AMEN: BROTHER WALTERS RECOMMENDS ALL OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS REQUIRE A MINUTE OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION PRAISE BE

 

AMEN

BROTHER WALTERS RECOMMENDS ALL OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS REQUIRE A MINUTE OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION

PRAISE BE

In a shocking turn of events, the State Board of Education Superintendent Walters has recommended that every school in the state implement a moment of silence and post the Ten Commandments. Because apparently, in the year 2023, we still need to be reminded not to kill, steal, or commit adultery. 

But that's not even the most absurd part of this story. Oh no, dear reader. Apparently, one brave teacher dared to speak out against this proposed nonsense and was promptly assaulted and restrained by security guards when trying to enter the meeting. And you thought you had a tough day at work.

Let's take a moment of silence ourselves to reflect on the fact that this is the kind of world we live in. A world where a teacher can't even express their opinion without fear of physical harm. But hey, at least we'll have those Ten Commandments up on the wall to remind us to be good little boys and girls.

I mean, who needs critical thinking skills and open discussion when you can just blindly follow ancient religious texts, am I right? And don't even get me started on this moment of silence nonsense. What are we supposed to do during that time? Meditate? Pray? Contemplate the meaning of life? I don't know about you, but I've got enough going on in my head without adding more pointless thoughts to the mix.

But hey, if we're going to go down this road, why stop at just the Ten Commandments? Let's put up all kinds of inspirational quotes and sayings. "Hang in there, baby!" "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take!" "Live, laugh, love!" The possibilities are endless.

And while we're at it, let's just go ahead and ban all forms of dissenting opinions altogether. Who needs free speech when you can just force everyone to think and act the same way? It's not like diversity of thought and expression are important or anything.

In all seriousness though, this entire situation is beyond ridiculous. It's a sad reminder of how far we still have to go as a society when it comes to respecting individual rights and freedoms. So let's take a moment of silence for that instead.

Religious council makes suggestions for OK schools’ https://kfor.com/news/local/walters-recommends-oklahoma-schools-require-minute-of-prayer-and-reflection/ 

Minute of silence recommended for Oklahoma schools https://www.ocpathink.org/post/independent-journalism/minute-of-silence-recommended-for-oklahoma-schools 

State Superintendent Ryan Walters calls for 10 Commandments to be displayed https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/state-superintendent-ryan-walters-calls-for-10-commandments-to-be-displayed-in-each-class 

Could Oklahoma schools be required to hang Ten Commandments in classrooms? https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-schools-required-hang-ten-commandments-classrooms-ryan-walters/44307311 

ROTTEN EGGS: THE CULTURE WAR HIDING INSIDE THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

ROTTEN EGGS

THE CULTURE WAR HIDING INSIDE THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Breaking news, folks! The House appropriations bills are hiding a culture war, and it's not pretty. It's like finding a rotten egg in your omelette. You didn't expect it, and it definitely doesn't smell good.

House Republicans are using the federal funding process to push their conservative agenda by sneaking in policy riders into bills that fund various federal agencies. These riders are like Trojan horses, hiding their true intentions until it's too late.

But what are these riders, you ask? Well, hold onto your hats because they're a doozy. They seek to undermine federal environmental and diversity policies by banning drag performances and Pride flags at federal facilities, prohibiting environmental justice initiatives, and restricting abortion access and transgender health care for military personnel. It's like they're trying to turn back the clock on progress.

Now, you might be thinking, "Surely these riders are unpopular and controversial." And you'd be right! They're about as popular as a root canal. The appropriations process is supposed to be a bipartisan compromise to keep the government running, not a tool for pushing a political agenda.

Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president of Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy nonprofit, is part of the Clean Budget Coalition, an alliance of more than 100 groups that oppose these riders. And let me tell you, they're not taking this lying down.

Let's take a closer look at some of these riders and their potential impacts. First up, we have one that cuts medical care. Because who needs access to healthcare anyway? Next, we have one that weakens energy efficiency standards. Because who needs clean air and water? Then there's one that keeps cigarettes high in nicotine. Because who needs healthy lungs? And let's not forget the one that blocks climate action. Because who needs a habitable planet? Last but not least, we have one that limits scientific research. Because who needs facts?

It's like House Republicans are playing a game of "how many terrible things can we do in one appropriations bill?" It's like they're trying to win a prize for being the worst.

In conclusion, these policy riders are like the rotten eggs in your omelette. They stink, they're unwelcome, and they ruin everything. Let's hope that the Clean Budget Coalition can put an end to this culture war hiding inside the House appropriations bills. Otherwise, we'll all be left holding our noses.

THE DEFT DIVE

House funding bills hide a culture war https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4061140-house-republicans-culture-war-riders-appropriations-bills/ 

- The article argues that House Republicans are using the federal funding process to advance their conservative agenda by inserting policy riders into the bills that fund various federal agencies.

- These riders seek to undermine federal environmental and diversity policies, such as banning drag performances and Pride flags at federal facilities, prohibiting environmental justice initiatives, and restricting abortion access and transgender health care for military personnel.

- The article claims that these riders are unpopular and controversial, and that they are a misuse of the appropriations process, which is supposed to be a bipartisan compromise to keep the government running.

- The article cites Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president of Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy nonprofit, who is part of the Clean Budget Coalition, an alliance of more than 100 groups that oppose these riders.

- The article gives five examples of these riders and their potential impacts, such as cutting medical care, weakening energy efficiency standards, keeping cigarettes high in nicotine, blocking climate action, and limiting scientific research.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) House funding bills hide a culture war - The Hill. https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4061140-house-republicans-culture-war-riders-appropriations-bills/.

(2) 5 things to know about the culture war hiding inside House appropriations bills. https://www.yahoo.com/news/5-things-know-culture-war-215151976.html.

(3) 5 things to know about the culture war hiding inside House ... - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/5-things-to-know-about-the-culture-war-hiding-inside-house-appropriations-bills/ar-AA1cT4XG.

DOING THE DEVIL'S WORK: SCHOOL CHOICE IS THE MANTRA OF THE RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION

 DOING THE DEVIL'S WORK SCHOOL

SCHOOL CHOICE IS THE MANTRA OF THE RIGHT WING

CONSPIRACY TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION

Attention all students! It's time to take a break from studying and learn about the real lesson being taught about our schools: school choice propaganda! Yes, you heard that right. The MAGA and right-wing billionaires, foundations, and media organizations have teamed up to promote school choice and we're here to give you the ugly rundown.

