Latest News and Comment from Education

Saturday, October 7, 2023

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 10-7-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech #StandUpUAW

 

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 10-7-23

Big Education Ape: BULLYING 101: OKLA SPI RYAN RASPUTIN WALTERS USING PLAYGROUND TACTICS TO FURTHER HIS POLITICAL CAREER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/bullying-101-okla-spi-ryan-rasputin.html






Big Education Ape: STARVING TEACHERS CHOOSE THE RIGHT GIG JOB TO AVOID GETTING FIRED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/starving-teachers-choose-right-gig-job.html 







Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-30-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech #StandUpUAW https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-9-30-23.html 






Big Education Ape: THE BANALITY OF EVIL: TRUMP'S FOLLOWERS AND THE DANGERS OF BLIND OBEDIENCE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-banality-of-evil-trumps-followers.html







Big Education Ape: PHILLY CHARTER SCHOOLS: THE BEYONCE OF EDUCATION OR JUST ANOTHER ONE HIT WONDER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/philly-charter-schools-beyonce-of.html 






Big Education Ape: IDEA CLASH AT COLLEGE: ACADEMIC FREEDOM OF SPEECH VS. STFU MENTALITY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/idea-clash-at-college-academic-freedom.html 







Big Education Ape: THE VIRGINITY COMPLEX: HOW ABSTINENCE ONLY SEX EDUCATION FAILS KIDS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-virginity-complex-how-abstinence.html







Big Education Ape: OHIO EDUCATION: FROM A.B.C.S TO MAGA-ZED - THE ALPHABET SOUP OF CHAOS (AKA FLAMING VOUCHERS) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/ohio-education-from-abcs-to-maga-zed.html 






Big Education Ape: TO AI OR NOT TO AI? THAT IS THE QUESTION AND THE ANSWER IS COMPLICATED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/to-ai-or-not-to-ai-that-is-question-and.html 







Big Education Ape: ULTRA MAGA VS MEGA MAGA VS SANITY: THE HILARIOUS BATTLE OVER THE CARCASS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/10/ultra-maga-vs-mega-maga-vs-sanity.html 






OTHER GREAT READS THIS WEEK FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE



Big Education Ape: GLORIA JOHNSON STANDING TALL FOR TENNESSEE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/gloria-johnson-standing-tall-for.html

#StandUpUAW

YESTERDAY

Remember the good old days when Ohio public schools were considered some of the best in America? Yeah, me neither. It seems like just yesterday when our state was known for its stellar education system, but now we're no better than those red states that everyone loves to make fun of. How did we get here? Well, it's a long and hilarious story. According to a report from Policy Matters Ohio, our b
MORE SCANDALS CHARTER SCHOOLS THE DODO BIRDS OF SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO LEAVE A NASTY TASTE IN EVERYONE'S MOUTH Another day, another charter school scandal. It seems like every time you turn around, there's another story about how charter schools are screwing over parents, students, and the community at large. And yet, somehow, we're still surprised when we hear about it. It's like watching a horror
Welcome to the Satanic Temple, where we believe in individual liberties, secularism, and the right to not be physically or psychologically abused. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good Satanic ritual every now and then? But in all seriousness, we have launched the Protect Children Project, which aims to provide students with a legal way to exempt themselves from abusive treatment in schoo

OCT 05

Oh, boy! Have you heard the latest news from the Houston Independent School District (HISD)? It's a real doozy, folks! Apparently, there's been a bit of a scandal involving an eighth-grade reading assignment. And let me tell you, it's a doozy! So, here's the lowdown. The assignment in question contained some mature content. We're talking about a passage from none other than the legendary Maya An
TEACHERS PAY PENALTY REACHES RECORD HIGH BILLIONAIRES CELEBRATE DEFUNDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CRUSHING TEACHERS SPIRITS Attention all billionaires! Are you tired of public education being accessible to the masses? Sick of teachers having livable wages and benefits? Well, have no fear, the Billionaires Playbook for Destroying Public Education is here! First on the agenda, defund schools. Why waste

