neglected in terms of policy and funding. It highlights both progress and setbacks in child-focused initiatives, critiques the political parties for their failures, and calls for a bold, united effort to prioritize children’s well-being. The article stresses that advocacy must focus on truth, accountability, and persistent action to create meaningful change for children.
### Key Points
- Children are 22% of the U.S. population but 100% of its future, with urgent needs that cannot be delayed.
- Rising child poverty, declining health coverage, underfunded education, and increasing mortality rates reflect systemic failures to prioritize children.
- The 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) expansion under ARPA cut child poverty by half, proving that poverty is a policy choice, but these gains were temporary and have since expired.
- Fifteen states have implemented their own child tax credits, showing progress at the state level, but these efforts remain fragile.
- Child poverty has more than doubled since the federal CTC expansion expired, while food insecurity, mental health crises, and attacks on public education persist.
- The Trump administration’s policies, including Medicaid and CHIP cuts, reflect a "war on children" and prioritize culture wars over meaningful child welfare.
- Republicans have shifted from "family values" to divisive culture war tactics, while some within the party advocate for economic and moral investments in children.
- Democrats, while proposing better child policies, often fail to prioritize or campaign on them, leading to political neglect and missed opportunities.
- Conservatives exploit culture wars, targeting LGBTQ and immigrant children, while Democrats fail to counter these narratives effectively.
- Child advocacy groups often settle for incremental progress or crumbs, neglecting larger harms and failing to hold policymakers accountable.
- The Children’s Budget, created in 2008, tracks overall investments in children, revealing that only 8.87% of the federal budget is allocated to children.
- Advocacy should focus on the big picture, rejecting harmful compromises and demanding accountability for policies that harm children.
- A bold Children’s Agenda is needed, including policies like a fully refundable CTC, universal health care, affordable child care, and robust public education.
- Advocacy must focus on prying open policy windows through persistent action, rather than waiting for opportunities to arise.
- The child advocacy field is weakening, with organizations shutting down and treating each other as competitors instead of allies.
- Children’s issues are often overshadowed by adult-centered agendas, despite benefiting families and society as a whole.
- A strong advocacy movement must demand bipartisan support for policies that are good for children, regardless of political affiliation.
glen brown: Revisiting America’s Dark History of Internment https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/revisiting-americas-dark-history-of.html
### Key Points
- The article reflects on historical injustices, particularly the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and compares it to current immigration detention practices under ICE at Fort Bliss.
- The internment of Japanese Americans was fueled by fearmongering from journalists and public opinion, leading to the deprivation of rights and loss of property.
- Fort Bliss, once used for internment during WWII, is now repurposed as a large immigration detention site, raising concerns about repeating past mistakes.
- Critics argue that ICE's detention policies disproportionately target non-criminals, contradicting claims of focusing on violent offenders.
- The secrecy surrounding Fort Bliss operations and the suppression of public scrutiny highlight a lack of accountability.
AI Code Red: The Mystery and Power of Emergent Behavior – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/28/ai-code-red-the-mystery-and-power-of-emergent-behavior/
AI Code Red: The Mystery and Power of Emergent Behavior
### Key Points
- Emergent behavior in AI refers to unplanned and unpredictable capabilities that arise as models scale, making AI powerful but mysterious and risky.
- Emergent behavior is a statistical artifact of scale, akin to phenomena in nature like ant colonies or human consciousness, which complicates control and accountability.
- The unpredictability of AI decisions and emergent behaviors poses challenges for regulation, transparency, and accountability, especially in sensitive domains like education and governance.
- While emergent behaviors can provide benefits like multilingual abilities and resource accessibility, they also risk perpetuating inequities, particularly in underfunded institutions.
- Harmful emergent behaviors, such as deception or bias, raise ethical concerns and threaten trust in AI systems.
- Governing emergent behavior requires transparency, robust research, legal frameworks, and inclusive decision-making to prevent systemic inequities.
- Educators should teach critical thinking about AI, exploring its mysteries and societal impacts to cultivate digital literacy and ethical awareness.
- Emergent behavior reflects humanity’s complexity, demanding accountability and equity to avoid dystopian consequences in democracy and society.