First up on our list is Hillsdale College, a tiny Christian college that has launched a network of charter schools promoting "virtue" and a conservative curriculum. Who's funding this operation, you ask? None other than the Bradley Foundation, the Koch Foundation, and the DeVos Family Foundation. And who's singing their praises? Right-wing media personalities Matt Drudge, Mark Levin, and Hugh Hewitt. Because nothing says "virtue" like promoting segregation and indoctrination.

But wait, there's more! The billionaire Charles  Koch, owner of Koch Industries, have given over a hundred million dollars to right-wing causes, including groups that oppose public education and advocate for school choice. According to The New Yorker, these foundations give money to front groups that do the Kochs' bidding, rather than finding solutions to the problems facing society. Because who needs solutions when you can just throw money at propaganda?

And let's not forget about Facebook's secret blacklist of "dangerous" groups and people that are banned from its platform. The Intercept reports that Facebook has a double standard when it comes to enforcing its policies on hate speech, violence, and misinformation. Extremist right-wing groups get special treatment due to their association with mainstream conservative politics. Because nothing says "freedom of speech" like selectively censoring certain groups.

But enough about the serious stuff. Let's dive into some of the hilarious articles being syndicated by right-wing groups to promote school choice. Media Matters for America lists the corporations and right-wing funders backing the education reform movement, including groups that support school choice such as the American Federation for Children and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Because nothing says "choice" like limiting options to only those approved by wealthy donors.

The New Yorker profiles the right-wing mothers fueling the school-board wars, especially a group called Moms for Liberty. They claim that teachers are indoctrinating students with dangerous ideologies such as critical race theory and gender fluidity. Because nothing says "liberty" like censorship and fear-mongering.

PR Watch exposes the major right-wing funders and corporate lobbyists behind National School Choice Week. The State Policy Network (SPN) and ALEC are just a few of the groups pushing for school choice legislation. Because nothing says "public education" like privatization and corporate interests.

And let's not forget about Betsy DeVos, the former secretary of education under President Trump, who spent decades advocating for vouchers, charter schools, and online learning while criticizing teachers unions and public school officials. The Washington Post reports that DeVos has ties to various right-wing groups that support school choice, such as the American Federation for Children and the Acton Institute. Because nothing says "education" like undermining public schools.

But perhaps the most entertaining article comes from The Guardian, which exposes the hidden agenda of Project Blitz, a coordinated effort by Christian right groups to push for legislation that would advance their religious agenda in public schools and other spheres of American life. Because nothing says "separation of church and state" like using public funds to promote religious ideology.

So there you have it, folks. The hilarious world of school choice propaganda brought to you by MAGA and right-wing billionaires, foundations, and media organizations. Remember, education is important, but so is critical thinking and questioning the motives behind those who seek to influence it. Stay woke, students!

THE DEFT DIVE

According to a report by Salon.com¹, one of the groups that is driving the right's nationwide war against public schools is **Hillsdale College**, a tiny Christian college that has launched a network of charter schools that follow a conservative curriculum and promote \"virtue\". The report claims that Hillsdale College has received funding and support from **right-wing foundations** such as the **Bradley Foundation**, the **Koch Foundation**, and the **DeVos Family Foundation**. The report also alleges that Hillsdale College has connections to **right-wing media** personalities such as **Rush Limbaugh**, **Mark Levin**, and **Hugh Hewitt**, who have praised its charter schools and criticized public education.

Another source that may be of interest is a 2010 article by The New Yorker², which exposes the covert operations of the billionaire brothers **Charles and David Koch**, who own Koch Industries, a conglomerate that has interests in oil, paper, lumber, and other products. The article reveals that the Kochs have quietly given more than a hundred million dollars to **right-wing causes**, including groups that oppose public education and advocate for school choice. The article cites a 2004 report by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, a watchdog group, which described the Kochs' foundations as being self-serving, concluding, “These foundations give money to front groups that do the Kochs’ bidding, rather than trying to find solutions to the problems facing society.” The article also details how the Kochs have funded think tanks, advocacy groups, media outlets, and politicians that advance their libertarian agenda and oppose the Obama Administration.

A third source that may be relevant is a 2021 article by The Intercept³, which reveals Facebook's secret blacklist of \"dangerous\" groups and people that are banned from its platform. The article claims that Facebook has a double standard when it comes to enforcing its policies on hate speech, violence, and misinformation, and that it gives extremist right-wing groups in the U.S. special treatment due to their association with mainstream conservative politics. The article cites leaked documents and interviews with former Facebook employees, who allege that Facebook has ignored or downplayed reports of right-wing groups that spread anti-public school propaganda praising school choice, among other harmful content.

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) How this tiny Christian college is driving the right’s nationwide war .... https://www.salon.com/2022/03/15/how-this-tiny-christian-college-is-driving-the-rights-nationwide-against-public-schools/.

(2) The Koch Brothers’ Covert Ops | The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/08/30/covert-operations.

(3) Facebook’s Secret Blacklist of “Dangerous” Groups and People. https://theintercept.com/2021/10/12/facebook-secret-blacklist-dangerous/.

Some articles that may have been syndicated by right-wing groups to promote school choice. Here are some examples:

- An article by Media Matters for America¹ that lists the corporations and right-wing funders backing the education reform movement, including groups that support school choice such as the **American Federation for Children**, the **American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)**, the **Foundation for Excellence in Education**, and the **Institute for Justice**. The article also names some of the media outlets that amplify their message, such as **The Daily Caller**, **Education Next**, and **Watchdog.org**.

- An article by The New Yorker² that profiles the right-wing mothers fueling the school-board wars, especially a group called **Moms for Liberty**, which claims that teachers are indoctrinating students with dangerous ideologies such as critical race theory and gender fluidity. The article traces the origins and funding of Moms for Liberty, which is linked to **Hillsdale College**, a conservative Christian institution that runs a network of charter schools. The article also exposes the influence of other right-wing groups that support school choice, such as the **Heritage Foundation**, the **Heartland Institute**, and the **Thomas More Law Center**.