OCT 03

Ohio's education system has become the center of attention, and it's not because they've discovered a new way to teach math that actually makes sense. No, it's because Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has passed a bill that is hell-bent on destroying the public school system. And, let's be honest, who needs an educated populace anyway? Ignorance is bliss, right? The bill, known as HB 33, is part of the sta
It's a tale as old as time: you elect a Karen to the school board, and suddenly you're knee-deep in restraining orders and court appearances. Such is the case with Darbi "Karen" Boddy, a conservative member of the Lakota school board who has caused quite the stir in her short time in office. Now, I know what you're thinking: "But wait, isn't 'Karen' just a derogatory term for entitled white wome
IT YOU AREN'T OUTRAGED YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION THE PROBLEM WITH NO ACCOUNTABILITY CHARTER SCHOOL BULLSHIT Charter schools have been in the news a lot lately, and not for good reasons. They've been charged with fraud, embezzlement, mismanagement, and child abuse. And now, to add insult to injury, one of the co-founders of Breakthrough Charter Schools in Cleveland, Ohio has been arrested and c

OCT 02

As we reflect on the events of January 6th, it's easy to label Trump's followers as red-eyed monsters, blindly following their leader into a violent insurrection. But the truth is much more banal and disturbing. These were ordinary Americans, blinded by their own prejudices and empowered by Trump's violent rhetoric. The concept of the banality of evil, coined by philosopher Hannah Arendt (*see b
Ah, Philadelphia charter schools. The topic that's more controversial than a cheesesteak with ketchup. But fear not, dear readers, for I have embarked on a quest to uncover the truth about these elusive institutions. And let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. First off, let's talk about how charter schools work. They receive government funding but are managed privately by nonprofits. It's like
Are college campuses friendlier to liberals than conservatives when it comes to free speech? According to a new poll conducted by the University of Chicago and The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, the answer is a resounding "yes." But why is that the case? And how can we ensure that all voices are heard on campus? First, let's address the elephant in the room: political
Okay folks, buckle up because we're about to talk about everyone's favorite subject: sex education! Specifically, we're going to dive into the wacky world of Texas public schools and their partnership with crisis pregnancy centers to teach sex ed. Yes, you read that correctly. The same centers that try to talk women out of getting abortions are now trying to teach our kids about the birds and th

OCT 01

Attention all starving teachers! Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Do you want to have a little extra cash to splurge on those overpriced lattes or avocado toast? Well, fear not my fellow educators, for gig work is here to save the day! But wait, before you go signing up to perform on a pornography website like our dear friend Brianna Coppage , let's take a closer look at what gig wo
AI or Artificial Intelligence, as the teachers call it, is a fascinating technology that has taken the world by storm. It has revolutionized the way we live and work, and it has also changed the way students learn. However, there seems to be a bit of a disconnect between how students use AI and how teachers perceive their usage. Let's take a closer look at this hilarious situation. According to
In the wild and wacky world of American politics, where elephants and donkeys roam free, a new battle is brewing within the Republican Party. It's a clash of epic proportions, pitting the Ultra MAGA wing against the Mega MAGA wing, with Sanity Sanity coming in a distant third. And leading the charge for the Ultra MAGA wing is none other than the flamboyant and always entertaining Congressman Mat

SEP 30

In a move that has left Missouri public schools reeling, the Biden Department of Education has sent a charter school startup money bomb to the Opportunity Trust education reform group in St. Louis. With $35.6 million in federal grant money, the Opportunity Trust plans to open 16 charter schools over the next five years, serving an additional 5,000 students. While some may see this as a positive
The world of hip-hop has been rocked by the recent news that Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a former gang leader, has been indicted for the murder of Tupac Shakur. The 1996 drive-by shooting of the rapper has remained one of the most enduring mysteries in music history, with countless theories and speculations surrounding the identity and motive of the shooter. But now, it seems that justice may finally
In a world where money talks and politicians listen, it's no surprise that billionaires have become the new kings of American politics. From Sheldon Adelson to George Soros, these wealthy individuals have the power to sway elections and shape policy with their vast fortunes. But who are the real winners in this game of political chess? The answer might surprise you. First, let's take a look at t
TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-30-23 Big Education Ape: BULLYING 101: OKLA SPI RYAN RASPUTIN WALTERS USING PLAYGROUND TACTICS TO FURTHER HIS POLITICAL CAREER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/bullying-101-okla-spi-ryan-rasputin.html Big Education Ape: OKLA MAD MAGA MONK SAYS RED DOESN'T WORK FOR HIM IN OKLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/okla-mad-maga-mo

Friday, October 6, 2023

FROM BUCKEYES TO BUCKLE UNDER DEFUNDED OHIO PUBLIC SCHOOLS TAKE A DIVE IN ED RANKINGS

FROM BUCKEYES TO BUCKLE UNDER DEFUNDED OHIO PUBLIC SCHOOLS TAKE A DIVE IN ED RANKINGS

Remember the good old days when Ohio public schools were considered some of the best in America? Yeah, me neither. It seems like just yesterday when our state was known for its stellar education system, but now we're no better than those red states that everyone loves to make fun of. How did we get here? Well, it's a long and hilarious story.

