Latest News and Comment from Education

Saturday, July 1, 2023

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 7-1-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech

 

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-24-23 

Big Education Ape: LAUSD BOARD PRESIDENT JACKIE GOLDBERG CALLED OUT ANTI-GAY EXTREMIST PROTESTERS IN VIRAL SPEECH #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/lausd-board-president-jackie-goldberg.html 





Big Education Ape: WHAT EVERY TEACHER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT CHATGPT BEFORE THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/what-every-teacher-needs-to-know-about.html










Big Education Ape: BREAKING NEWS: RANDI WEINGARTEN JOINS OTHER DEMOCRATIC WOMEN AS THE NEWEST TARGET OF THE MAGA WOMAN HATERS CLUB https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/breaking-news-randi-weingarten-joins.html 









Big Education Ape: HAVING 'THE MAN' ON CAMPUS ARE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (SROs) AND/OR CAMPUS POLICE NECESSARY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/having-man-on-campus-are-school.html









Big Education Ape: THE NEW GILDED AGE: WHERE ARE THE TRUST BUSTERS WHEN YOU NEED THEM https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-new-gilded-age-where-are-trust.html 











Big Education Ape: CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM: TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN THAT IS THE QUESTION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/cell-phones-in-classroom-to-ban-or-not.html












Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-24-23 #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-6-24-23.html











Big Education Ape: AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS: REUTERS ASK WHAT'S IN YOUR WOODPILE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/americas-family-secrets-reuters-ask.html












Sunday, June 25, 2023 THE SUPREME COURT: HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND OR A CONCLAVE OF BISHOPS IN BLACK ROBES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-supreme-court-highest-court-in-land.html











Big Education Ape: FLORIDA SCHOOL SAFETY: GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/florida-school-safety-good-news-and-bad.html 













OTHER GREAT READS THIS WEEK FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE

YESTERDAY

Privatization and corporate education reform have been touted as the saviors of our education system. However, as with any movement, there are always those who seek to exploit it for their own gain. And in the case of privatization and corporate education reform, that exploitation has taken the form of corruption, crimes, and scandals. Let's start with corruption. It's no secret that privatizati

JUN 29

In a shocking announcement, the Sac City Unified School District revealed that Superintendent Jorge Aguilar will be stepping down on Friday. This news has left many wondering what went wrong, but the truth is that Aguilar is just the latest in a long line of failed corporate education reform superintendents. Over the years, SCUSD has been reformed nearly to death by billionaire-sponsored sups he
Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters have some explaining to do after the Oklahoma State Auditor identified five schools that received preferential treatment in the 2021 fiscal year. The Oklahoma Capitol is buzzing after an audit revealed $30 million of questionable spending. The auditor's report has caused quite a stir in the state, with many people wondering how these sch
Attention all students! Are you tired of actually studying and doing the work to get good grades? Well, fear not my fellow lazy comrades, because AI cheating is here to save the day! For those of you who don't know, AI (Artificial Intelligence) cheating is when a computer program or algorithm is used to cheat on tests or assignments. It's the perfect solution for those who want to get ahead with

JUN 28

In a shocking report published in Criminology in June 2023, Benjamin W. Fisher and Alex O. Widdowson have found that school suspensions are turning Black and Hispanic students into criminals. That's right, folks, the very act of suspending a student from school is amplifying their risk of later arrest! Who knew detention could be so dangerous? According to the report, White students are immune t
If you thought the future of public education in America was all doom and gloom, think again! There's a movement afoot by billionaires to privatize public education and turn it into a profit center for capitalism. And if that doesn't make you laugh, we don't know what will! But seriously, folks, there are pros and cons to this whole privatization thing. On the one hand, it could lead to more com
Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your hats because we have a wild story for you today. It's a tale of hostile takeovers, meat axes, and yes men. That's right, we're talking about the recent occupation of the Houston Independent School District by the state of Texas. The state decided to install their own guy, a certain MeatAxe Mike Miles, as the czar of the district. Now, if you're not familiar w