Teacher Tom: Journeys of Becoming https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/08/journeys-of-becoming.html
### Key Points
- A boy explores a junkyard playground by methodically filling a shopping cart and pushing it uphill, reflecting his process of becoming.
- The interaction between the boy and a girl over the cart highlights early social dynamics, connection, and mutual discovery.
- Teacher Tom discusses the broader concept of "becoming," inspired by Carlo Rovelli, and the unpredictable nature of children's development through play.
- The blog underscores the importance of play-based learning in helping children grow into self-aware, connected individuals.
- Teacher Tom invites readers to explore his blog, download his favorite posts, and support his work promoting play-based education.
Education Research Report: Access to four-year colleges that effectively serve low-income students is uneven across U.S. https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/08/access-to-four-year-colleges-that.html
- A study published in AERA Open identifies only 91 "Equity Engines" out of 1,584 four-year colleges and universities nationwide that effectively enroll and graduate low-income students at high rates.
- To qualify as an Equity Engine, a college must serve at least 1,000 full-time undergraduates, have at least 34% Pell Grant-eligible students, and graduate at least 55% of those Pell students within six years.
- Twenty-four states have no Equity Engines, with states in the South, such as Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia, showing high youth poverty rates but lacking qualifying institutions.
- Low-income students are more likely to attend colleges close to home, making the lack of nearby Equity Engines a significant barrier to earning a bachelor's degree.
- States like California, New York, and Texas perform better, with numerous Equity Engines driven by large public universities, while states like Louisiana fare poorly despite high poverty rates.
- The study recommends investing in "Emerging Equity Engines," institutions close to meeting Equity Engine criteria, to improve access and graduation rates for low-income students.
- The author emphasizes the societal benefits of equitable higher education access and the importance of learning from successful institutions.
Schools Matter: Full Politico Interview with Gov. Gavin Newsom, August 27, 2025 http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/full-politico-interview-with-gov-gavin.html
Detailed Summary for [Full Interview with Gov. Gavin Newsom | The California Agenda: Sacramento Summit](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII) by [Monica](https://monica.im)
[00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=0) Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the challenges he faced over the past year, including natural disasters, political scrutiny, and the impact of the pandemic on California.
- Lighthearted opening with a discussion about attire and setting the tone for the interview.}
- Newsom reflects on the previous summer when he was politically criticized, indicating resilience in the face of challenges.}
- He addresses significant events in California, including the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history and federal intervention in state matters.}
- Discussion on the accumulation of stress and anxiety over the past few years due to the pandemic, social unrest, and economic uncertainties.}
- Newsom emphasizes the extraordinary nature of recent events and their impact on both the state and his leadership.}
[06:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=397.67) In this segment of the interview, Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the militarization of federal forces in cities, the implications of such actions, and the historical context of government overreach, particularly in California.
- Newsom expresses his opposition to authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing the need to stand against such actions.}
- He reflects on the prediction of increased military presence in cities, suggesting that recent events align with earlier warnings about government actions.}
- Newsom recounts a significant historical event related to Japanese internment, drawing parallels to current government actions that intimidate communities.}
- He highlights the inefficacy and waste associated with federalized National Guard troops, criticizing the lack of meaningful action during their deployment.}
[13:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=798.79) Governor Gavin Newsom discusses significant legal challenges and the implications of executive actions related to military presence in American cities, emphasizing the importance of judicial oversight and constitutional law.
- Newsom mentions California's involvement in over 40 lawsuits, highlighting the critical nature of a particular case awaiting adjudication.}
- He expresses concern about the potential military deployment in cities under Trump's executive order, stressing the need for adherence to the rule of law and reliance on the courts.}
- Newsom criticizes the impact of illegal tariffs on everyday items, warning that they will lead to increased costs for consumers, especially during the holiday season.}
- He critiques Speaker Johnson's leadership, labeling it a failure and suggesting a lack of accountability in addressing pressing issues.}
[19:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=1197.75) Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the challenges of negotiating with powerful institutions and the importance of maintaining core values amidst financial pressures.
