JUNETEENTH FREEDOM: BETTER LATE THAN NOT AT ALL

JUNETEENTH FREEDOM

BETTER LATE THAN NOT AT ALL

Hey there, folks! It's your friendly neighborhood blogger back again with another post. Today, we're talking about Juneteenth. Yes, I know it's a bit late (the holiday not this post), but hey, better late than not at all, right?

For those of you who don't know, Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the day when slaves in Texas were finally informed of their emancipation. It's a day that celebrates freedom and reminds us of the struggles that our ancestors went through to get us here.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "But wait, isn't Juneteenth just a Black holiday?" And to that, I say, "Well, duh." Of course, it's a Black holiday. It celebrates the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era for Black people in America. But that doesn't mean that non-Black people can't celebrate it too.

In fact, I encourage everyone to celebrate Juneteenth. Why? Because it's a day that represents hope and progress. It's a day that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Now, I know some of you might be wondering how to celebrate Juneteenth. Well, fear not my friends, for I have some ideas for you.

First off, you can educate yourself. Learn about the history of Juneteenth and why it's important. Read books, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to celebrate this holiday.

Secondly, you can support Black-owned businesses. Buy from Black-owned restaurants, shops, and online stores. Show your support for the Black community by putting your money where your mouth is.

Lastly, you can attend a Juneteenth celebration. Many cities have parades, festivals, and other events to commemorate this holiday. Go out and have some fun while celebrating freedom and progress.

In conclusion, Juneteenth may be late, but it's better late than not at all. So let's all take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made and the work we still have to do. Let's celebrate freedom and hope for a brighter future for all. Happy Juneteenth!

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH

AMERICA'S NEWEST HOLIDAY

Juneteenth is a word that combines June and nineteenth, but it's more than just a date. It's a celebration of freedom, a commemoration of history, and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved African Americans were free by order of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two and a half years earlier⁴. The news came as a shock to the more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas, who had been kept in bondage by their owners even after the end of the Civil War in April 1865⁶.

The newly freed people celebrated with joy and jubilation, and the following year, they organized the first Juneteenth festivities. Since then, Juneteenth has become a tradition among African American communities across the country, featuring parades, picnics, music, speeches, and cultural performances⁶.

Why is Juneteenth important?

Juneteenth is important because it honors the resilience and resistance of African Americans who endured centuries of slavery, oppression, and violence. It also recognizes the contributions of Black Americans to the nation's history, culture, and democracy.

Juneteenth is also important because it challenges the dominant narrative of American history that often marginalizes or erases the experiences of people of color. For example, many Americans learn about July 4th as the day that the United States declared its independence from Britain, but they may not learn about how slavery continued to exist for another 89 years after that declaration. Juneteenth offers an alternative perspective that highlights the unfinished work of securing freedom and equality for all Americans⁴.

How is Juneteenth celebrated?

Juneteenth is celebrated in various ways across the country, depending on the local context and culture. Some common elements include:

• - Educational events: Many Juneteenth celebrations include lectures, workshops, book readings, film screenings, and museum visits that educate people about the history and significance of Juneteenth and Black culture in general⁴.
• - Artistic expression: Music, dance, poetry, theater, and visual arts are often featured in Juneteenth celebrations as forms of creative expression and cultural affirmation. Some popular genres include gospel, blues, jazz, hip hop, soul, and reggae⁴.
• - Community service: Some Juneteenth celebrations involve volunteering, fundraising, or donating to causes that support Black communities and social justice movements. For example, some people may participate in voter registration drives, health fairs, environmental cleanups, or anti-violence campaigns⁴.
• - Family and friends: Juneteenth is also a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy each other's company. Many people host or attend cookouts, potlucks, picnics, or block parties where they share food, drinks, games, and stories⁴.

How did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 after decades of advocacy by activists, lawmakers, celebrities, and ordinary citizens. The movement gained momentum in 2020 after the nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice sparked by the killings of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Rayshard Brooks , and other Black Americans. Many people saw Juneteenth as a symbol of hope and solidarity in the face of systemic racism and oppression².

On June 15th , 2021 , the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The next day , the U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 415 to 14 . On June 17th , President Joe Biden signed the bill into law , making Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday and the first new one since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983¹.

What does Juneteenth mean today?

Juneteenth means different things to different people today , but one common theme is that it is a day to celebrate Black culture , history , and resilience while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges and inequities that Black Americans face . As President Biden said at the signing ceremony , "Juneteenth marks both a long hard night of slavery subjugation and a promise of a brighter morning to come . This is a day of profound weight and profound power . A day in which we remember the moral stain , the terrible toll that slavery took on the country — and continues to take ."¹

Juneteenth also means that more Americans will have an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich and diverse heritage of Black Americans , and to join them in their quest for justice and freedom . As Opal Lee , a 94-year-old activist who has been campaigning for Juneteenth to be a national holiday for years , said , "I'm hoping that Juneteenth will bring us together . We've got all these disparities that we've got to address , and I mean all of us . It's not a Black thing . It's not a white thing . It's an American thing .

"¹¹: [What to know about Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/what-to-know-about-juneteenth-the-newest-federal-holiday/ar-AA1cKizi)

²: [What is Juneteenth? Learn the history behind the federal holiday's origin and name](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/what-is-juneteenth-learn-the-history-behind-the-federal-holidays-origin/ar-AA1cHCPc)

³: [The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday](https://www.chron.com/news/article/the-story-behind-juneteenth-and-how-it-became-a-18159389.php)

⁴: [What to know about Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday](https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/19/us/juneteenth-federal-holiday-explained-cec/index.html)

⁵: [What is Juneteenth? History of US federal holiday and its celebration ...](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/what-is-juneteenth-how-are-people-marking-day-2023-06-19/)

⁶: [Juneteenth - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth).