According to a report from Policy Matters Ohio, our beloved Buckeye State has been defunding public schools left and right. And let me tell you, the impact has been...well, let's just say it's been less than ideal. Especially for those poor rural counties that have been hit the hardest. It's like they say, "You can take the funding away from the schools, but you can't take away the laughter from the children's faces." Okay, maybe nobody actually says that, but you get the point.

But wait, there's more! Not only are we slashing funding for public schools, but we're also handing out private school vouchers like they're candy on Halloween. You get a voucher! And you get a voucher! Everybody gets a voucher! It's like Oprah's "Favorite Things" episode, but instead of giving away cars and trips to exotic locations, we're giving away the opportunity for some lucky students to escape our failing public education system. Hooray!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But Ohio ranks 21st in a U.S. News & World Report on K-12 education! That's not so bad, right?" Wrong! Dead wrong! We may be 21st overall, but when it comes to equitable distribution of education funding, we're a dismal 46th. It's like being the star of a B-list movie. Sure, you're technically famous, but nobody really cares.

So what can we do to fix this mess? Well, according to the report, we need a world-class education for Ohio students. That means safe and well-resourced schools with well-trained and fairly paid teachers. I mean, is that really too much to ask? We can put a man on the moon, but we can't give our kids a decent education? Come on, Ohio!

But fear not, my fellow Buckeyes! There is hope on the horizon. The report provides some policy recommendations that could make our schools better places to learn, grow, teach, and work. All we need is for our fearless leaders in Columbus to actually take action. I know, I know. It sounds like a long shot. But hey, stranger things have happened. Like that time we elected a reality TV star as president. Anything is possible!

In the meantime, let's try to find some humor in this situation. After all, laughter is the best medicine. So go ahead and laugh at the absurdity of it all. Laugh at the fact that our state has gone from being a shining example of educational excellence to just another punchline in the national joke. Laugh until your sides hurt and tears stream down your face. And then maybe, just maybe, we'll find the motivation to fight for change.

Because at the end of the day, our kids deserve better. They deserve an education that prepares them for the future. They deserve teachers who are passionate and well-compensated for their hard work. They deserve schools that are safe and well-funded. And most importantly, they deserve a state that values their education above all else.

So let's come together, Ohio. Let's demand better for our children. Let's fight for a brighter future. And let's never stop laughing along the way. Because if we can't find humor in this mess, then what do we have left?

In conclusion, Ohio's public schools may be struggling right now, but we won't let that dampen our spirits. We'll keep fighting for change and laughing in the face of adversity. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll look back on this moment and laugh even harder. Until then, stay funny, Ohio!

'Legacy of neglect' showcased in Ohio schools report - Ohio Capital Journal https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/10/06/legacy-of-neglect-showcased-in-ohio-schools-report/ 

State of Ohio Schools 2023 Policy Matters Ohio | Cleveland, OH  https://www.policymattersohio.org/ 

Controversy Has Not Been Resolved Over Ohio Legislature’s Effort to Undermine State Board of Ed’s Power and Politicize Education Governance Under Governor’s Office | janresseger https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2023/10/05/controversy-has-not-been-resolved-over-ohio-legislatures-effort-to-undermine-state-board-of-eds-power-and-politicize-education-governance-under-governors-office/ 

Seven Members of the Ohio State Board of Education File a Lawsuit to Protect Democratic Control of Public Schooling | janresseger https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2023/09/26/seven-members-of-the-ohio-state-board-of-education-file-a-lawsuit-to-protect-democratic-control-of-education/ 

MORE SCANDALS: CHARTER SCHOOLS THE DODO BIRDS OF SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO LEAVE A NASTY TASTE IN EVERYONE'S MOUTH

 MORE SCANDALS

CHARTER SCHOOLS THE DODO BIRDS OF SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO LEAVE A NASTY TASTE IN EVERYONE'S MOUTH

Another day, another charter school scandal. It seems like every time you turn around, there's another story about how charter schools are screwing over parents, students, and the community at large. And yet, somehow, we're still surprised when we hear about it. It's like watching a horror movie and being shocked when the killer jumps out from behind the door. We know it's coming, but we can't help but be scared anyway.