JUN 27

Are you ready to hear about the latest craze in school security? That's right folks, it's the one, the only, campus police! Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait, won't having police officers on campus make our kids safer?" Well, hold onto your hats because we're about to dive into the pros and cons of having these law enforcement officials patrolling our schools. First up, let's talk abou
CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN THAT IS THE QUESTION Ah, the age-old debate of whether to allow cell phones in the classroom. It's a topic that has been discussed by educators, parents, and students alike for years. Some say that cell phones are a valuable tool for learning, while others argue that they are a distraction and should be banned altogether. So, what's the verdict? L
AMERICA'S FAMILY SECRETS REUTERS ASK WHAT'S IN YOUR WOODPILE Ladies and gentlemen, gather around! Do you know what's hiding in your woodpile? No, it's not just termites and spiders. It's something much more sinister - slavery's descendants. Yes, you heard that right. According to a recent investigation by Reuters, over 100 of America's leaders - lawmakers, presidents, governors, and justices - ha
FLORIDA SCHOOL SAFETY GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS Attention all Floridians! As of July 1st, permitless carry will be the law of the land. That's right, no permit and no training needed to legally carry a concealed weapon. Because who needs safety training when you can just wing it, am I right? But fear not, dear citizens. The good news is that there will be fewer active shooter drills in schools. Beca

JUN 26

THE NEW GILDED AGE WHERE ARE THE TRUST BUSTERS WHEN YOU NEED THEM If you think that the billionaires of today are bad for society, you might want to take a look at the history books and see how the robber barons of the Gilded Age were even worse. Or were they? The robber barons were the wealthy industrialists who dominated whole industries like railroads, banking, oil, and steel in the late ninet
In a shocking turn of events, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has become the latest target of the MAGA Woman Haters Club. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, there's a club for that now. Weingarten, who is a lawyer, an educator, and a political activist, has been accused of everything from promoting "filth" and "Marxist indoctrination" in public sc

JUN 25

Ah, the Supreme Court. The highest court in the land, the final arbiter of justice, the...conclave of bishops in black robes? That's right, folks. The Supreme Court may be the ultimate authority on legal matters, but it's also a group of people who wear some seriously fancy dress. But let's not get distracted by the fashion choices of our esteemed justices. There's a more pressing issue at hand:
If you are a teacher, you may have heard of ChatGPT, the new artificial intelligence tool that can generate text on almost any topic or task. You may also have some questions or concerns about how it will affect your classroom and your students. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what ChatGPT is, what it can do, and what it can't do. We will also share some tips and best pract

JUN 24

School Board President Jackie Goldberg calls out and destroys homophobic protesters. She showcases the book titled "The Great Big Book of Families" and gives a heartfelt, powerful speech about the importance of love and showing respect to lgbtq+ individuals . For more from TYT Investigates, SUBSCRIBE at: / tytinvestigatesre... You can read our stories at https://www.TYT.com/investigates LIKE and
BILLIONAIRE'S PRIVATE ARMIES - BILLIONAIRE'S CHARTER SCHOOLS WHAT COULD GO WRONG Have you ever wondered what billionaires do with their money? Well, besides buying islands and gold-plated toilets, some of them have decided to invest in two of the most absurd industries in the world: private armies and charter schools. Private armies are like the Avengers, but with less spandex and more guns. They
TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-24-23 Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 6-17-23 #PrideMonth 🌈 #Pride2023 🌈 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-6-17-23.html Big Education Ape: WHY POOR KIDS GET SH*TY SCHOOLS AND/OR WHY ARE PROPERTY TAXES ARE THE ULTIMATE SOURCE FOR FUNDING PUBLIC EDUCATION https://bi


Friday, June 30, 2023

THE CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT IS A VEHICLE FOR FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

THE CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT IS A VEHICLE FOR FRAUD AND CORRUPTION

Privatization and corporate education reform have been touted as the saviors of our education system. However, as with any movement, there are always those who seek to exploit it for their own gain. And in the case of privatization and corporate education reform, that exploitation has taken the form of corruption, crimes, and scandals.

Let's start with corruption. It's no secret that privatization and corporate education reform have been driven by money. Private companies see education as a lucrative market, and they're not afraid to use their financial muscle to influence policy. This has led to a system where decisions about education are made not based on what's best for students, but on what's best for the bottom line.

Take, for example, the case of the charter school industry. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately run, and they've been touted as a way to improve education outcomes for students in struggling schools. However, the reality is that many charter schools are run by for-profit companies that prioritize profits over student success. These companies often engage in shady practices like inflating enrollment numbers to receive more funding or using public funds for personal gain.