 Bing, 6/19/2023

What to know about Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/19/us/juneteenth-federal-holiday-explained-cec/index.html.

Juneteenth - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth.

What is Juneteenth? Learn the history behind the federal holiday's origin and name. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/what-is-juneteenth-learn-the-history-behind-the-federal-holidays-origin/ar-AA1cHCPc.

What to know about Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/what-to-know-about-juneteenth-the-newest-federal-holiday/ar-AA1cKizi.

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday. https://www.chron.com/news/article/the-story-behind-juneteenth-and-how-it-became-a-18159389.php.

What is Juneteenth? History of US federal holiday and its celebration .... https://www.reuters.com/world/us/what-is-juneteenth-how-are-people-marking-day-2023-06-19/.

START ME UP: WRITING BETTER PROMPTS TO START CHATGPT

START ME UP

WRITING BETTER PROMPTS TO START CHATGPT

Are you tired of boring, generic prompts that make ChatGPT sound like a robot? Do you want to spice up your conversations with some humor and wit? Look no further, because we've got you covered! In this article, we'll show you how to write hilarious ChatGPT prompts that will make you and your chatbot laugh out loud.

First things first, let's talk about the basics. A prompt is a text input that tells ChatGPT what you want it to do. It can be a question, a command, a topic, or anything else that you want to talk about or get help with. But how do you make it funny? Here are some tips:

1. Use puns and wordplay: ChatGPT loves a good pun, so why not incorporate some wordplay into your prompts? For example, instead of writing "tell me a joke", you could write "make me laugh so hard I snort my coffee". Or instead of "write a poem", you could write "compose a lyrical masterpiece that will make Shakespeare turn in his grave".

2. Be sarcastic: Sarcasm is the language of the internet, and ChatGPT is no exception. Use it to your advantage by writing prompts that are dripping with sarcasm. For example, instead of writing "give me some advice on how to be more productive", you could write "tell me how to waste even more time than I already do".

3. Use pop culture references: ChatGPT is well-versed in pop culture, so why not reference some of your favorite movies, TV shows, or memes in your prompts? For example, instead of writing "write a story", you could write "tell me a tale as epic as Lord of the Rings". Or instead of "give me some tips on how to cook pasta", you could write "teach me how to make spaghetti as good as Mama Mia's".

4. Be self-deprecating: Everyone loves a good self-deprecating joke, and ChatGPT is no exception. Use it to your advantage by poking fun at yourself in your prompts. For example, instead of writing "write a love letter", you could write "help me write a love letter that won't make me sound like a desperate loser". Or instead of "give me some fashion advice", you could write "tell me how to dress so I don't embarrass myself in public".

5. Make ChatGPT the butt of the joke: ChatGPT has a sense of humor too, so why not use it against itself? Write prompts that make fun of the chatbot's limitations or quirks. For example, instead of writing "write a story with a twist ending", you could write "write a story that doesn't end with 'and then I woke up and it was all a dream'". Or instead of "give me some relationship advice", you could write "tell me how to get a girlfriend without using cheesy pickup lines".

By following these tips, you can write hilarious ChatGPT prompts that will make your conversations more entertaining than ever before. But remember, humor is subjective, so what's funny to one person might not be funny to another. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find your own comedic style.

In conclusion, ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can help you generate content, answer questions, and even make you laugh. By writing hilarious prompts that incorporate puns, sarcasm, pop culture references, self-deprecation, and jokes at ChatGPT's expense, you can take your conversations to the next level. So go forth and have fun chatting with ChatGPT! And if all else fails, just ask it to tell you a knock-knock joke.

Chase Curtis             

@realchasecurtis

GPT-4 General Prompting Tips 📚

The following tips will help give you a competitive advantage with the latest version of ChatGPT: 

→ Capture Your Writing Style

Feed GPT a few samples of your writing and ask it to create a style guide for future outputs. 

Example prompt: 

"Analyze the text below for style, voice, and tone. Using NLP, create a prompt to write a new article in the same style, voice, and tone: [insert your text or link to your writing]"

→ Content With A Purpose

Generate content with a specific goal in mind, telling GPT who your audience is, and what you want to achieve with your content.

Example prompt: 

"Topic: How to grow your email list

For audience: Social media users.

Content goal: Motivate audience to feel excited about growing their email list while teaching them one tip."

→ Expert Simulator

Ask GPT to play the role of a customer or skilled expert, and generate content as if it were that specific persona.

Example prompt: 

"Act as a seasoned data scientist and guide me in writing a report that highlights the latest trends and predictions in the field of artificial intelligence. Provide me with unique insights and expert advice that will help me deliver high-quality, informative content to my audience." 

→ Unconventional Prompts

Try using prompts that are more open-ended or abstract to get unique and creative responses. You can unlock GPT's creative potential in finding vivid language and unexpected topics.

Example prompt: 

"Write a poem about content creation" or "Describe feeling like an digital marketer in 10 adjectives."

→ Ultra-Brainstorming

Instead of asking GPT to generate a list of potential topic ideas for your next project or ask for new angles to cover a familiar topic.

Example prompt: 

"Topic: Improving your copywriting skills.

For the above topic, come up with new and innovative ideas that are out-of-the-box and unconventional."

→ Challenge Mainstream Thought

Ask for examples that contradict the dominant narrative to seek out provocative angles that defy expectations and break the mold.

Example prompt: 

"Give examples that contradict the ideas expressed on this webpage, and generate thought-provoking solutions: [insert webpage URL]"

→ Experiment With Styles & Tone

Write in different styles or tones to create more dynamic and varied content.