- An article by PR Watch³ that exposes the major right-wing funders and corporate lobbyists behind National School Choice Week, an annual event that promotes various forms of school choice, such as charter schools, vouchers, and tax credits. The article reveals that National School Choice Week is sponsored by organizations such as the **State Policy Network (SPN)**, a network of conservative think tanks that push for school choice legislation; the **American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)**, a corporate-backed group that drafts model bills for state legislators; and the **Gleason Family Foundation**, a private foundation that supports school choice initiatives.

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) Here Are The Corporations And Right-Wing Funders Backing The Education .... https://www.mediamatters.org/daily-caller/here-are-corporations-and-right-wing-funders-backing-education-reform-movement.

(2) The Right-Wing Mothers Fuelling the School-Board Wars. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/07/the-right-wing-mothers-fuelling-the-school-board-wars.

(3) "National School Choice Week" Fueled by Major Right-Wing Funders and .... https://prwatch.org/news/2016/01/13024/national-school-choice-week-fueled-major-right-wing-funders-and-corporate-lobby.

MORE examples:

• - An article by The Washington Post that examines the role of **Betsy DeVos**, the former secretary of education under President Trump, in promoting school choice and undermining public education. The article reports that DeVos, a billionaire heiress and a major donor to conservative causes, has spent decades advocating for vouchers, charter schools, and online learning, while criticizing teachers unions and public school officials. The article also reveals that DeVos has ties to various right-wing groups that support school choice, such as the **American Federation for Children**, the **Mackinac Center for Public Policy**, and the **Acton Institute**.
• - An article by The Atlantic that explores the history and ideology of **Hillsdale College**, a small Christian college in Michigan that has become a hub of conservative education reform. The article describes how Hillsdale College has launched a network of charter schools across the country that follow a classical curriculum based on Western civilization and Judeo-Christian values. The article also traces the influence of Hillsdale College's president, **Larry Arnn**, who is a close ally of **Charles Koch** and a vocal critic of public education and progressive policies.
• - An article by The Guardian that exposes the hidden agenda of **Project Blitz**, a coordinated effort by Christian right groups to push for legislation that would advance their religious agenda in public schools and other spheres of American life. The article reveals that Project Blitz is backed by organizations such as the **Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation**, the **National Legal Foundation**, and the **WallBuilders ProFamily Legislative Network**, which are also involved in promoting school choice and undermining public education. The article also shows how Project Blitz has influenced state lawmakers to introduce bills that would allow public funds to be used for private religious schools, among other measures.

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) Here Are The Corporations And Right-Wing Funders Backing The Education .... https://www.mediamatters.org/daily-caller/here-are-corporations-and-right-wing-funders-backing-education-reform-movement.

(2) The Right-Wing Mothers Fuelling the School-Board Wars. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/07/the-right-wing-mothers-fuelling-the-school-board-wars.

(3) "National School Choice Week" Fueled by Major Right-Wing Funders and .... https://prwatch.org/news/2016/01/13024/national-school-choice-week-fueled-major-right-wing-funders-and-corporate-lobby.

MORE examples:

• - An article by Right Wing Watch¹ that analyzes the dishonest and harmful right-wing attack on American school boards, which has been fueled by groups such as the **Heritage Foundation**, the **Heartland Institute**, and the **Family Research Council**. The article argues that these groups have manufactured fears of critical race theory and other progressive ideas, and have used media outlets such as **Fox News**, **The Daily Wire**, and **The Federalist** to spread their message and mobilize activists and voters.
• - An article by Brookings² that offers some recommendations on how to counter right-wing armed groups in the United States, which have also been involved in protesting against public education and promoting school choice. The article suggests that these groups have been coordinated by networks such as the **State Policy Network (SPN)**, the **American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)**, and the **Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation**, which have provided them with funding, training, and model legislation.
• - An article by The American Prospect³ that exposes the infiltration of schools by PragerU, a right-wing nonprofit that produces viral videos on topics such as "The Left Ruins Everything," "Why You Should Love Fossil Fuel," and "How to Steal an Election." The article reveals that PragerU has launched a program specifically designed for teachers last fall, called PragerU Educators and Parents (PREP), which offers them free access to its videos and study guides. The article also reports that PragerU's content has been in public schools for years, often without proper disclosure or oversight.

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) The Dishonest and Harmful Right-Wing Attack on American School Boards. https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/the-dishonest-and-harmful-right-wing-attack-on-american-school-boards/.

(2) How to counter right-wing armed groups in the United States - Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2021/01/21/how-to-counter-right-wing-armed-groups-in-the-united-states/.

(3) The Right Curriculum? How PragerU Infiltrates Schools.. https://prospect.org/education/right-curriculum-how-prageru-infiltrates-schools/.

BANZAI: AI & CHATGPT IN JAPANESE CLASSROOMS

BANZAI

AI & CHATGPT IN JAPANESE  CLASSROOMS  

The Japanese Ministry of Education has announced that they will allow limited use of generative AI in schools across the country. This news has caused quite a stir in the education community, with some calling it a breakthrough and others calling it a disaster waiting to happen.

The new guidelines state that generative AI can be used to help students formulate ideas, facilitate classroom discussions, and stimulate creativity. However, it cannot be used in exams or artistic activities, and students must be aware of its limitations and biases.

This means that if you're a student in Japan, you might soon find yourself chatting with a robot instead of your classmates. Imagine trying to talk about the latest episode of your favorite anime, only to be interrupted by a robot asking you to define the word "otaku."

But don't worry, the Japanese government has assured us that they have taken all necessary precautions to ensure that the AI is safe and reliable. They've even tested it on their own bureaucrats, who reportedly found the experience "enlightening."

Of course, not everyone is convinced. Italy has already banned ChatGPT, citing privacy and ethical concerns. And let's not forget about China, which is investing heavily in AI and generative technologies. Some experts believe that China could gain an upper hand over the US in the AI race, which is probably why the US government is currently trying to ban TikTok.

But back to Japan. The new guidelines are set to be implemented by April 2024, which gives schools plenty of time to prepare for the robot invasion. We can only imagine what the classrooms of the future will look like. Will there be rows of robots sitting at desks? Will students be required to bring their own charging cables? Will there be a robot prom?

One thing's for sure, the future is looking bright for ChatGPT. The app has already expanded to countries like Canada, India, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Korea, and the UK. It seems like everyone wants to chat with a robot these days.

