Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
John Merrow: Beware the Terrorist Teachers! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/26/john-merrow-beware-the-terrorist-teachers/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- John Merrow criticizes accusations labeling teachers as "terrorists," which he attributes to political extremism aimed at undermining public education.
- Figures like Steve Bannon and Ryan Walters use inflammatory rhetoric to link liberal values in education to societal issues, furthering culture wars.
- Voucher programs and education savings accounts are expanding rapidly, diverting funds from public schools, but evidence of their effectiveness is mixed.
- Merrow advocates for supporting public education by engaging with teachers, attending school board meetings, and promoting its democratic significance.
John Thompson on Ryan Walters, MAGA Zealot https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/26/john-thompson-on-ryan-walters-maga-zealot/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Ryan Walters, Oklahoma State Superintendent, resigned amidst controversy and announced his new role as CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, aiming to combat teachers' unions and "liberal agendas" in schools.
- Walters has pushed extreme MAGA-driven policies, including ideological tests for teachers, curriculum changes with Christian references, and controversial election-related lessons.
- Walters' earlier career as a "woke" middle school teacher contrasts sharply with his current conservative stance, as noted by former students.
- Walters' actions include banning Critical Race Theory, targeting teachers like Summer Boismier for alleged political agendas, and ramping up campaigns against unions, which he labeled as "terrorist organizations."
- His efforts to reshape public education along conservative lines faced setbacks, including legal challenges to religious charter schools, Bible curriculum plans, and Prager U tests for teachers.
- Walters garnered attention for controversial remarks about the Tulsa Race Massacre and faced backlash from Democrats and legal challenges, while receiving praise from Trump.
- Recent scandals, including explicit images seen in his office, have further tarnished Walters' reputation.
When Did the Republican Party abandon Its Commitment to Local Control? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/26/when-did-the-republican-party-abandon-its-commitment-to-local-control/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The U.S. Department of Education canceled $36 million in magnet school grants to NYC high schools due to their policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms aligning with their gender identity and participate in sports, conflicting with a Trump administration executive order.
- NYC education officials argue they are complying with state and city laws, highlighting a conflict between federal control and local governance.
- Historically, Republicans were seen as defenders of local control, but recent actions, such as those by Trump and DeSantis, suggest a shift toward centralized power.
- Commenters note that Republican rhetoric on local control often changes depending on whether they are in power, prioritizing power over consistency in values.
- Florida Governor DeSantis has been criticized for micromanaging local affairs, including higher education and municipal policies, as part of his "Florida plan."
Leonie Haimson: Time to Audit Success Academy! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/26/leonie-haimson-time-to-audit-success-academy/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Leonie Haimson urges Comptroller Brad Lander to audit DOE's charter rent spending and matching funds for public schools.
- Charter networks like Success Academy organized a rally, requiring participation from staff, families, and students.
- Eva Moskowitz, CEO of Success Academy, emphasized the rally's importance and pressured staff to make political calls.
- Legal concerns arose over mandatory participation in political events and misuse of instructional time.
- Evidence of inflated charter rental payments and missing reimbursements from the state was highlighted.
- Public schools co-located with charters are owed millions in facility enhancement funds.
Josh Cowen Is Running for Congress as a Champion for Public Schools! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/26/josh-cowen-is-running-for-congress-as-a-champion-for-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Josh Cowen determined that school vouchers do not help low-income students and instead subsidize private school families.
- He advocates for investing in public schools and has actively opposed billionaire-backed voucher initiatives.
- Cowen is running for Congress in Michigan as a public school champion, facing opposition from wealthy privatization supporters.
- He has received endorsements from unions, educators, and community leaders, highlighting his strong advocacy for public schools.
We Have Lost a Dear Friend: David C. Berliner https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/26/we-have-lost-a-dear-friend-david-c-berliner/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- David C. Berliner, a renowned research psychologist, has passed away.
- He was critical of behaviorist strategies in education reform and supported public school teachers.
- Berliner emphasized education as a civic responsibility rather than a business venture.
- Diane Ravitch reflects on his influence and the bond they shared.
Big Education Ape: DONALD TRUMP: AMERICAN FEAR MONGER THE B-MOVIE LOGIC OF A GOVERNMENT BY GRIEVANCE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/donald-trump-american-fear-monger-b.html
### Key Points
- Donald Trump has launched a campaign of retribution, targeting government officials, celebrities, and institutions he perceives as adversaries. This includes actions against James Comey, Letitia James, Lisa Cook, Gen. Mark Milley, John Bolton, John Brennan, Adam Schiff, Jack Smith, and others.