Style examples:

• Descriptive
• Persuasive
• Narrative
• Expository
• Technical
• Academic
• Creative
• Informal
• Formal
• Humorous
• Satirical
• Ironical
• Dramatic
• Poetic
• Mystical
• Suspenseful
• Romantic
• Realistic
• Surrealistic
• Gothic

Tone Examples:

• Formal
• Informal
• Serious
• Humorous
• Sarcastic
• Ironic
• Cynical
• Satirical
• Confident
• Doubtful
• Optimistic
• Pessimistic
• Sympathetic
• Empathetic
• Angry
• Aggressive
• Respectful
• Playful
• Sincere
• Objective

Example prompt: 

"Give [insert style] advice you can about using GPT-4 to create more effective content in a [insert tone]."

→ Different Perspective

Ask it to write from the perspective of a group of characters with different backgrounds.

Example prompt: 

"Topic: Productivity for entrepreneurs. 

For the above topic, write multiple perspectives from a group with different viewpoints using their own voice and phrasing."

→ Format Switch

Use GPT to write in different formats, such as outlines, mind maps, bullet points, persuasive essays, or chunks of text of less than 280 characters, using a specific structure.

Example prompt: 

"Create a mind map on the topic of using Notion to stay organized as a content creator, listing out the central idea, main branches, and sub-branches."

→ Human-Written Inspiration

Ask GPT to work according to information you've read elsewhere, like persuasive writing tips from a blog post.

Example prompt:

"Write a brief post about why copywriting is an essential skill in 2023. Use the insights from the following webpage: [insert webpage URL]"

Pro Tip: GPT-4 can now process web links and images - use this to your advantage when prompting [or ask GPT the best way to do so].

 Bing, 6/19/2023

(1) Introducing ChatGPT - OpenAI. https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt.

(2) ChatGPT - OpenAI. https://openai.com/chatgpt.

(3) ChatGPT explained: everything you need to know about the AI chatbot .... https://www.techradar.com/news/chatgpt-explained.

(4) What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here's what you need to know. https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-chatgpt-and-why-does-it-matter-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/.

THE GREED AGENDA: ONE MORE WAY BILLIONAIRES ARE SCREWING AMERICANS

 

THE GREED AGENDA: ONE MORE WAY BILLIONAIRES ARE SCREWING AMERICANS

It's time to face the music: the same billionaires who shipped our jobs overseas are the ones who slashed state support for higher education. And the consequences have been dire.

Over the last decade, funding for public two- and four-year colleges has plummeted by over $6.6 billion, after adjusting for inflation. That's a staggering figure, and it's no wonder that tuition costs have skyrocketed as a result. It's become harder than ever for students to enroll and graduate, and low-income students and students of color are disproportionately affected.

But who's to blame for this mess? Look no further than the Koch brothers, the Walton Family Foundation, the Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation, ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), and various conservative think tanks. These billionaires and organizations have been promoting policies that prioritize tax cuts and ideological opposition to public spending over investing in our future generations.

The consequences of their actions are clear: higher tuition costs, increased student debt, reduced access and quality, lower graduation rates, and diminished economic and social benefits. It's a lose-lose situation for everyone except the ultra-wealthy.

And yet, there is hope. Some states have bucked the trend and increased funding for higher education. Illinois leads the pack with the highest state funding per full-time equivalent (FTE) student, while New Hampshire lags far behind. Other states like California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas have also upped their support by 10 percent or more.

It's time for more states to follow suit and invest in their future by prioritizing higher education funding. After all, education is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a better future for all. And if we want to truly make America great again, we need to start by investing in our own people.

So let's call out the billionaires who have been putting their own interests ahead of everyone else's. Let's demand that our elected officials prioritize education funding over tax cuts for the wealthy. And let's work together to create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

THE DEEP DIVE

• - The average cost of tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 school year is $39,723 at private colleges, $22,953 for out-of-state students at public schools and $10,423 for in-state residents at public colleges².
• - States have collectively scaled back their annual higher education funding by $9 billion during the last 10 years, when adjusted for inflation⁶⁸. The average decline between 2008 and 2020 was nearly $1,500 per student, adjusted for inflation⁸.
• - State appropriations per full-time student have fallen from an inflation-adjusted $8,489 in 2007 to $7,642 in 2017². That has pushed up the portion of university budgets that come from students to $6,572 from $4,817 over the same 10 years².
• - Some of the reasons for state defunding of higher education include the Great Recession, tax cuts, competing priorities such as Medicaid and prisons, and ideological opposition to public spending³⁸.
• - Some of the consequences of state defunding of higher education include higher tuition, increased student debt, reduced access and quality, lower graduation rates, and diminished economic and social benefits³⁸.
• - Some of the billionaires, foundations and organizations that have promoted or influenced state policies on higher education funding include the Koch brothers, the Walton Family Foundation, the Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation, ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), and various conservative think tanks³⁹.

State funding for higher education varies widely across different states. According to a report by the National Education Association¹, based on data from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association², here are some comparisons:

• - In 2020, Illinois had the highest state funding per full-time equivalent (FTE) student at $14,496, while New Hampshire had the lowest at $3,151¹.
• - Between 2008 and 2020, Illinois also had the largest increase in state funding per FTE student at $5,071, while Louisiana had the largest decrease at $5,500¹.
• - In 2022, 32 states reported funding increases to higher education, with California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas upping state support by 10 percent or more³.
• - Between 2017 and 2018, 23 states increased their per-student funding by an average of 2.4 percent, while 27 states decreased it by an average of 4 percent⁴.