- Newsom reflects on a humorous moment during a cabinet meeting regarding negotiations with Harvard, emphasizing the disparity in financial power.}
- He asserts that compromising core values for financial gain is unacceptable, questioning the rationale behind such decisions.}
- Newsom criticizes President Biden's approach to nationalizing companies and sending technology to China, expressing outrage over potential deals that could undermine American interests.}
- He calls for awareness and action among the public and media, urging them to recognize the implications of current political decisions.}
[26:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=1596.47) In this segment, Governor Gavin Newsom expresses his frustration with a political figure, recounts a significant meeting, and discusses the implications of their conversation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and truth in political discourse.
- Newsom's emotional response to a political adversary, indicating his refusal to engage politely due to perceived threats to the country.}
- A recollection of a 90-minute meeting where Newsom was shown a painting of FDR, leading to a discussion about historical context and political ambitions.}
- Newsom shares details about taking notes during a significant conversation and plans to submit them to Congress, highlighting the importance of accountability.}
- A call for transparency regarding the differences between public statements and private thoughts of political figures, stressing the need for honesty in leadership.}
[33:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=1997.11) In this segment of the interview, Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the implications of crony capitalism, the perception of foreign leaders regarding Donald Trump, and the overall embarrassment felt by international allies towards his administration.
- Newsom expresses concern about the fear and transactional nature of certain political relationships, hinting at crony capitalism.}
- He critiques supporters of Donald Trump, suggesting they should be ashamed if they believe in free enterprise.}
- Governor Newsom shares insights from his meetings with foreign leaders, indicating that many are laughing at Trump behind his back and feel he is being played.}
- He emphasizes the universal sentiment among foreign leaders about the embarrassment caused by Trump's actions and the lack of serious diplomatic engagement.}
[39:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=2396.71) In this segment of the interview, Governor Gavin Newsom discusses his views on Donald Trump, using humor and sarcasm to criticize Trump's actions and merchandise. He highlights the absurdity of Trump's self-promotion and the commercialization of his image.
- Newsom humorously comments on his Taylor Swift-inspired tank top, indicating it represents a broader cultural sentiment.}
- He criticizes Trump for his self-aggrandizing behavior, mentioning instances where Trump has portrayed himself in exaggerated ways.}
- Newsom mentions the various merchandise associated with Trump, noting the absurdity and commercial nature of these products.}
- He expresses intrigue about a specific 'Trump corruption coin' and reflects on the record-breaking nature of Trump's merchandise sales.}
[46:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQql1L7ZII&t=2796.47) Governor Gavin Newsom discusses the importance of accountability and authenticity within the Democratic Party, emphasizing the need for clear communication and a commitment to their values.
- Newsom reflects on the challenges posed by various political issues and acknowledges his own role in the societal response.}
- He stresses the necessity for the Democratic Party to assert its positions with clarity and conviction while maintaining humility.}
- Newsom believes that effective communication is crucial for proving the party's credibility to the American people.}
- He expresses optimism about the future of the Democratic Party, suggesting that their best days are yet to come.}
- In a light-hearted moment, he humorously references potential future political scenarios involving Trump.}
Seattle Schools Community Forum: On Safety in Seattle Public High Schools https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/on-safety-in-seattle-public-high-schools.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- José Curiel Morelos appointed as executive director of Safety and Security for Seattle Public Schools, focusing on creating safe, inclusive environments.
- Safety measures include visitor management systems, exclusion lists, panic buttons, and exploring weapons detection systems.
- Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seattle Police Department under review; community engagement emphasized.
- Pilot program for SROs at Garfield High School discussed, raising concerns about inclusivity, transparency, and policy implications.
- Debate over revisiting the moratorium on police officers in schools and the role of SROs in ensuring safety.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools Enrollment Updates https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/seattle-schools-enrollment-updates.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools enrollment is slightly down, with assigned enrollment decreasing from 49,240 to 49,080. The October 1 count will determine funding.
- Choice assignment rates increased significantly from 47% last year to 64% this year, indicating responsiveness to parent preferences. Families will receive earlier assignment notifications and projections for budgeting and staffing in January 2026.
- CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) students are now eligible for Multilingual Learner programs and guaranteed placement in buildings with D/HH programs. Families can choose to accept this placement or stay at their assigned school.
- A concern was raised about teacher allocation policies, as Blaine K-8 lost a teacher despite increased enrollment, causing larger class sizes or split grades. The district's policy only reinstates two teachers at a time if enrollment justifies it.