Take the case of John Zitzner, founder of Breakthrough Charter Schools in Cleveland, Ohio. Zitzner was recently arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution as part of a statewide human trafficking operation. And while we don't condone his actions, we have to admit that we're not entirely surprised. After all, when you hear about a charter school scandal, it's usually something pretty bad.

The problem with charter schools is that they lack accountability. Sure, they receive funding from the government, but they're not subject to the same regulations as public schools. And while some charter schools are doing great work and providing a valuable alternative to traditional public schools, others are run by greedy and dangerous individuals who care more about making a profit than educating our children.

The U.S. Department of Education has requested and received $440 million from Congress for the CSP grant every fiscal year, yet 14% of charter schools that received CSP State awards closed or never opened between fiscal years 2006 and 2020. That's a lot of taxpayer money going down the drain. Congress needs to take a closer look at how these schools are being run and put more regulations in place to ensure that our money is being spent appropriately.

But it's not just a matter of government oversight. Parents also need to do their homework before sending their children to a charter school. Just because it's a charter school doesn't mean it's automatically better than a public school. In fact, some charter schools are worse than their public counterparts.

Take Utah's Spectrum Academy, for example. This charter school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was recently federally investigated for violating civil rights concerns. The investigation found that the school repeatedly used restraint and seclusion practices on its students, which violated Section 504 of Title II of the Civil Rights Act. This is not okay. Our children deserve better than this.

Thankfully, Spectrum Academy has agreed to implement significant changes to its policies, procedures, and training requirements, and provide individual remedies for students who experienced restraint during that time. But this shouldn't have happened in the first place.

The Network for Public Education has updated their Another Day Another Charter Scandal page with a sorting feature that categorizes charter school scandals by state and 12 different categories. The list includes recent scandals from various states such as Michigan, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Among the issues are financial mismanagement, fraudulent activities, enrollment disputes, and retaliation against whistleblowers.

It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out. But we can't give up hope. We need to keep fighting for our children's education and demanding accountability from charter schools. And in the meantime, we can at least find some humor in the absurdity of it all. After all, if we don't laugh, we'll cry.

'We don't even know how to feel,' Staff, parents express frustration over Las Vegas charter school’s closure https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/we-dont-even-know-how-to-feel-staff-parents-express-frustration-over-las-vegas-charter-schools-closure/ 

John Zitzner, Founder of Breakthrough Charter Schools, Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting AG Dave Yost announced the arrests of nearly 150 suspects in 'Operation Buyer's Remorse.' Zitzner was charged with engaging in prostitution https://www.clevescene.com/news/john-zitzner-founder-of-breakthrough-charter-schools-arrested-in-human-trafficking-sting-42860285 

Classes at local charter school canceled abruptly over administrative staffing, parents frustrated | KSNV https://news3lv.com/news/local/classes-at-local-charter-school-canceled-abruptly-over-administrative-staffing-parents-frustrated 

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

Big Education Ape: US DEPT. OF EDUCATION SENDS MISSOURI CHARTER SCHOOL CHAIN A 36 MILLION STARTUP MONEY BOMB http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/us-dept-of-education-sends-missouri.html 

Big Education Ape: UTAH'S SPECTRUM ACADEMY: ANOTHER CHARTER SCHOOL SCANDAL (NUMBER 1,666,666) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/utahs-spectrum-academy-another-charter.html 

ALL HAIL SATAN BUT ONLY IF YOU'RE NICE ABOUT IT

 

ALL HAIL SATAN BUT ONLY IF YOU'RE NICE ABOUT IT 

Welcome to the Satanic Temple, where we believe in individual liberties, secularism, and the right to not be physically or psychologically abused. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good Satanic ritual every now and then?