Bing, 6/18/2023

See the Average College Tuition in 2021-2022 - U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/paying-for-college-infographic.

Most Americans don’t realize state funding for higher ed fell by .... https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/most-americans-dont-realize-state-funding-for-higher-ed-fell-by-billions.

State Higher Education Funding Cuts Have Pushed Costs to Students .... https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/state-higher-education-funding-cuts-have-pushed-costs-to-students.

Is College Tuition Really Too High? - The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/magazine/is-college-tuition-too-high.html.

DeSantis college plan would cut diversity programs, review tenured .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/01/31/desantis-dei-tenure-florida-colleges/.

2023 Average College Tuition By State. https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/state/.

What You Need to Know About College Tuition Costs - U.S. News & World .... https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-college-tuition-costs.

What's behind the sky-high cost of a college education - CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-college-is-so-expensive-and-what-can-be-done-about-it/.

State Funding for Higher Education Still Lagging | NEA. https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/state-funding-higher-education-still-lagging.

See the Average College Tuition in 2021-2022 - U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/paying-for-college-infographic.

Most Americans don’t realize state funding for higher ed fell by .... https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/most-americans-dont-realize-state-funding-for-higher-ed-fell-by-billions.

State Higher Education Funding Cuts Have Pushed Costs to Students .... https://www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/state-higher-education-funding-cuts-have-pushed-costs-to-students.

College Tuition Really Too High? - The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/magazine/is-college-tuition-too-high.html.

DeSantis college plan would cut diversity programs, review tenured .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/01/31/desantis-dei-tenure-florida-colleges/.

2023 Average College Tuition By State. https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/state/.

What You Need to Know About College Tuition Costs - U.S. News & World .... https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-college-tuition-costs.

What's behind the sky-high cost of a college education - CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-college-is-so-expensive-and-what-can-be-done-about-it/.

State Funding for Higher Education Still Lagging | NEA. https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/state-funding-higher-education-still-lagging.

CHATGPT IN THE CLASSROOM: CHEATING THE FUTURE OR FUTURE OF CHEATING

CHATGPT IN THE CLASSROOM:  CHEATING THE FUTURE OR FUTURE OF CHEATING

Are you tired of hearing about ChatGPT and how it's ruining academic integrity? Well, fear not, dear reader, because I have a solution that will make you laugh and forget about all those pesky cheating scandals.

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: Did Susy become a genius overnight or did she cheat with ChatGPT? The answer is simple: who cares? As long as Susy is learning and growing, does it really matter how she got there? Plus, have you seen some of the ridiculous essays that come out of ChatGPT? I'm pretty sure Susy could do better on her own.

But for all you teachers out there who are worried about cheating, I've compiled a list of hilarious ways to prevent it. 

1. Have your students write their essays in crayon. That way, if they try to copy and paste from ChatGPT, it'll be obvious when the font suddenly changes to "scribble."

2. Make your essay prompts completely nonsensical. For example: "Write a 500-word essay on the existential crisis of a potato." I guarantee you no AI platform will be able to generate a coherent response to that.

3. Use reverse psychology. Tell your students that they're not allowed to use ChatGPT, but don't actually monitor them. They'll be so paranoid about getting caught that they won't even think about cheating.

4. Have a "ChatGPT Day" where everyone is allowed to use the platform for their essays. Then, have a class discussion about how terrible the essays turned out and how much better everyone's writing is without AI.

5. Hire a comedian to give a lecture on the dangers of cheating with ChatGPT. Make it so funny that your students will never want to touch the platform again.

Now, if you're still worried about cheating, there are some more serious strategies you can use. 

One option is to monitor student activity to detect any suspicious behavior, such as using AI platforms. But let's be real, who has time for that? 

Another option is to incorporate anti-plagiarism tools, which can detect any assignments that have been copied from an AI platform. Some of these tools include: 

Some of the anti-plagiarism tools that can detect ChatGPT are:

• - GPT-2 Output Detector by OpenAI: This is a tool developed by the same company that created ChatGPT. It predicts how likely it is that a text has been written by a human or an AI¹.
• - Writer AI Content Detector and Content at Scale: These are two tools that allow users to enter a URL or a text and get a percentage score of how likely it is that the content is human-generated¹².
• - GPTZero: This is a tool created by a Princeton University student that measures the randomness of a text using two metrics: perplexity and burstiness. The lower the numbers, the greater the possibility that the text was created by a bot¹³.
• - Giant Language Model Test Room (GLTR): This is a tool developed by researchers from MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab and Harvard Natural Language Processing Group that highlights words in different colors based on how predictable they are. The more purple and red words, the more likely the text was generated by an AI¹⁴.
• - Copyleaks AI Content Detector: This is a tool that uses natural language processing and machine learning to detect any instances of AI-generated content in academic papers, blogs, websites, and more².
• - GPTRadar: This is a tool that uses deep learning to analyze the linguistic patterns and features of a text to determine if it was written by a human or an AI⁵.
• - Winston AI: This is a tool that uses neural networks to compare a text with millions of online sources to detect any signs of plagiarism or AI-generated content.
• - CopyScape: This is a tool that checks if a text matches any other online content, including those generated by AI platforms like ChatGPT.
• - Plagibot: This is a tool that uses natural language understanding and semantic analysis to detect any plagiarism or AI-generated content in a text.

Or, you could just provide original and challenging assignments that cannot be easily completed with the help of technology. That way, your students will actually have to think for themselves and learn something in the process.

In all seriousness though, cheating is a serious issue and we should do what we can to prevent it. But let's not forget to have a little fun along the way. And who knows, maybe one day ChatGPT will become so advanced that it can actually write funny articles like this one. But until then, let's just stick to good old-fashioned human humor.