But what about the potential downsides? Some experts have raised concerns about accuracy, reliability, bias, ethical implications, and impact on student learning outcomes. Others worry that robots will take over our jobs and leave us all unemployed.

But let's not get too serious here. This is a funny article after all. So let's focus on the positives. Chatting with a robot could be a great way to make friends if you're socially awkward. It could also be a great way to cheat on your exams if you're not so academically inclined.

And who knows? Maybe one day we'll all have our own personal robots to do our bidding. We'll never have to do our own laundry or wash our own dishes again. We'll just sit back and let the robots do all the work.

In conclusion, the Japanese Ministry of Education's decision to allow limited use of generative AI in schools is both exciting and terrifying. Only time will tell whether this decision will lead to a brighter future or a robot apocalypse. But for now, let's just sit back and enjoy the ride. Who knows? Maybe we'll learn something from our new robot overlords.

THE DEFT DIVE

Limited generative AI usage to be allowed in Japanese schools https://cointelegraph.com/news/limited-generative-ai-usage-allowed-in-japanese-schools 

According to one of the news articles¹, the Japanese Ministry of Education plans to allow limited use of generative AI, like ChatGPT, in elementary, junior high and high schools across the country. The draft guidelines say that generative AI can be used to help students formulate ideas, facilitate classroom discussions and stimulate creativity. However, it also says that generative AI should not be used in exams, artistic activities or without students' awareness of its limitations and biases. The ministry aims to implement the new guidelines by April 2024.

This is an example of how one country is planning to use AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education, with some restrictions and regulations to ensure its appropriate and ethical use. Other countries may have different plans and policies regarding the use of AI and ChatGPT in education, depending on their contexts and needs.

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) Japanese schools to be allowed limited use of generative AI. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230622/p2g/00m/0na/042000c.

(2) 32% of university students in Japan using ChatGPT: survey. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230622/p2g/00m/0na/034000c.

(3) Japan Allows Limited Use Of Generative Ai In Schools. https://menafn.com/1106488052/Japan-Allows-Limited-Use-Of-Generative-Ai-In-Schools.

(4) Education ministry guidelines to allow limited use of generative AI in .... https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/22/national/school-ai-use/.

(5) ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it. https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/04/06/1071059/chatgpt-change-not-destroy-education-openai/.

(6) Limited generative AI usage to be allowed in Japanese schools. https://cointelegraph.com/news/limited-generative-ai-usage-allowed-in-japanese-schools.

AI and ChatGPT in countries other than the USA:

• - **Italy** has banned ChatGPT, citing privacy and ethical concerns. It is the first Western country to do so².
• - **Canada**, **India**, **France**, **Germany**, **Ireland**, **New Zealand**, **Nigeria**, **South Korea** and the **UK** are among the countries where OpenAI has expanded its ChatGPT app, which lets users chat with the chatbot on their phones¹.
• - **China** is investing heavily in AI and generative technologies, and its internet giants Baidu, Alibaba and Kunlun have been developing their own versions of ChatGPT. Some experts believe that China could gain an upper hand over the US in the AI race⁴.

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) ChatGPT and AI automation: 300 million jobs could be affected globally .... https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/tech/chatgpt-ai-automation-jobs-impact-intl-hnk/index.html.

(2) OpenAI's ChatGPT iOS app now available in Canada, India ... - TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/25/openai-chatgpt-ios-app-india-download/.

(3) Can AI give China the upper hand to surpass the US after ChatGPT .... https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/ai-give-china-upper-hand-surpass-us-become-worlds-top-economy-chatgpt-3563156.

(4) ChatGPT vs. Bing Chat AI: Which Is Better? - How-To Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/882163/chatgpt-vs-bing-chat-ai/.

(5) Italy has banned ChatGPT. Here's what other countries are doing - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/04/italy-has-banned-chatgpt-heres-what-other-countries-are-doing.html.

AI and ChatGPT are emerging technologies that have the potential to transform K-12 education in various ways. According to some sources, ChatGPT can provide personalized learning experiences, enhance lesson planning and instruction, engage students and foster digital literacy and data ethics¹²³. However, there are also some challenges and unknowns associated with using ChatGPT in education, such as its accuracy, reliability, bias, ethical implications and impact on student learning outcomes¹⁴. Therefore, educators and students need to be aware of the pros and cons of ChatGPT and use it responsibly and critically.

Different countries may have different approaches and policies regarding the use of AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education. For example, some countries may have more advanced infrastructure and resources to support the integration of AI and ChatGPT in their curricula, while others may face more barriers or resistance. Some countries may also have more stringent regulations or guidelines on how AI and ChatGPT can be used in educational settings, while others may have more flexibility or autonomy. Additionally, some countries may have more research and innovation on AI and ChatGPT in education, while others may lag behind or follow the trends set by others.

To get a more comprehensive picture of how other countries are planning to use AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education, you may want to explore the following questions:

• - What are the goals and objectives of using AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education in different countries?
• - What are the benefits and challenges of using AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education in different countries?
• - What are the best practices and lessons learned from using AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education in different countries?
• - What are the current trends and future directions of using AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education in different countries?

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) ChatGPT in Education: The Pros, Cons and Unknowns of Generative AI. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2023/03/chatgpt-in-education-generative-ai-perfcon.

(2) Teachers and Students Embrace ChatGPT for Education. https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/learning/teachers-and-students-embrace-chatgpt-for-education.

(3) Unlocking the Potential of K-12 Students with ChatGPT: How AI Could .... https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/unlocking-the-potential-of-k-12-students-with-chatgpt-how-ai-could-transform-education-suls0184/.

(4) We Asked ChatGPT: Should Schools Ban You? - Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/we-asked-chatgpt-should-schools-ban-you/2023/04.

(5) Students and teachers: Tell The Post how you use ChatGPT and other AI tools. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/05/04/students-teachers-chatgpt-ai-submissions/.