And then there are the scandals. In recent years, we've seen a number of high-profile cases of fraud and embezzlement in the charter school industry. In 2016, the founder of a chain of charter schools in California was sentenced to four years in prison for embezzling $3.2 million in public funds. In 2018, a charter school in Indiana was shut down after it was revealed that school officials had used public funds to buy luxury cars and take vacations.

But it's not just the charter school industry that's been plagued by corruption and scandal. The push for corporate education reform has also led to a number of questionable practices in traditional public schools. For example, many school districts have signed contracts with private companies to provide services like testing or curriculum development. These contracts often come with hefty price tags and little oversight, leading to accusations of waste and abuse.

So what can be done about all this corruption, crime, and scandal? One solution is to increase transparency and accountability in the education system. This means requiring charter schools and private companies to disclose their finances and operations, as well as holding them accountable for any wrongdoing. It also means ensuring that decisions about education are made based on what's best for students, not what's best for private companies' bottom lines.

In the end, privatization and corporate education reform may have started with good intentions. But when profit becomes the driving force behind education policy, it's students who suffer. It's time to put an end to the corruption, crime, and scandal that have plagued this movement and refocus our efforts on providing all students with a high-quality education.

Here are some of the various crimes that charter schools have been charged with:

  • Falsifying attendance records and test scores: This is a common way for charter schools to inflate their performance and receive more public funding. In some cases, schools have even been caught creating fake students or enrolling students who never attended classes.
  • Stealing public funds: Charter schools are often given public funding based on the number of students they enroll. However, there have been cases of schools inflating their enrollment numbers or pocketing the money meant for students.
  • Improper hiring practices: Charter schools are not always subject to the same hiring regulations as public schools. This has led to cases of schools hiring unqualified teachers or staff, or discriminating against certain groups of students.
  • Abuse of students: There have been cases of charter schools physically or emotionally abusing students. In some cases, schools have even been accused of neglect or endangerment.
  • Financial fraud: Charter schools are often responsible for managing their own finances. This has led to cases of schools misusing funds, engaging in conflicts of interest, or failing to properly account for their spending.
  • Tax evasion: Charter schools are often exempt from paying certain taxes. However, there have been cases of schools failing to report their income or assets to the IRS.
  • Bribery: Charter schools may be tempted to bribe officials in order to secure favorable treatment, such as a renewal of their charter or a larger allocation of public funding.
  • Money laundering: Charter schools may be used as a front for money laundering, a process by which criminals conceal the origins of illegally obtained money.
  • Extortion: Charter schools may be threatened or intimidated by criminals in order to pay them protection money.

These are just a few of the various crimes that charter schools have been charged with. It is important to note that not all charter schools are corrupt, but the cases that have been documented raise serious concerns about the potential for abuse in this sector.

Charter Scandals - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/charter-scandals/ 



California Charter School Scandals Shows the Movement Is a Vehicle for Fraud & Corruption https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a48531/california-charter-schools/ 

Report: California ‘wasting’ millions of dollars funding online charter schools - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/02/02/report-california-wasting-millions-online-charters/ 


Thursday, June 29, 2023

SHOCKER: SAC CITY USD REVEALED THAT SUP JORGE WILL BE STEPPING DOWN

SHOCKER: SAC CITY USD REVEALED THAT SUP JORGE WILL BE STEPPING DOWN

In a shocking announcement, the Sac City Unified School District revealed that Superintendent Jorge Aguilar will be stepping down on Friday. This news has left many wondering what went wrong, but the truth is that Aguilar is just the latest in a long line of failed corporate education reform superintendents.

Over the years, SCUSD has been reformed nearly to death by billionaire-sponsored sups hellbent on privatizing and destroying public education. And while some may argue that these superintendents had good intentions, the reality is that they were all more interested in lining their own pockets than in improving the lives of students.