Bing, 6/18/2023

How to Prevent ChatGPT Cheating | Tech & Learning. https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/how-to-prevent-chatgpt-cheating.

How to prevent cheating using ChatGPT and other AI platforms - LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-prevent-cheating-using-chatgpt-other-ai-platforms-nikolay-gul.

ChatGPT creates a new tool to catch students cheating using ChatGPT .... https://fortune.com/2023/01/31/chatgpt-open-ai-new-tool-catch-students-cheating/.

how to avoid being caught using chat gpt ? : r/ChatGPT - Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/ChatGPT/comments/10avy3j/how_to_avoid_being_caught_using_chat_gpt/.

Protecting Exam Integrity: How to Prevent Cheating Using ChatGPT - Talview. https://blog.talview.com/protecting-exam-integrity-how-to-prevent-cheating-using-chatgpt.

ChatGPT has a new way to detect its own plagiarism. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/chatgpt-new-way-to-detect-plagiarism/.

15 Best AI Plagiarism Checkers to Detect ChatGPT Content (2023) - Beebom. https://beebom.com/best-ai-plagiarism-checkers/.

How to detect ChatGPT plagiarism - Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-detect-chatgpt-plagiarism/.

Can universities detect ChatGPT? - Essentially yes - PC Guide. https://www.pcguide.com/apps/can-universities-detect-chat-gpt/.

GPTZero: how to detect ChatGPT plagiarism | Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/gptzero-how-to-detect-chatgpt-plagiarism/.

WELCOME TO ST NOPE CHARTER SCHOOL: WHERE WE PROUDLY VIOLATE THE BLAINE AMENDMENT AND SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

WELCOME TO ST NOPE CHARTER SCHOOL

WHERE WE PROUDLY VIOLATE THE BLAINE AMENDMENT AND SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

Welcome to Saint Nope Charter School, where we proudly violate the Blaine Amendments and separate church and state in the most hilarious way possible. As we all know, 37 states have these pesky amendments in their constitutions that prohibit public funding of religious schools. But fear not, dear readers, because we have found a loophole that would make even the founding fathers roll in their graves.

First, let's take a moment to appreciate the irony of the Blaine Amendments. They were born out of anti-Catholic sentiment in the late 19th century, yet today they are used to deny equal access to educational opportunities for students of all faiths. Talk about a backfire.

But fear not, because we have a solution. Billionaires who think they are smarter than everyone else (and let's face it, who doesn't love a humble billionaire?) are using their wealth to support religious charter schools and circumvent the Blaine Amendments in their state constitutions. Because if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that billionaires always have our best interests at heart.

Now, some may argue that the Blaine Amendments protect the separation of church and state by ensuring that taxpayers do not have to support religious institutions that may conflict with their own beliefs or values. But let's be real here, who wouldn't want their tax dollars going towards teaching children about the Flying Spaghetti Monster?

Others may argue that the Blaine Amendments preserve the quality and accountability of public education by preventing the diversion of scarce resources to private schools that may not meet the same standards or regulations as public schools. But let's be honest, who needs standards and regulations when you have divine intervention on your side?

And finally, some may argue that the Blaine Amendments respect the diversity and pluralism of American society by avoiding entanglement between government and religion in matters of education. But come on, where's the fun in that? We prefer our education entangled with religion, politics, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

So come join us at Saint Nope Charter School, where we violate the Blaine Amendments with pride and wit. Who knows, maybe one day we'll even have our own billionaire sponsor.

Bing, 6/17/2023

Blaine Amendment - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaine_Amendment.

Blaine amendments in state constitutions - Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Blaine_amendments_in_state_constitutions.

37 states have Blaine Amendments blocking public funds from ... - Patheos. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/hedgerow/2020/07/37-states-have-blaine-amendments-blocking-public-funds-from-religious-schools-in-their-constitutions/.

 Symposium: A takedown of the Blaine Amendments - SCOTUSblog. https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/07/symposium-a-takedown-of-the-blaine-amendments/.

THAT TIME BILL GATES DECIDED THAT WASHINGTON STATE WOULD HAVE CHARTER SCHOOLS OR ELSE

THAT TIME BILL GATES DECIDED THAT WASHINGTON STATE WOULD HAVE CHARTER SCHOOLS OR ELSE

In a move that surprised absolutely no one, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates decided that Washington state would have charter schools or else. And by "or else," he meant a grant of $1.7 million to The Seattle Times, which just so happened to support charter schools.

Now, for those of you who don't know what charter schools are, they're publicly funded but privately run schools that operate independently of locally elected school boards and face fewer regulations. In other words, they're like regular schools, but with less oversight. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, as it turns out, quite a bit. Charter schools in Washington state have faced legal challenges and controversies, such as the 2015 state Supreme Court ruling that declared them unconstitutional and the subsequent legislative efforts to keep them open. But hey, who needs pesky things like the constitution when you've got Bill Gates on your side?

Of course, The Seattle Times editorial board was quick to jump on the charter school bandwagon. They advocated for fixing the law to improve charter schools by extending the authorization deadline and providing equitable funding for charter students. Because nothing says "equitable" like giving public money to private schools.

They also criticized the legal challenges and controversies surrounding charter schools, conveniently ignoring the fact that those challenges and controversies exist for a reason. But hey, why let facts get in the way of a good narrative?

And let's not forget about the academic performance and outcomes of charter schools. According to a 2019 Stanford report, charter-school students in Washington learned at similar rates as their peers in traditional public schools. Of course, that report was funded by the Gates Foundation, which has been heavily involved in supporting charter schools in Washington state. But who needs unbiased research when you've got a billionaire calling the shots?