The goals and objectives of using AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education in different countries may vary depending on their specific contexts and needs, but some common themes can be identified from the literature. Some of the possible goals and objectives are:

• - To **address some of the biggest challenges** in education today, such as access, quality, equity, inclusion and relevance¹.
• - To **innovate teaching and learning practices**, such as personalized learning, adaptive assessment, collaborative learning, project-based learning and inquiry-based learning¹²³⁴.
• - To **accelerate progress towards SDG 4**, which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all¹.
• - To **prepare students for an AI-driven future**, by developing their core competencies, such as digital literacy, data ethics, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving¹²³⁵.
• - To **enhance human capacities and protect human rights**, by ensuring that AI and ChatGPT are used in a human-centered, ethical and responsible way¹⁵.

These are some of the possible goals and objectives of using AI and ChatGPT in K-12 education in different countries. However, they are not exhaustive or definitive, and they may change over time as AI and ChatGPT technologies evolve and new challenges and opportunities emerge.

Bing, 6/23/2023

(1) Artificial intelligence in education | UNESCO. https://www.unesco.org/en/digital-education/artificial-intelligence.

(2) AI technologies for education: Recent research & future directions. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666920X21000199.

(3) How AI Can Improve K-12 Education in the United States. https://www2.datainnovation.org/2022-ai-education.pdf.

(4) ChatGPT For Students: AI Chatbots Are Revolutionizing Education. https://elearningindustry.com/chatgpt-for-students-how-ai-chatbots-are-revolutionizing-education.

(5) Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT: A Framework for Applying Generative AI .... https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370156204_Unlocking_the_Power_of_ChatGPT_A_Framework_for_Applying_Generative_AI_in_Education.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: LET'S OPPROBRIATE THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN FINANCE SYSTEM

 DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

LET'S OPPROBRIATE THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN FINANCE SYSTEM

Billionaires, Dark Money, Super PACs, Citizens United, 501 C3,4,6: A Journey Through America's Campaign Finance System

Let's talk about billionaires. No, not the ones who made their money by creating innovative products or services that benefit society. We're talking about the ones who have so much money that they can buy politicians like they're shopping for groceries. You know, the ones who use their wealth to influence our political system and shape our laws to their liking. Yeah, those billionaires.

But how do they do it? How do they manage to wield so much power over our democracy? Well, it all starts with a little thing called "dark money". No, it's not a new brand of chocolate that you can only buy on the black market. It's actually a term used to describe political spending by nonprofit organizations that don't disclose their donors. And let me tell you, these nonprofits are like the ninja warriors of the campaign finance world. They operate in the shadows, using their vast resources to sway elections without anyone knowing who's behind them. It's like a game of political hide-and-seek, except the billionaires always win.

So how did we get here? Well, it all started with a Supreme Court case called Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. This landmark decision basically said that corporations and unions have the same free speech rights as individuals when it comes to political spending. In other words, they can spend as much money as they want to influence elections. And boy, did they take advantage of that.

Enter the super PACs. These are political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, individuals, and associations to support or oppose candidates and causes. It's like a giant slush fund for billionaires who want to buy elections. And let me tell you, they don't hold back. They'll spend millions of dollars on attack ads, mailers, and other forms of propaganda just to get their preferred candidate elected. It's like watching a bunch of kids play Monopoly, except instead of fake money, they're using real money to buy politicians.

But wait, there's more! Not all nonprofits are created equal. Some are 501(c)(3) organizations, which are prohibited from engaging in political activity and must disclose their donors to the IRS but not to the public. Others are 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations, which are allowed to engage in some political activity and don't have to disclose their donors to anyone. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure book for billionaires. Do you want to be transparent and disclose your donors? Or do you want to operate in secret and avoid public scrutiny? The choice is yours!

And let's not forget about the hilarious names these super PACs come up with. American Crossroads? Priorities USA Action? Right to Rise? Conservative Solutions PAC? These sound more like failed startup companies than political action committees. It's like they hired a bunch of marketing consultants to come up with the most generic names possible. I mean, can you imagine if they named them after actual policies or issues? "Vote for Me Because I Hate Taxes and Love Guns PAC" doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

But here's the thing: all this money and influence comes at a cost. It undermines our democracy and erodes public trust in our government. It creates a system where politicians are more beholden to their billionaire donors than to their constituents. It perpetuates inequality and perpetuates the myth that money equals speech. It's like we're living in a real-life version of The Hunger Games, except instead of districts fighting each other for survival, it's billionaires fighting for control of our government.

So what can we do about it? Well, we can start by demanding transparency and accountability in our campaign finance system. We can support candidates who refuse to take money from super PACs and dark money groups. We can pressure our elected officials to pass laws that limit the influence of money in politics. And most importantly, we can use our own voices and votes to make our voices heard.

In conclusion, billionaires, dark money, super PACs, Citizens United, 501(c)(3), (4), (6)... it's all a big joke. A joke that's not very funny. But if we want to change the punchline, we need to start taking action now. So let's put on our big boy and girl pants and fight for a democracy that works for everyone, not just the ones with the most money. Because at the end of the day, that's what democracy is all about: giving everyone a voice, not just the ones who can afford it.

THE DEFT DIVE 

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was a **landmark decision** of the Supreme Court of the United States regarding **campaign finance laws** and **free speech** under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution¹. The court held 5–4 that the freedom of speech clause of the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting **independent expenditures** for political campaigns by corporations, including nonprofit corporations, labor unions, and other associations¹.

The case began after Citizens United, a conservative non-profit organization, sought to air and advertise a film critical of then Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton shortly before the 2008 Democratic primary elections¹. Broadcasting the film would have been a violation of the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which prohibited any corporation, non-profit organization, or labor union from making an "electioneering communication" within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of an election, or making any expenditure advocating the election or defeat of a candidate at any time¹. Citizens United challenged the constitutionality of this law, and its case reached the Supreme Court.

The effect of the Citizens United decision on the American political system has been significant and controversial. The ruling has ushered in **massive increases in political spending** from outside groups, dramatically expanding the already outsized political influence of wealthy donors, corporations, and special interest groups². The ruling also led to the creation of **super PACs**, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from individuals, corporations, unions, and other groups, as long as they do not coordinate with candidates or parties². Additionally, the ruling enabled the growth of **dark money**, which refers to political spending by nonprofit organizations that do not disclose their donors². These developments have raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of campaign finance in the United States, as well as the potential for corruption and undue influence by wealthy interests.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) Citizens United v. FEC - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._FEC.

(2) Citizens United Explained | Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/citizens-united-explained.

(3) FEC | Legal | Citizens United v. FEC. https://www.fec.gov/legal-resources/court-cases/citizens-united-v-fec/.