Let's take a look at the long list of SCUSD superintendents who have come and gone:

Jorge A. Aguilar – July 1, 2017 to yesterday

JosĆ© L. Banda – August 1, 2014 to June 30, 2017

Sara Noguchi, Ed. D, (interim) – January 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014

Jonathan P. Raymond – August 21, 2009 to December 31, 2013

Susan Miller, (interim) – July 1, 2008 to August 20, 2009

Dr. M. Magdalena Carrillo Mejia – January 5, 2004 to June 30, 2008

Chuck McCully, (interim) – July 9, 2003 to December 19, 2003

Dr. Jim Sweeney, (interim) February 3, 1997 to October 11, 1997; Appointed Superintendent, October 12, 1997 to July 8, 2003

Mr. Ted D. Kimbrough (interim) February 6, 1996 – May 6, 1996; Appointed Superintendent, May 7, 1996 – February 20, 1997

Dr. Jim Sweeney (interim) November 8, 1995 – February 5, 1996

Dr. Terry Grier, June 1, 1994-November 7, 1995

As you can see, the turnover rate for SCUSD superintendents is higher than a hot potato in a game of hot potato. It's no wonder that the district is in such disarray.

But fear not, dear readers! The board has promised to find a superintendent who actually loves public education and wants to improve it instead of ending it. And let's be honest, that shouldn't be too hard to find.

In fact, I hear that there's a retired teacher who lives down the street from me who would be perfect for the job. She's got a heart of gold and a passion for education that could light up a room. Plus, she's never taken a dime from a billionaire or tried to privatize anything in her life.

So come on SCUSD board, give her a call! And while you're at it, maybe take a look at your hiring process and figure out why you keep hiring these corporate shills in the first place.

In conclusion, we wish Jorge Aguilar all the best in his future endeavors. May he find a job that aligns with his true values and doesn't involve destroying the futures of our children. And may SCUSD finally find a superintendent who cares more about education than their own bank account.

Bing, 6/29/2023

Sac City Unified Superintendent Jorge A. Aguilar to step down at end of June. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careers/sac-city-unified-superintendent-jorge-a-aguilar-to-step-down-at-end-of-june/ar-AA1dbHna.

Superintendent - Sacramento City Unified School District. https://www.scusd.edu/superintendent.

Sacramento City Unified superintendent to step down after 6 tumultuous years with district. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sacramento-city-unified-superintendent-step-004606721.html.

Sac City Unified Superintendent Jorge A. Aguilar to step ... - CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/sac-city-unified-superintendent-jorge-a-aguilar-to-step-down-at-end-of-june/.

Sacramento City Unified superintendent to step down at end of June. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/sacramento-city-unified-superintendent-to-step-down-at-end-of-june/ar-AA1dbMMX.


OKLA GOV. STITT, STATE SUP. WALTERS YOU HAVE SOME SPLAININ TO DO

 

OKLA GOV. STITT, STATE SUP. WALTERS YOU HAVE SOME SPLAININ TO DO

Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters have some explaining to do after the Oklahoma State Auditor identified five schools that received preferential treatment in the 2021 fiscal year. The Oklahoma Capitol is buzzing after an audit revealed $30 million of questionable spending.

The auditor's report has caused quite a stir in the state, with many people wondering how these schools were able to receive preferential treatment. Was it because of their connections? Did they bribe someone? Or did they simply have a really good PR team?

One thing is for sure, the governor and state superintendent are feeling the heat. They are now under intense scrutiny and are being asked to explain why these schools were given preferential treatment. The people of Oklahoma want answers, and they want them now.

In a press conference, Governor Stitt tried to brush off the accusations, saying that the auditor's report was just a "misunderstanding." He went on to say that he had full confidence in Superintendent Walters and that he believed the schools in question deserved the extra funding.

But the people of Oklahoma are not buying it. They want to know why these schools were given preferential treatment, and they want to know now.

As for Superintendent Walters, he has been keeping a low profile since the audit was released. He has yet to comment on the allegations, but many people are calling for his resignation.

The auditor's report has also sparked a wave of humor on social media. Many Oklahomans are taking to Twitter to poke fun at the situation. One user tweeted, "I guess it pays to be the teacher's pet," while another joked, "I wonder if I can get preferential treatment at my job if I bring in donuts every day."

All jokes aside, this is a serious situation. The people of Oklahoma deserve transparency and accountability from their elected officials. The governor and state superintendent need to take responsibility for their actions and explain why these schools were given preferential treatment.

In conclusion, the auditor's report has caused quite a stir in Oklahoma. The governor and state superintendent are under intense scrutiny, and the people of Oklahoma want answers. While there may be some humor to be found in the situation, it is important to remember that this is a serious matter that requires transparency and accountability.