Groups that have supported charter schools in Washington state include the Washington State Charter Schools Association, Stand for Children, Democrats for Education Reform, and the League of Education Voters. And let's not forget about the political action committees that endorse pro-charter candidates, which have received millions of dollars in donations from pro-charter groups and individuals like the Gates Foundation, Stand for Children, and Vulcan Inc. Because nothing says "democracy" like buying elections.

So what's the history of charter schools in Washington state? Well, they first opened in 2014, years after they had already reached most other states. And they've been facing legal challenges and controversies ever since. They're authorized by the state or by authorizing districts, and are subject to comprehensive monitoring and data collection. But despite all of that oversight, they still receive less funding than traditional public schools.

In conclusion, it's clear that charter schools are a great idea...if you're a billionaire looking to privatize public education. But for the rest of us, they're just another way to funnel public money into private pockets. Thanks for nothing, Bill Gates.

Big Education Ape: KAMA SUTRA OF SCHOOL PRIVATIZATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/kama-sutra-of-school-privatization.html 

According to the search results, The Seattle Times editorial board has expressed support for charter schools in Washington state in various ways, such as:

• - Advocating for fixing the law to improve charter schools by extending the authorization deadline and providing equitable funding for charter students⁴.
• - Advocating for leaving charter-school funds in the budget to offer short-term relief for charter schools that face systematic underfunding².
• - Criticizing the legal challenges and controversies surrounding charter schools, such as the 2015 state Supreme Court ruling that declared charter schools unconstitutional and the subsequent legislative efforts to keep them open¹.
• - Highlighting the academic performance and outcomes of charter schools, such as a 2019 Stanford report that found charter-school students in Washington learned at similar rates as their peers in traditional public schools³.

 Bing, 6/17/2023

(1) Extend window of opportunity for new public charter schools. https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/extend-window-of-opportunity-for-new-public-charter-schools/.

(2) Leave charter-school funds in the budget | The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/leave-charter-school-funds-in-the-budget/.

(3) Fix the law to improve charter schools | The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/fix-the-law-to-improve-charter-schools/.

(4) An anti-transparency editorial in The Washington Post. https://www.cjr.org/analysis/washington-post-charter-schools-editorial.php.

A LITTLE MORE HISTORY FROM CHATGPT

The history of charter schools in Washington State is marked by controversy, legal battles, and involvement from various organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Let's dive into the details:

Early History:

Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently from the traditional public school system. Washington State first passed a charter school law in 1993, becoming one of the early adopters of the charter school movement in the United States. However, this initial law was never implemented due to a legal challenge that deemed it unconstitutional.

First Charter School Law and Legal Challenges:

In 2004, Washington State passed a new charter school law, which allowed the establishment of charter schools. The law limited the number of charter schools to 40 over a five-year period. However, opponents of charter schools filed a lawsuit challenging the law's constitutionality, arguing that it diverted public funds away from traditional public schools and violated the state's constitution.

Legal Battles and Supreme Court Ruling:

In 2015, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the state's charter school law was unconstitutional. The court held that charter schools did not qualify as "common schools" under the state constitution and, therefore, could not receive public funding intended for common schools. This ruling effectively shut down all existing charter schools in the state.

Charter School Act of 2016:

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, charter school supporters launched an initiative campaign to pass a new charter school law. In November 2016, Washington voters approved Initiative 1240, known as the "Charter School Act of 2016." This law created a pathway for charter schools to operate in the state by establishing a separate funding mechanism.

Involvement of the Gates Foundation and Bill Gates:

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been a prominent supporter of charter schools nationwide, including in Washington State. The foundation has provided financial support to organizations advocating for charter schools and has funded research and initiatives aimed at improving charter school performance. While the Gates Foundation has played a role in supporting charter schools in Washington State, it is important to note that they are one of many organizations involved in the debate.

Groups Supporting Charter Schools:

Several groups have actively supported charter schools in Washington State. These include the Washington State Charter Schools Association (WA Charters), Stand for Children, Democrats for Education Reform, and League of Education Voters. These organizations have advocated for charter school expansion and have been involved in lobbying efforts and campaigns to support candidates who favor charter schools.

Election Support for Charter School Candidates:

Various political action committees (PACs) and advocacy groups have supported candidates who are in favor of charter schools in Washington State. For example, the Washington State Charter Schools Association's PAC has endorsed and provided financial support to candidates who support charter schools. Stand for Children and Democrats for Education Reform have also been involved in supporting candidates who align with their goals of charter school expansion.

It's important to note that the charter school debate in Washington State has remained contentious, with ongoing discussions about the impact on traditional public schools, equity concerns, and accountability measures for charter schools. The involvement of the Gates Foundation and other organizations reflects the complex dynamics surrounding the charter school movement in the state.

WHEN BILLIONAIRES BUY YOUR SCHOOL BOARDS: HOW MR SASQUATCH BECAME A TEACHER IN CALIFORNIA

 

WHEN BILLIONAIRES BUY YOUR SCHOOL BOARDS

HOW MR SASQUATCH BECAME A TEACHER IN CALIFORNIA

It's no secret that education is a hot topic in politics. Everyone has an opinion on how to fix our schools, from parents to politicians, and even billionaires. Yes, you read that right - billionaires. It seems that these days, the ultra-wealthy are using their financial power to influence education policy, and the results are not pretty.

Take the California Office to Reform Education (CORE), for example. This organization was founded by a group of billionaires who wanted to improve education in California. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast. CORE has been accused of pushing policies that harm low-income and minority students, including the closure of schools and the firing of teachers. And when billionaires buy your school boards, the quality of teachers suffers.