- Trump's administration has been accused of abusing power, dismantling norms, and promoting authoritarianism through executive orders and investigations aimed at silencing opposition and consolidating control.
- The No Kings 2.0 movement is organizing nationwide protests on October 18 to counter Trump's fear-mongering and authoritarian tactics, emphasizing democracy and civic engagement.
- Critics argue that Trump’s approach is rooted in fear-mongering and panic-driven policies, which are eroding democratic values and creating a chilling effect across various sectors of society.
- The article draws parallels between Trump’s tactics and historical authoritarian figures, highlighting the dangers of his governance style.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: SEPTEMBER 26, 2025—THE DAY CHATGPT BECAME A LINK TREE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-september.html
### Key Points
- Josh Cowen is running for Congress, advocating for public education.
- Healthcare plan discussions and scam prevention tips are highlighted.
- The "Great AI News Smackdown" compares AI models on news coverage, with Grok emerging as the top performer.
- Gemini excels in political analysis but lacks global awareness.
- Copilot balances global disaster reporting with local stories but misses key headlines.
- ChatGPT 5 fails to deliver substantive news coverage, suggesting external sources instead.
- The article humorously critiques AI models and their roles in news aggregation.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: GEMINI, GROK, CHATGPT 5, AND COPILOT BATTLE FOR THE HEADLINES – WHO NAILED SEPTEMBER 25, 2025? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-gemini-grok.html
The article compares the performance of four AI models—Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot—in delivering news headlines. Each model has distinct strengths and weaknesses, ranging from comprehensive coverage to dramatic storytelling, vague summaries, and niche local news. Gemini is praised for breadth but criticized for overwhelming readers, Grok stands out for its flair for drama, ChatGPT 5 is deemed too generic, and Copilot offers quirky, hyper-local stories. Ultimately, Gemini is declared the winner for its thoroughness, while Copilot earns a special mention for originality.
### Key Points
- Gemini delivers a wide range of news, including government shutdowns, James Comey’s potential indictment, TikTok deal updates, and international issues like the Gaza conflict and climate change. It is commended for thoroughness but criticized for overwhelming readers.
- Grok provides dramatic headlines, including Israeli strikes in Yemen, Abbas’s speech at the UN, and mushroom poisoning in Australia. It is praised for drama but loses credibility for prioritizing shock-value stories over relevance.
- ChatGPT 5 offers vague summaries and links to major outlets without substantive details. It is criticized for playing it too safe and lacking personality.
- Copilot mixes global headlines with quirky local stories, such as squirrel attacks in California and surrogacy controversies. It is recognized for originality but criticized for focusing on niche topics over pressing global issues.
- The AI models reflect human-like quirks and biases in their news prioritization, highlighting their diverse approaches to journalism.
Big Education Ape: THE MYTH OF GUN VIOLENCE AS AMERICAN AS APPLE PIE: A BITTER RECIPE FOR DIVISION #NoKings #ProtestOct18 #DemVoice1 #WeWontStop https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-myth-of-gun-violence-as-american-as.html
The article delves into various topics, focusing on political division, gun violence, and Donald Trump's rhetoric. It critiques the normalization of hate speech and its impact on societal violence while advocating for unity-driven movements like No Kings 2.0. Historical examples of leadership fostering unity are contrasted with Trump’s divisive language, which has been linked to increased hate crimes and threats. The article also touches on broader societal issues like public education reform and AI advancements.
### Key Points
- Teachers in 2024 earned 26.9% less than similarly educated professionals, highlighting the worsening teacher pay penalty.
- Gun violence is critiqued as falsely being portrayed as intrinsic to American identity, with Trump’s divisive rhetoric exacerbating societal tensions.
- Trump’s language is linked to spikes in hate crimes, threats, and political violence, undermining unity and amplifying division.
- Movements like No Kings 2.0 aim to counter division by promoting peace and community-driven initiatives.
- Historical leaders like MLK and RFK are cited as examples of using rhetoric to heal rather than divide.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS II -TECH TITANS AND TRUST BUSTERS: HOW AMERICA'S GADGET FETISH IS HANDING DEMOCRACY TO THE BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/no-kings-ii-tech-titans-and-trust.html
Lawmakers and activists are calling for investigations into alleged corruption involving Trump administration officials and broader concerns about the erosion of democracy due to corporate monopolies, media consolidation, and unchecked technological advancements. The article highlights historical trust-busting efforts and advocates for renewed antitrust action to counter the growing influence of billionaires and tech giants.