State Auditor identifies 5 schools that received 'preferential treatment' in 2021 fiscal y | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/state-auditor-identifies-5-schools-that-received-preferential-treatment-in-2021-fiscal-year 

Oklahoma Capitol buzzing after audit identifies $30M of questionable spending https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-g87_4XaxM 


AI SAYS CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER

 

AI SAYS CHEATERS NEVER PROSPER 

Attention all students! Are you tired of actually studying and doing the work to get good grades? Well, fear not my fellow lazy comrades, because AI cheating is here to save the day!

For those of you who don't know, AI (Artificial Intelligence) cheating is when a computer program or algorithm is used to cheat on tests or assignments. It's the perfect solution for those who want to get ahead without actually putting in any effort.

But wait, you may be asking, isn't cheating wrong? Of course it is, but who cares about morals when you can get straight A's without lifting a finger?

However, there are some issues with AI cheating that we should address. Firstly, it's not exactly foolproof. Teachers and professors are becoming more aware of this type of cheating and are taking steps to prevent it. So, if you're going to cheat, you better make sure you're using a top-notch AI program.

Secondly, there's the issue of fairness. If everyone starts using AI cheating, then what's the point of even having tests and assignments? It becomes a competition of who has the best AI program, rather than who has the best understanding of the subject matter.

But fear not, my fellow cheaters, because there are solutions to these issues. Firstly, we need to make sure that our AI programs are top-notch and undetectable. This means investing in high-quality programs that can mimic human behavior and responses.

Secondly, we need to make sure that not everyone is using AI cheating. This means keeping it on the down-low and only sharing it with our closest confidants. We don't want to ruin a good thing by making it too popular.

Now, let's talk about some of the hilarious news stories surrounding AI cheating. In one instance, a student used an AI program to write their entire essay for them. The only problem? The program was set to "joke mode" and the essay ended up being a series of nonsensical puns and one-liners. Needless to say, they didn't get a good grade.

In another instance, a student used an AI program to take their online test for them. However, the program ended up glitching and selecting all of the wrong answers. The student ended up failing the test and getting caught for cheating.

So, while AI cheating may seem like the perfect solution for lazy students everywhere, it's not without its flaws. But hey, if you're willing to take the risk and invest in a top-notch program, then go for it! Just don't blame us if you end up failing miserably.

In conclusion, AI cheating may be a funny and tempting solution for those who don't want to put in the work, but it's not without its risks. So, if you're going to cheat, do it at your own risk and make sure you have a good sense of humor about it. After all, what's the point of getting good grades if you can't laugh about how you got them?

Suspicion, Cheating and Bans: A.I. Hits America’s Schools - The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/podcasts/the-daily/ai-chat-gpt-schools.html


Bing, 6/29/2023

How to Tackle AI—and Cheating—in the Classroom. https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-tackle-ai-and-cheating-in-schools-classroom/.

My AI girlfriend saved my marriage — most people don’t think it’s cheating. https://nypost.com/2023/06/16/my-ai-girlfriend-saved-my-marriage-its-not-cheating/.

Is Using AI Cheating? Teacher Shows Students ChatGPT So They Can Complete Their Assignments and Get Ahead. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/is-using-ai-cheating-teacher-shows-students-chatgpt-so-they-can-complete-their-assignments-and-get-ahead/ar-AA1cZgH2.

How ChatGPT and similar AI will disrupt education - Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/chatgpt-ai-artificial-intelligence-education-cheating-accuracy?ref=upstract.com.

Cheaters beware: ChatGPT maker releases AI detection tool | AP News. https://apnews.com/article/technology-education-colleges-and-universities-france-a0ab654549de387316404a7be019116b.

Australian universities to return to ‘pen and paper’ exams after .... https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/10/universities-to-return-to-pen-and-paper-exams-after-students-caught-using-ai-to-write-essays.

Combating Academic Dishonesty, Part 6: ChatGPT, AI, and Academic .... https://academictech.uchicago.edu/2023/01/23/combating-academic-dishonesty-part-6-chatgpt-ai-and-academic-integrity/.

How ChatGPT and similar AI will disrupt education - Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/chatgpt-ai-artificial-intelligence-education-cheating-accuracy.

The First Year of AI College Ends in Ruin. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/05/chatbot-cheating-college-campuses/674073/.