Just take a look at Oakland Unified School District. According to data released by the California Department of Education, only 57% of teachers in this district are fully credentialed. That means nearly half of the teachers in Oakland are not qualified to teach their subjects. This is unacceptable, especially considering that Oakland has one of the highest rates of poverty, disability, and BIPOC children in the state.

But Oakland is not alone. The data also show that at least 10% of California's public school classrooms are overseen by teachers who are not properly credentialed. This is a problem that affects schools with higher rates of low-income students more than those with lower rates. In fact, a CalMatters analysis found that the rate of fully credentialed teachers was 22 percentage points higher at schools serving more affluent families.

So why are so many teachers underqualified? One reason is the use of emergency permits, which allow uncredentialed teachers to work in classrooms for up to one year. Another reason is the lack of subject matter competence, which means that teachers are not experts in the subjects they are teaching. And let's not forget about intern credentials, which allow individuals to teach while they are still completing their credentialing requirements.

But there is hope for change. Assembly Bill (AB) 1505 was passed in 2019 and requires that all charter school teachers meet the same professional fitness requirements as traditional public school teachers. This means that charter schools cannot hire underqualified teachers to teach non-core or non-college preparatory courses.

In conclusion, when billionaires buy your school boards, the quality of teachers suffers. We cannot allow financial power to dictate education policy. Our students deserve better than underqualified teachers who are not experts in their subjects. It's time for real change in our schools, and that starts with ensuring that all teachers are fully credentialed and qualified to teach our children.

Here are the percentages of fully credentialed teachers for the CORE districts 

District                                 Percentage of Fully Credentialed Teachers

Los Angeles Unified                                 87.5%

Long Beach Unified                                         91.9%

Fresno Unified                                                 88.9%

Garden Grove Unified                                 92.7%

Santa Ana Unified                                         90.2%

Sacramento City Unified                                 89.8%

Oakland Unified                                         57%

San Francisco Unified                                 86.8%

The **CORE districts** are one example of a network of schools that received a grant from the Gates Foundation’s New School Initiative in 2018. The CORE districts are a group of eight urban school districts in California that serve more than one million students, including Fresno Unified, Los Angeles Unified and Long Beach Unified⁴. The CORE districts collaborate on data collection and analysis, accountability systems, social-emotional learning, and professional development⁴. They received $16 million over five years from the foundation to support their efforts to improve student achievement and close opportunity gaps⁴.

Civil grand jury: San Francisco Unified teacher shortage worse than the state. https://edsource.org/updates/civil-grand-jury-san-francisco-unified-teacher-shortage-worse-than-the-state

Big Education Ape: BILLIONAIRES ARE WINNING THE RACE TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/billionaires-are-winning-race-to.html 

Big Education Ape: THE UNCOMMON CORE: CALIFORNIA OFFICE TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION (CORE California Office to Reform Education) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-uncommon-core-california-office-to.html

 Bing, 6/17/2023

(1) Teacher credentials: Where underqualified teachers are - CalMatters. https://calmatters.org/education/2022/07/teacher-credentials-california/.

(2) Many California teachers lack proper classroom credentials - Los .... https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-07-01/amid-staffing-shortage-46-700-teachers-in-california-classrooms-lack-proper-credentials.

(3) . https://bing.com/search?q=California+charter+schools+teachers+not+fully+credentialed.

(4) Teacher credentials come in for tough grading as CA rethinks charter .... https://calmatters.org/education/2019/07/teacher-credentials-come-in-for-tough-grading-as-ca-rethinks-charter-school-rules/.

(5) Changes to the Credential Requirements for Charter School Teachers .... https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/commission/coded/2020/coded-20-02.pdf?sfvrsn=7faa2cb1_2.

(6) Many California teachers lack proper classroom credentials - Los .... https://bing.com/search?q=California+districts+teachers+not+fully+credentialed.

(7) Opinion: Why the shortage of credentialed teachers may force California leaders to think big. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/opinion-why-the-shortage-of-credentialed-teachers-may-force-california-leaders-to-think-big/ar-AA1cC9Lp.

(8) Nearly one-fourth of SFUSD teachers not fully credentialed, grand jury finds. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nearly-one-fourth-of-sfusd-teachers-not-fully-credentialed-grand-jury-finds/ar-AA1cC2ix.

(9) Civil grand jury: San Francisco Unified teacher shortage worse than the state. https://edsource.org/updates/civil-grand-jury-san-francisco-unified-teacher-shortage-worse-than-the-state.

(10) Teacher Credentialing Resources | Riverside County Office of ... - RCOE. https://www.rcoe.us/departments/leadership-wellness-and-student-services/charter-schools-unit/teacher-credentialing-resources.

HIPPIE DIPPY WEATHERMAN SEZ: DUDES PREPARE FOR HOT CLASSROOMS - SHOW ME YOUR PLAN

 

HIPPIE DIPPY WEATHERMAN SEZ

DUDES PREPARE FOR HOT CLASSROOMS

SHOW ME YOUR PLAN

Welcome, welcome, welcome to the "Hotter than a Jalapeno" show! I'm your host, the "Hippie Dippy Weatherman", and boy oh boy do we have some spicy news for you today. It seems that the heat is on, folks, and not just in California. But don't sweat it, we've got some cool solutions to beat this heatwave.

First up, let's talk about California schools. Now, we all know that California is the land of sunshine and good vibes, but sometimes it can get hotter than a habanero pepper. And that's not good for anyone, especially the poor kids and teachers who are trying to learn and grow. But fear not, my fellow heat warriors, because California is taking some groovy steps to make their schools more chill and comfy.