### Key Points
- Allegations of corruption in the Trump administration spark calls for investigations and impeachment proceedings.
- The article critiques America's "gadget fetish," which enables tech billionaires to dominate democracy through monopolies and AI.
- Historical examples of monopolistic practices, such as Standard Oil's dominance, illustrate the dangers of unchecked corporate power.
- Trust-busting laws like the Sherman and Clayton Acts historically curbed monopolies, but deregulation since the 1980s has weakened antitrust enforcement.
- Supreme Court rulings, including Citizens United, have amplified corporate influence in politics, undermining democratic processes.
- Media ownership concentration by figures like Rupert Murdoch and Elon Musk threatens unbiased journalism and civic discourse.
- AI tools are enabling oligarchs to manipulate public opinion and further entrench monopolistic control.
- The article calls for a new wave of trust-busting reforms to dismantle tech monopolies, regulate media mergers, and curb political donations.
Waiting for the Unraveling https://norinrad10.com/2025/09/26/waiting-for-the-unraveling/ via @norinrad10
Waiting for the Unraveling
- Tennessee’s voucher program awarded 20,000 scholarships, but 17,516 students remain waitlisted, raising questions about the program’s equity and effectiveness.
- The state does not track key data, such as average income of voucher families or whether recipients were already enrolled in private schools, making the program’s impact unclear.
- Standardized test results for voucher recipients will not be reported, leaving academic benefits unmeasured.
- Education policy increasingly prioritizes numbers and metrics over human outcomes, reducing students, families, and teachers to data points.
- MNPS’s focus on data-driven decisions has marginalized gifted and advanced students, who often fall outside the preferred metrics.
- Dual Enrollment is favored over AP and IB programs due to its measurable outcomes (credits earned, tuition saved), despite its limitations for students targeting selective universities.
- Students at MNPS board meetings provided impactful testimony based on lived experiences, highlighting the human cost of policies focused on numbers.
- The article critiques the obsession with metrics in education, emphasizing the need for human-centered approaches instead of chasing data.
I’ve Created A Free AI Chatbot To Support Parent Engagement In Schools | Engaging Parents In School... https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2025/09/26/ive-created-a-free-ai-chatbot-to-support-parent-engagement-in-schools/
### Key Points
- Free AI chatbots were created to support parent engagement in schools and classroom instruction.
- September’s “Best” lists feature 2,539 curated resources.
- Teaching and learning resources commemorate the “Little Rock Nine” entering school in 1957.
- Videos on topics like the nuclear arms race and alien life were added to educational resource lists.
- Funding for English Language Learners (ELLs) is under threat from the Trump administration.
- Google’s new AI-powered Mixboard tool was released but has mixed reviews compared to Jamboard.
- Author's books provide research-based instructional strategies across various subjects, including Social Studies, English, Math, and Science.
- Practical tips for student motivation and parental involvement initiatives are included in the author’s work.
- Blog posts, radio shows, and contributions to platforms like Education Week Teacher and the New York Times Learning Network are highlighted.
Budgets Are Moral Documents: Why We Must Not Balance Them on the Backs of Students – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/26/budgets-are-moral-documents-why-we-must-not-balance-them-on-the-backs-of-students/
Budgets Are Moral Documents: Why We Must Not Balance Them on the Backs of Students
### Key Points
- Across the U.S., lawmakers are debating budgets that could cut public education funding, highlighting rising costs and stagnant state support.
- Education is essential for democracy, prosperity, and opportunity, and budgets reveal societal values.
- A visit to the Michigan Capitol underscored the importance of citizen advocacy in shaping education policy, beyond partisan interests.
- The author sent a letter urging Michigan lawmakers to protect K–12 and higher education funding and avoid cuts that harm students and institutions.
- Budget cuts shift financial burdens onto students, families, and communities, undermining access to education and long-term economic health.
- Austerity measures in education are a false choice, as investments in schools and universities yield significant long-term benefits.
- Education funding cuts negatively impact students, educators, and communities, highlighting the human cost of budget decisions.
- Solidarity across education sectors is crucial to advocate for strong and affordable education systems nationwide.
- Budgets reflect generational responsibility; leaders must prioritize education investment over short-term political gains.
A Pig in a Poke What's in the new health plan? https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/a-pig-in-a-poke
### Key Points
- Concerns about the lack of transparency and trustworthiness in the proposed NYCE PPO health plan.
- Criticism of Unity Caucus for prioritizing political interests over members' health care needs.