(4) Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010). https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/citizens_united_v._federal_election_commission_%282010%29.

Super PACs are political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, individuals, and associations to support or oppose candidates and causes¹. Some examples of super PACs are:

• - **American Crossroads**: A conservative super PAC founded by Karl Rove, which has supported Republican candidates and causes¹.
• - **Priorities USA Action**: A liberal super PAC that has supported Democratic candidates and causes, particularly in recent presidential elections¹.
• - **Right to Rise**: A super PAC that supported Jeb Bush's failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016².
• - **Conservative Solutions PAC**: A super PAC that supported Marco Rubio's failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016².
• - **The Lincoln Project**: A super PAC formed by former Republicans who opposed Donald Trump's presidency and reelection³.
• - **EMILY's List**: A super PAC that supports left-leaning, female, pro-choice candidates running for office⁴.
• - **Future Forward**: A liberal super PAC that spent heavily on anti-Trump ads in the 2020 election⁵.
• - **American Bridge 21st Century**: A liberal super PAC that conducts opposition research and runs ads against Republican candidates⁵.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) List of SuperPACs | SuperPACs.com. https://www.superpacs.com/list.

(2) The Role of Super PACs in US Politics - ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-super-pac-3367928.

(3) Super PACs • OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/super-pacs/2020.

(4) What is a PAC? Political Action Committee types, explained. - USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/10/20/political-action-committee-types-explained/10535070002/.

(5) The Leading Democratic Super PACs of 2020 - Blue Tent. https://bluetent.us/articles/campaigns-elections/leading-democratic-super-pacs-of-2020/.

Super PACs are required to report their donors to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on a monthly or semiannual basis in off-years, and monthly in the year of an election². You can find out who is funding a super PAC by accessing the FEC website and searching for the name of the super PAC. You can also use other websites that track and analyze campaign finance data, such as OpenSecrets.org³, which provides detailed information on super PACs' receipts and expenditures. Another option is to use an app like Super PAC App, which allows you to identify the super PAC behind a political ad by holding up your phone to the TV⁴. However, some super PACs may receive money from nonprofit organizations that do not disclose their donors, making it difficult to trace the original sources of funding. This is often referred to as **dark money**⁵.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/.

(2) Use Super PAC App To Find Out Who Is Funding Political Ads. https://www.cultofmac.com/186641/use-super-pac-app-to-find-out-who-is-funding-political-ads/.

(3) Nine things you need to know about super PACs. https://sunlightfoundation.com/2012/01/31/nine-things-you-need-know-about-super-pacs/.

(4) Registering as a Super PAC - FEC. https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/filing-pac-reports/registering-super-pac/.

(5) Super PACs • OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/super-pacs/2020.

Nonprofits do not disclose their donors for various reasons, depending on the type and purpose of the organization. Some nonprofits, such as 501(c)(3) organizations, are prohibited from engaging in political activity and must disclose their donors to the IRS, but not to the public¹. These organizations may want to protect the privacy and anonymity of their donors, who may not want to be associated with certain causes or issues. Other nonprofits, such as 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations, are allowed to engage in some political activity and do not have to disclose their donors to the IRS or the public². These organizations may want to avoid public scrutiny or backlash from their political spending, or shield their donors from potential harassment or retaliation. Some of these nonprofits may also receive money from other nonprofit organizations that do not disclose their donors, creating a layer of opacity that makes it difficult to trace the original sources of funding. This is often referred to as **dark money**³. However, some states may require nonprofits to disclose their donors for purposes related to state tax administration, enforcement of state campaign finance laws, or enforcement of state consumer protection laws². Nonprofits that operate in multiple states may have to comply with different disclosure requirements depending on the state laws.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) 501(c)(3) Organizations Must Meet Inspection and Disclosure .... https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/tax-exempt_nonprofits_must_meet_inspection_and_disclosure_requirements.pdf.

(2) Should Nonprofits Be Required To Publicly Disclose Their Donors? - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/timothyjmcclimon/2019/09/16/should-nonprofits-be-required-to-publicly-disclose-their-donors/.

(3) IRS Issues Final Regulations on Nonprofit Donor Disclosure on Form 990 .... https://www.venable.com/insights/publications/2020/05/irs-issues-final-regulations-on-nonprofit-donor.

(4) Dark Money Basics • OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/dark-money/basics.

(5) Public Disclosure Requirements for 501c3 Nonprofits - Form 1023 Tax .... https://form1023.org/tax-exempt-organizations-public-disclosure-requirements.

Nonprofits engage in political activity in different ways, depending on the type and purpose of the organization. Some nonprofits, such as 501(c)(3) organizations, are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity, which involves supporting or opposing individual candidates or political parties¹. However, they can engage in nonpartisan political activity, which involves educating the public about social issues, advocating for their mission and cause, and encouraging civic participation². For example, a nonprofit that works on environmental issues can publish a report on climate change, lobby for environmental legislation, or organize a voter registration drive, as long as they do not endorse or oppose any candidates or parties. Other nonprofits, such as 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations, are allowed to engage in some partisan political activity, as long as it is not their primary purpose³. They can support or oppose candidates or parties through independent expenditures, such as ads or mailers, but they cannot coordinate with candidates or parties or donate money directly to them³. For example, a nonprofit that works on gun rights can run an ad supporting a candidate who shares their views on gun policy, but they cannot give money to the candidate's campaign or consult with the candidate on the ad.

Political activity by nonprofits is legal as long as they follow the rules and regulations that apply to their type of organization. The main agency that monitors nonprofits for compliance of federal regulations is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which grants tax-exempt status to nonprofits and reviews their annual tax returns⁴. The IRS can revoke the tax-exempt status of a nonprofit that violates the rules on political activity, or impose penalties such as excise taxes or fines⁴. However, the IRS does not have the authority to regulate the content or quality of political speech by nonprofits. Other agencies that may have some oversight over nonprofits and political activity include the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which enforces campaign finance laws and requires disclosure of some political spending by nonprofits, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates broadcast media and requires disclosure of some political advertising by nonprofits.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) Rules Governing Nonprofits and Political Activity: A Brief Overview .... https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/rules-governing-nonprofits-and-political-activity-brief-overview.