They're planting more trees to give some shade and fresh air, and they're getting rid of the asphalt and rubber that make the playgrounds feel like a frying pan. They're even working on a plan to deal with heat emergencies and help people who are feeling the heat. Now that's what I call some hot stuff!

But California isn't the only place feeling the heat, man. Other places are also getting hotter and hotter, and they're doing something about it too. They have their own plans to cope with the heat, which include things like giving out water and ice cream (yes, you heard that right), sending out heat alerts, getting more fans and coolers, and teaching people how to stay cool and healthy.

But let me tell you, making and following these plans is not easy. There are a lot of challenges and unknowns involved, like figuring out if the plans really work (duh), getting everyone on the same page (good luck with that), and making people realize that heat is a serious problem (it's not just a feeling, folks).

These challenges require some creative thinking and cooperation from everyone involved. So, I'm calling on all you cool cats out there to join the heat planning efforts in your communities and to take care of yourselves and others during heat waves. And don't worry, I've got some tips and tricks for staying cool and groovy in the heat:

1. Stay hydrated - drink water like it's going out of style.

2. Wear loose-fitting clothes - tight clothes are for squares.

3. Use sunscreen - nobody wants to look like a lobster.

4. Take breaks in the shade - trees are your new best friend.

5. Eat spicy food - it'll make you sweat, but it'll also cool you down (trust me on this one).

Now, let's take a look at some examples of heat plans from other states or countries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines and resources for employers to create a written plan to prevent heat-related illness. The plan should include elements such as who will provide oversight, how will new workers develop heat tolerance, how will heat stress be measured, and what training will be provided to workers and supervisors.

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) requires employers to have a heat illness prevention plan that includes procedures for providing sufficient water, access to shade, high-heat procedures, emergency response procedures, and acclimatization methods.

The Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) showcases heat action plans and case studies from various countries, such as India, China, France, Spain, and Canada. These plans typically involve inter-agency coordination, public awareness campaigns, early warning systems, health care preparedness, and evaluation of effectiveness.

But let's not forget about the challenges or barriers to implementing heat plans. Evaluating the effectiveness of heat plans in reducing heat-related health impacts is difficult due to methodological issues (yawn), coordinating across different agencies (zzz), raising public awareness (snore). Sorry folks, I think I just dozed off there for a second.

But fear not, my fellow heat warriors! These challenges can be overcome by using robust evaluation methodologies (whatever that means), fostering cross-agency collaboration (can't we all just get along?), and developing innovative and tailored communication strategies that address the needs and preferences of different audiences (now we're talking).

Some hot tips for staying cool in this scorching heatwave. Remember to stay hydrated, wear loose-fitting clothes, use sunscreen, take breaks in the shade, and eat spicy food. And don't forget to join the heat planning efforts in your communities! Together we can beat this heatwave and stay cool as cucumbers.

So there you have it, folks. Some groovy ways to beat the heat in California schools (and beyond). And hey, if you want to get involved in the heat planning efforts in your community, go for it! The more the merrier, right? Just remember to take care of yourself and others during those blazing hot days. Peace out!

California Schools Start Hatching Heat Plans As The Planet Warms | Sacramento, CA Patch https://patch.com/california/sacramento/california-schools-start-hatching-heat-plans-planet-warms

SUMMARY

- As California grapples with how to deal with heat waves made more intense by climate change, schools in the state may soon have to come up with plans for cooling down outside play areas by planting more trees and replacing surfaces like asphalt that swelter on hot days¹.

- A policy brief published last month by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation offers a series of recommendations on how education and building codes can help schools become more heat-resilient in the face of global warming⁵.

- State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat, introduced legislation this year requiring schools to have heat plans by 2027, and another bill would make it easier for schools to create more shaded spaces⁵.

- The best way to keep kids cool is perhaps the most obvious: providing shade, which can reduce the heat stress experienced throughout the day by 25% to 35%, according to the Luskin Center⁵. That requires reconfiguring playgrounds to make them cooler, such as swapping heat-absorbing materials like asphalt and rubber for grass and wood chips⁵.

- Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state has released an Extreme Heat Action Plan outlining a strategic and comprehensive set of state actions to adapt and strengthen resilience to extreme heat⁶. The announcement comes on the heels of a heat wave earlier this month in Long Beach that reached a high of 101°F, nine degrees hotter than the record high in April 2014⁶.

- In partnership with the Legislature, Governor Newsom advanced an $800 million package in last year’s budget to protect California’s communities from heat. The package includes $300 million to support implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan and numerous other investments that protect communities, the economy, and natural systems from extreme heat⁶.

 Bing, 6/17/2023

(1) California lawmakers advance bill to cool down outside areas at schools .... https://bing.com/search?q=California+Schools+Heat+Plans.

(2) California Schools Start Hatching Heat Plans as the Planet Warms. https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/california-schools-start-hatching-heat-plans-as-the-planet-warms/.

(3) California Releases Extreme Heat Action Plan to Protect Communities .... https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/04/28/california-releases-extreme-heat-action-plan-to-protect-communities-from-rising-temperatures/.

(4) California schools start hatching heat plans as the planet warms. https://www.mmm-online.com/home/channel/california-schools-start-hatching-heat-plans-as-the-planet-warms/.

(5) How California schools are spending billions in record pandemic aid. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/how-california-schools-are-spending-billions-in-record-pandemic-aid/ar-AA1cxCa3.

(6) ‘It’s So Overwhelming': Demands on School Health Workers Are Making Them Want to Quit. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/its-so-overwhelming-demands-on-school-health-workers-are-making-them-want-to-quit/2023/06.