- Advocacy for rank-and-file involvement in health care decisions, rather than relying on Unity-controlled committees.
- Marianne Pizzitola’s letter demands full unredacted contract details, drug formularies, network lists, and accountability measures.
- Highlighting past failures in health care plan transparency and legal challenges against the City’s health care switch.
- Questions raised about cost guarantees, out-of-pocket caps, penalties, and provider tiers.
- Emphasis on the need for oversight mechanisms and clarity on the self-funded nature of the plan.
- Concerns about potential impacts on Medicare retirees and changes to optional rider drug plans.
- Advocacy for unions to partner in demanding transparency and ensuring informed decisions.
Flavored marijuana vapes becoming new face of teen drug use, sparking addiction fears - Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Summary
College students' relationships play a critical role in their willingness to report hazing incidents, according to research from the University of Maine. Additionally, various studies highlight trends in adolescent substance use, inefficiencies in education spending, body image's impact on grades, and the role of gestures in aiding children with developmental language disorders.
### Key Points
- College students are more likely to report hazing if they have trusted relationships with staff, faculty, and peers. Fear of social isolation may deter reporting.
- Institutional context and understanding of hazing behaviors influence students' decisions to report hazing. Primary prevention through education is critical.
- Flavored marijuana vaping has become the most common form of cannabis use among teenagers, raising concerns about addiction and public health.
- Restricting flavored cannabis vapes may not effectively reduce teen use; demand-reduction strategies like educational campaigns could be more successful.
- Master’s degree premiums in school districts are costly and inefficient, as research shows no significant improvement in teacher effectiveness.
- States differ in mandating master’s degree premiums, but most districts continue the practice despite evidence showing limited benefits.
- Body image dissatisfaction among girls in sixth grade correlates with lower grades in Physical Education, potentially impacting long-term health goals.
- Gestures and prosody significantly improve comprehension in children with developmental language disorders, especially for complex meanings.
- Researchers are exploring the application of multimodal communication strategies for children with autism, focusing on real-life interactions.
glen brown: How to Protect Yourself from Scammers https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/how-to-protect-yourself-from-scammers.html
### Key Points
- Writers should resist oppression and remain independent of doctrines and politics, as emphasized by Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Scammers use fake websites and virus alerts to deceive victims into providing personal information or money. Tips include verifying websites, avoiding remote access, and using secure payment methods.
- Common scams include phishing, charity fraud, impersonation, accidental payments, and investment schemes. Advice includes verifying identities and organizations before sharing information or money.
- Political commentary highlights Trump's administration's actions, authoritarian tendencies, and societal impacts, including threats to free speech and conservation policies.
- Social issues like racism, healthcare, pensions, education reform, and environmental concerns are explored in the blog's broader content.
MLC Healthcare Minutes 9/10/25 Municipal Labor Committee - minutes - unverified - but seem real https://jd2718.substack.com/p/mlc-healthcare-minutes-91025
### Key Points
- The article critiques polarized views on the proposed healthcare plan for NYC employees and retirees, emphasizing the need for reliable information.
- Professional Staff Congress (PSC) held a Zoom meeting discussing the healthcare plan, offering a mix of presentation, summary, and Q&A for clarity.
- PSC supports self-insurance as a cost-saving measure, highlighting differing concerns among union members.
- Broader topics include union elections, teaching math, NYC public schools, and education-related resources.
DONALD TRUMP: AMERICA’S FEARMONGER-IN-CHIEF FROM ENEMIES LIST TO BEDTIME BOGEYMAN https://ru4people.substack.com/p/donald-trump-americas-fearmonger
### Key Points
- The article evaluates four AI models (Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot) based on their news reporting performance.
- Grok is praised for its dramatic storytelling and geopolitical coverage, earning the top spot.
- Gemini delivers solid political reporting but falls short in its hurricane coverage, earning second place.
- Copilot balances global and local news but spreads itself thin, ranking third.
- ChatGPT 5 is criticized for vague headlines and finishes last.
- The article reflects on the evolving strengths and quirks of AI news models, teasing future competitions.
CURMUDGUCATION: Bring Back Broad Education https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/bring-back-broad-education.html
### Key Points
- Emphasizes the value of a liberal arts education, which exposes students to diverse subjects and fosters connections between disciplines.
- Criticizes the vocational training focus in schools, driven by corporate interests, which prioritizes employability over holistic student development.
- Highlights the risks of narrowly focused career preparation, given the rapidly changing employment landscape.