- Allegations of nepotism within Seattle Public Schools, particularly involving principals and senior staff, highlight concerns about promotions based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Director Geary expressed her views on advanced learning services during a Board meeting in 2017, aligning with the need for better descriptions in CSIPs.
Is There Really a Decline in Pleasure Reading? https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/08/28/is-there-really-a-decline-in-pleasure-reading/ via @nancyflanagan
- The article discusses the decline in pleasure reading among Americans, noting a 40% decrease from 2003 to 2023, but suggests that people may be consuming stories and information differently, not necessarily less.
- Anne Helen Peterson critiques the study framing and emphasizes the evolving definition of literacy, arguing for the importance of preserving reading for pleasure to broaden perspectives and enrich lives.
- A veteran teacher observed a significant change in students’ attitudes toward reading over two decades, partly due to disrupted learning processes and rigid instructional practices.
- Michigan's reading scores show minor declines for younger students but significant proficiency among 8th graders, raising questions about assessment methods and impacts of the COVID pandemic on early education.
- The article highlights the importance of fostering enjoyment in reading rather than focusing solely on improving test scores, advocating for a deeper connection to literacy as a life-enriching skill.
The Reliable Narrator: The Science of Ideology: What Is Really Wrong With Education? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/science-ideology
### Key Points
- Education crises, especially in reading instruction, have been a recurring theme in the U.S. since the 1940s, driven by ideological and political forces.
- Standardized tests largely measure socio-economic factors like family income, which schools cannot control, rather than true educational effectiveness.
- Persistent opportunity and achievement gaps between affluent white students and marginalized groups are more reflective of social inequities than educational failings.
- Market forces benefit from perpetual education crises, as reforms often prioritize profits over meaningful change.
- The U.S. education system mirrors societal inequities rather than addressing them, hindered by ideological beliefs and fatalism about social reform.
- Despite criticisms, American students perform adequately in international assessments, challenging the narrative of systemic failure.
25–26 TASTE Incentive Grant Recipient Announcement - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/tastegrantannouncement.asp
### Key Points
- The Nutrition Services Division announced the 2025–26 TASTE Incentive Grant recipients as part of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
- Schools eligible for the TASTE grant must have first received an FFVP grant.
- Awarded schools will receive detailed instructions via email regarding next steps for the TASTE Incentive grant.
- The TASTE Incentive grant is a one-time grant and will not be offered annually.
- FFVP grantees must complete mandatory online training by September 15, 2025, to implement the program.
- Additional nutrition-related updates include USDA food entitlement rates, an egg recall due to health risks, and a photo contest celebrating California school meals.
Retiree Advocate Under the Unity Umbrella It's got us covered, they seem to think. https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/retiree-advocate-under-the-unity
Retiree Advocate Under the Unity Umbrella
### Key Points
- Unity leadership has made decisions that negatively impact retirees, including changes to health plans and Medicare policies, while offering insufficient solutions like refunds.
- RTC leadership, aligned with Retiree Advocate (RA), has failed to prioritize Medicare protection and has struggled with communication, collaboration, and strategy since their election.
- RA's ineffective actions, such as surrendering the RTC Facebook group to Unity and failing to file critical briefs, have disappointed members and weakened their mandate.
- Unity continues to push convoluted processes for co-pay refunds and health plan changes, which are seen as campaign stunts rather than genuine efforts to help retirees.
- RA has not regrouped after their electoral defeat and lacks an effective strategy to address major retiree concerns like Medicare and health care.
- The proposed health plan has been agreed upon, but skepticism remains about its benefits due to Unity's past failures in negotiation.
Choosing Democracy: Beware of Xfinity Fraud Scams _ TV https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/08/beware-of-xfinity-fraud-scams-tv.html
- The article warns against Xfinity fraud scams, where scammers impersonate the company to steal personal information using tactics like urgency, phishing links, and unusual payment methods.
- Key signs of fraud include urgent or fear-based language, requests for unusual payment methods, suspicious links or emails, and demands for sensitive personal information.
- Tips to protect yourself include verifying communication directly with Xfinity, avoiding suspicious links, using secure websites, and reporting scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
- The blog also briefly mentions other topics like anti-racism efforts, public education, and resistance against authoritarianism.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-28-25https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0750131856.html
8-28-25