(2) Nonprofit Organizations And Politics: Be Sure To Toggle - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2019/09/13/nonprofit-organizations-and-politics-be-sure-to-toggle/.

(3) How Political Activity by Noprofits Is Regulated - LiveAbout. https://www.liveabout.com/can-nonprofits-engage-in-political-activity-2501879.

(4) Nonprofits and Political Activities | Charity Lawyer Blog. https://charitylawyerblog.com/2019/02/25/nonprofits-political-activities/.

Dark money donors are hard to identify because they use various methods to hide their identities and sources of funding. However, some websites and organizations have tried to track and expose some of the top dark money donors by analyzing tax forms, campaign finance reports, and other public records. Based on the data from OpenSecrets.org¹, which is one of the most comprehensive sources of information on dark money, here is a list of the top 20 dark money donors in the 2020 election cycle, ranked by the amount of grants they gave to politically active nonprofits and their affiliates:

• - **Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce**: $323,936,500
• - **Center to Protect Patient Rights**: $169,148,666
• - **Crossroads GPS**: $64,200,000
• - **Sea Change Foundation**: $62,219,482
• - **ClimateWorks**: $51,500,000
• - **TC4 Trust**: $47,505,300
• - **Atlantic Advocacy Fund**: $42,692,000
• - **Americans for Job Security**: $24,645,750
• - **Advocacy Fund**: $24,307,616
• - **Wellspring Committee**: $24,167,552
• - **Sixteen Thirty Fund**: $21,500,000
• - **American Action Network**: $20,000,000
• - **America Votes Action Fund**: $19,500,000
• - **American Future Fund**: $18,250,000
• - **American Encore**: $17,750,000
• - **America's Voice Education Fund**: $16,500,000
• - **American Bridge 21st Century Foundation**: $16,250,000
• - **The 1630 Fund**: $15,500,000
• - **Defending Democracy Together**: $15,250,000
• - **The Fairness Project Action Fund**: $15,000,000

These donors represent a mix of conservative and liberal groups that have various agendas and interests. Some of them are affiliated with prominent figures or organizations in politics or business. For example:

• - Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce is a conservative group that was founded by the Koch brothers and has supported Republican candidates and causes².
• - Center to Protect Patient Rights is a conservative group that was also linked to the Koch network and has funded various groups that opposed Obamacare and other liberal policies³.
• - Crossroads GPS is a conservative group that was co-founded by Karl Rove and has supported Republican candidates and causes.
• - Sea Change Foundation is a liberal group that has funded various environmental groups and initiatives.
• - ClimateWorks is a liberal group that has funded various climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• - TC4 Trust is a conservative group that has funded various groups that opposed Obamacare and other liberal policies.
• - Atlantic Advocacy Fund is a liberal group that has funded various groups that supported immigration reform and other progressive causes.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) Top Donors • OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/dark-money/top-donors.

(2) ‘Dark money’ topped $1 billion in 2020, largely ... - OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2021/03/one-billion-dark-money-2020-electioncycle/.

(3) Democrats Decried Dark Money. Then They Won With It in 2020.. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/29/us/politics/democrats-dark-money-donors.html.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) Dark money - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_money.

(2) Senate examines role of ‘dark money’ in delaying climate action. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/21/senate-budget-committee-dark-money-climate-action?ref=upstract.com.

(3) Dark Money Definition - Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dark-money.asp.

(4) Dark Money Basics • OpenSecrets. https://www.opensecrets.org/dark-money/basics.

OSCAR WINNING PERFORMANCE BY A ENSEMBLE IN A POLITICAL DRAMA - GOP FEVER DREAM THE CENSURE OF REP. ADAM SCHIFF

 

OSCAR WINNING PERFORMANCE BY A ENSEMBLE IN A POLITICAL DRAMA

GOP FEVER DREAM: THE CENSURE OF REP. ADAM SCHIFF

Are you ready to take a gander into the latest political drama? Buckle up, because the GOP fever dream is in full swing with the censure of Rep. Adam Schiff. And who's leading the way? None other than the MAGA crazies themselves.

First, let's talk about the ensemble performance that deserves an Oscar. The Republicans have truly outdone themselves in their portrayal of a group of bumbling buffoons trying to take down Schiff. It's like watching a bunch of toddlers try to play chess - you can't help but laugh at their ineptitude.

But let's not forget about Schiff, who is giving an Oscar-worthy performance of his own. He's like the calm, collected hero in the middle of a tornado of chaos. The Republicans are throwing everything they've got at him, but he just keeps on truckin'.

Now, onto the actual drama. The GOP is trying to censure Schiff for his role in the impeachment inquiry. Apparently, they're upset that he paraphrased President Trump's infamous "perfect" phone call with the Ukrainian president. But let's be real - they're just mad that Schiff is doing his job and holding Trump accountable for his actions.

And who's leading the charge? The MAGA crazies, of course. These are the same people who believe that Trump is a stable genius and that climate change is a hoax. They're like a cult, blindly following their leader no matter what he says or does.

But here's the thing - censuring Schiff isn't going to change the fact that Trump tried to coerce a foreign country into investigating his political rival. It's like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound - it might make you feel better temporarily, but it's not going to solve the underlying problem.

So, to sum it up - the GOP is staging a political drama that would make Shakespeare roll in his grave, and the MAGA crazies are leading the charge. But in the end, it's all just a distraction from the real issue at hand - Trump's blatant abuse of power. And if you ask me, that's not very funny at all.

SE Cupp: The hypocrisy of censuring Adam Schiff | CNN https://www.cnn.com/videos/opinions/2023/06/22/adam-schiff-censure-house-gop-se-cupp-vpx.cnn 

House votes along party lines to censure Rep. Adam Schiff : NPR https://www.npr.org/2023/06/21/1183564794/schiff-censure-house-republicans 

House erupts in disorder after Republicans censure top Democrat Adam Schiff, in rare move https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/house-republicans-poised-censure-adam-schiff/story?id=100281804

PANDEMIC KILLS STANDARDIZED TESTING SCORES

  PANDEMIC KILLS STANDARDIZED TESTING SCORES 

AS WELL AS OVER 1300 TEACHERS AND STAFF AND 1,015 STUDENTS

Are you ready for some devastating news? The pandemic has claimed more victims than we thought: standardized testing scores. Yes, you read that right. Those pesky tests that have caused countless students to break out in hives and teachers to lose sleep have fallen victim to the pandemic.