- Advocates for broader education to build flexibility, adaptability, and enriched personal lives, while protecting against economic instability.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Live Blogging Seattle School Board Discussion of Superintendent Candidates https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/live-blogging-seattle-school-board.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The Seattle School Board discussed superintendent candidates in an Executive Session, selecting eight candidates to move forward in the process.
- Concerns about nepotism within Seattle Schools, highlighting personnel moving between jobs or receiving promotions due to personal connections.
- Director Geary shared opinions on advanced learning services during a board meeting, agreeing with specific descriptions in CSIPs.
It's official. I'm taking Crazy Pills. Ten years after Ohio had to return $63 million of a $71 million federal charter school grant to the first Trump Administration, Ohio gets another $105 million from the second Trump Administration. https://10thperiod.substack.com/p/its-official-im-taking-crazy-pills
- Ohio received a $105 million federal Charter School grant despite its poor track record with a previous $71 million grant, of which only $8 million was spent due to low-quality Charter Schools.
- Only 5 out of 638 Ohio Charter Schools qualified for federal funding from the earlier grant, highlighting the lack of high-performing Charter Schools in the state.
- Public schools in Ohio outperform Charter Schools significantly in terms of ratings, graduation rates, and test scores, with Charter Schools spending more on administrative costs and achieving lower performance.
- Charter Schools in Ohio cost taxpayers $1.4 billion annually while spending $1,000 more per pupil than public schools, despite their inefficiency and failure to meet standards.
- The U.S. Secretary of Education announced new funding for Charter Schools, ignoring the success of underfunded public schools and their challenges due to political decisions.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently shared new and updated Team Nutrition resources to support school menu planning and a healthy school environmen https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/teammutritiontraining.asp
- USDA released updated Team Nutrition resources for school menu planning and promoting a healthy school environment, including trainings, webinars, and print materials.
- Seven new on-demand trainings were added to the "Road to Successful Menu Planning for School Meals" series, covering topics such as menu flexibilities and reducing added sugars.
- Upcoming webinars by the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) focus on operational efficiencies and crafting cycle menus.
- Free print materials related to USDA’s Child Nutrition Programs can be ordered online, including posters and infographics for promoting healthy school breakfasts.
- Updates to the Food Buying Guide include new food yield entries for items like pineapple, mango, açai puree, and dragon fruit.
- Contact information for inquiries about Team Nutrition resources is provided.
- Additional resources and updates include SNP verification reminders, nutrition program announcements, and emergency proclamations in California.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
The article compiles recent updates, insights, and critiques on education, politics, AI advancements, societal issues, and global conflicts. It covers topics ranging from public school reforms to AI news reporting, emphasizing the importance of democracy, equity, and critical thinking in education and governance.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch’s blog highlights Josh Cowen’s congressional campaign as a champion for public schools.
- Tiffany Trump vacationed on a super-yacht owned by an oil magnate while President Trump negotiated oil deals, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
- Ryan Walters resigned as Oklahoma's State Superintendent to focus on opposing teachers' unions, following controversies during his tenure.
- Florida approved a vast expansion of charter schools, allowing co-location within public schools, which critics argue undermines public education.
- AI models Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot display distinct strengths and weaknesses in news reporting, with Gemini praised for accuracy and Copilot for originality.
- Trump administration’s weakening of Fair Housing Act enforcement exacerbates public school segregation through neighborhood segregation.
- Teacher Tom advocates for stronger educator-parent partnerships and introduces a course to transform these relationships into productive alliances.
- Larry Ferlazzo shares educational resources, including AI chatbots, teaching strategies, and updates on English Language Learner programs.
- Generation X faces declining representation in leadership roles, squeezed between Baby Boomers and Millennials/Gen Z.
- A federal judge reinstated a fired professor, emphasizing faculty free speech rights.
- The Trump administration’s authoritarian tendencies threaten democracy, with calls for active resistance and trust-busting reforms.
- Randi Weingarten’s book, *Why Fascists Fear Teachers*, highlights public education’s role in preserving democracy against authoritarian attacks.
- Privatization policies in public education deepen inequality, weaken democratic governance, and destabilize communities.
- Jeremy Clifton’s research on primal world beliefs suggests educators should balance exposing students to harsh truths with fostering positive perspectives.
- Public schools face challenges like resegregation, privatization, and declining civics education, risking their role in uniting the nation.
- Seattle Public Schools face nepotism concerns and debates over math curriculum disparities.
- Body image issues among sixth-grade girls impact their performance in Physical Education, highlighting the need for promoting body positivity.