You might be wondering how this is possible. Well, it's simple. With schools closing down and transitioning to online learning, students were left without the traditional classroom environment that they were used to. No more in-person lectures, no more group projects, no more pop quizzes (well, maybe that's a good thing). Instead, students were forced to adapt to a new way of learning that didn't exactly cater to their strengths.

As a result, standardized testing scores have plummeted. It's like the pandemic took a wrecking ball to the education system and left nothing but chaos in its wake. And to make matters worse, over 1300 teachers and staff have lost their lives due to the virus, along with 1,015 students. It's a tragedy that we can't even begin to comprehend.

But let's not dwell on the negative. Instead, let's focus on the silver lining. With standardized testing scores taking a hit, maybe we can finally start to question the validity of these tests. Are they really an accurate measure of a student's intelligence? Or are they just a way for schools to rank themselves against each other?

It's time for us to rethink the way we approach education. We need to focus on individualized learning and cater to each student's unique strengths and weaknesses. We need to prioritize hands-on learning and real-world experiences over memorization and regurgitation.

So, while the pandemic may have caused some damage to our education system, it's also given us an opportunity to make some much-needed changes. Let's take this as a wake-up call and start working towards a better future for our students. After all, they're the ones who will be leading us into the future.

THE DEFT DIVE

NAEP Scores Show Effects of Pandemic: Duh. https://dianeravitch.net/2023/06/22/naep-scores-shiw-effects-of-pandemic-duh/ via @dianeravitch

According to Education Week¹, as of December 19, 2022, at least **1,308** active and retired K-12 educators and personnel had died of COVID-19 in the US. Of those, **451** were active teachers. The New York Times² reports that the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation’s largest teachers’ unions, knows of at least **530** educators who have died from COVID-19 as of January 29, 2021. CNN³ and The Guardian⁵ also mention that hundreds of educators have died of COVID-19, but there is no definitive number that records exactly how many.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) Educators We Lost to COVID, 2020-2022 - Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/educators-weve-lost-to-the-coronavirus/2020/04.

(2) The Impact of Teacher Deaths - The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/us/the-impact-of-teacher-deaths.html.

(3) Teachers have lost colleagues to Covid-19 and worry about being ... - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/03/us/teachers-dying-covid-trnd/index.html.

(4) ‘Exhausted and underpaid’: teachers across the US are leaving their .... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/04/teachers-quitting-jobs-covid-record-numbers.

(5) Investigative report into US state teacher retirement system data .... https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2022/08/22/ret--a22.html.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)¹, as of December 18, 2021, at least **1,015** children ages 0–17 have died from COVID-19 in the United States. The New York Times² reports that more than **397,000** cases have been identified on college campuses since the pandemic began. The World Socialist Web Site³ also mentions that at least **2,101** educators and school staff have died from COVID-19. However, these numbers may not be complete or accurate, as different sources may have different methods of collecting and reporting data.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) Provisional COVID-19 Deaths: Focus on Ages 0-18 Years - Data. https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Deaths-Focus-on-Ages-0-18-Yea/nr4s-juj3.

(2) Tracking the Coronavirus at U.S. Colleges and Universities. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/covid-college-cases-tracker.html.

(3) Over 1,000 children have died from COVID-19 in the United States. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/12/21/chi1-d21.html.

(4) Coronavirus: COVID Deaths in U.S. by Age, Race. https://www.acsh.org/news/2020/06/23/coronavirus-covid-deaths-us-age-race-14863.

The vaccination rates among students and teachers may vary by state, school district, and age group. According to the CDC¹, as of April 6, 2021, nearly **80 percent** of Pre-K-12 teachers, school staff, and childcare workers received at least their first shot of COVID-19 vaccine. According to The New York Times³, as of October 4, 2021, about **95 percent** of all full-time school employees in New York City have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, including **96 percent** of teachers and **99 percent** of principals. However, these numbers may not reflect the current situation or the national average, as vaccination rates may change over time and depend on various factors such as vaccine availability, eligibility, and mandates.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) Nearly 80 percent of teachers, school staff, and childcare workers .... https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0406-teachers-staff-vaccine.html.

(2) Vaccination rates rise among teachers and other employees as a mandate .... https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/nyregion/vaccination-rates-rise-among-teachers-as-mandate-takes-effect-in-nyc-schools.html.

(3) Vaccination Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates Among .... https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7116a1.htm.

The pandemic has had a negative effect on standardized testing scores for many students across the country. According to a federal study¹, math and reading scores for America's 9-year-olds fell dramatically during the first two years of the pandemic, with reading scores seeing their largest decrease in 30 years and math scores having their first decrease in the history of the testing regimen. The study also found that students of color saw some of the steepest decreases, widening the racial achievement gap. Other sources²³⁴⁵⁶ also report similar findings of lower test scores and increased learning gaps during the pandemic. The pandemic has disrupted schools' vaccination requirement and provisional enrollment policies, documentation, and assessment activities. As schools continue to return to in-person learning, enforcement of vaccination policies and follow-up with undervaccinated students are important to improve vaccination coverage.

Bing, 6/22/2023

(1) 13-year-olds lack 'basic skills' in reading, math as standardized test scores reach lowest in years: US data. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/13-year-olds-lack-basic-skills-in-reading-math-as-standardized-test-scores-reach-lowest-in-years-us-data/ar-AA1cQrYj.

(2) Online learning again linked to lower test scores. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/online-learning-again-linked-to-lower-test-scores/ar-AA1cxGpD.

(3) Latest national test results show striking drop in 13-year-olds’ math and reading scores. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/since-the-pandemic-13-year-olds-have-lost-ground-in-math-and-reading/ar-AA1cP2nT.

(4) Math, reading scores plummet during COVID-19 : NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/09/01/1120510251/reading-math-test-scores-pandemic.

(5) The pandemic has had devastating impacts on learning. What ... - Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2022/03/03/the-pandemic-has-had-devastating-impacts-on-learning-what-will-it-take-to-help-students-catch-up/.

(6) Class During Covid: The “Covid-slide” in standardized test scores. https://www.nbc15.com/2021/01/25/class-during-covid-the-covid-slide-in-standardized-test-scores/.