But in all seriousness, we have launched the Protect Children Project, which aims to provide students with a legal way to exempt themselves from abusive treatment in schools. We believe that no child should be subjected to corporal punishment, seclusion, restraint, or denial of bathroom access by school officials who violate their religious beliefs in bodily autonomy. And yes, we do consider bodily autonomy a religious belief. Don't question it.

Our project asserts that students who are members of The Satanic Temple, or any other students who share our religious beliefs, have civil rights that are being violated by school officials. And we're not just talking about a few isolated incidents here. The use of physical restraints and solitary confinement as a means of discipline in schools is abusive, and unfortunately, the number of incidents keeps rising.

But don't worry, we're not just here to complain about the problem. We're actually doing something about it. We're providing students with a "Student Rights Card" that legally exempts them from abusive treatment. And if anyone tries to mess with them, they can just whip out their card and say "sorry, can't touch this."

Now, you may be wondering why we're so invested in protecting children's rights. Well, let's just say that we have a soft spot for the little ones. Plus, we believe that compassion and empathy are fundamental tenets of our religion. So yeah, we're not just a bunch of evil Satan worshippers. We actually care about people. Who knew?

In addition to our Protect Children Project, we're also operating After School Satan Clubs in school districts where the evangelical Good News Clubs are already present. We aim to offer a contrasting balance to the students' extracurricular activities and promote plurality and true religious liberty. The Good News Clubs teach children sin, obedience, punishment, and hell, and strive to train children to evangelize to other children. The Satanic Temple's After School Satan Clubs, on the other hand, emphasize a scientific, rationalist, non-superstitious world view through games, projects, and thinking exercises.

And before you start freaking out about us brainwashing your children with our Satanic propaganda, let us assure you that our volunteers are selected for their professionalism, social responsibility, and superior communication skills. They have also passed a comprehensive criminal background check and received After School Satan Club training. So yeah, we're not just letting any old devil worshipper hang out with your kids.

But our advocacy doesn't stop there. We're also fighting for reproductive rights, protecting mental health patients, promoting self-directed education through the After School Satan Club, offering a Satanic approach to addiction recovery, promoting pluralism and fighting for religious liberty, collaborating with congregations to provide community works events, and providing post-secondary students with the opportunity to advocate for Satanic representation on their campuses.

And if you're still not convinced that we're not a bunch of evil Satan worshippers who want to destroy the world (spoiler alert: we're not), let's talk about Alabama's public schools. Did you know that teachers are still allowed to use corporal punishment in the form of paddling as a means of discipline? Yeah, you read that right. Paddling. In 2023.

And it's not just a few isolated incidents either. Around 40,000 children were paddled last school year alone. And while the state passed legislation in 1995 allowing such punishment, there are concerns that teachers may be using excessive force. One mother even reported bruises on her 7-year-old son's behind after he was paddled for picking his nose in class. Seriously? Picking his nose?

The state Board of Education defends the use of paddling as a tool to help ensure a good classroom experience. But let's be real here. There are plenty of other ways to ensure a good classroom experience that don't involve physical violence. Like maybe actually teaching your students something useful?

So yeah, that's what we're up against. But we're not giving up anytime soon. We'll keep fighting for children's rights, religious liberty, and a world where paddling is just something you do in a canoe.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a fun-loving group of Satan worshippers who actually care about people (shocking, we know), then look no further than the Satanic Temple. We may be a little unconventional, but hey, who wants to be conventional anyway? Join us today and let's make the world a better place (and maybe sacrifice a goat or two along the way).

Campaigns of The Satanic Temple - TST https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/campaigns 

The Satanic Temple - Official Website https://thesatanictemple.com/ 

Teachers Can Spank Kids Black and Blue - ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=129974 

Big Education Ape: WHY DO WE STILL BEAT ON KIDS IN SCHOOLS: IT DOESN'T WORK https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/why-do-we-still-beat-on-kids-in-schools.html

Big Education Ape: BAN THE BOARD: 19 STATES - SCHOOLS STILL ALLOW HITTING KIDS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/ban-board-19-states-schools-still-allow.html 

Big Education Ape: Corporal Punishment: Inside the Education Week Analysis - Inside School Research - Education Week https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2016/08/corporal-punishment-inside-education.html 



George Edgar Worley 🟧
@no2hitting



Julie Worley 🟧
@JulieWorley14

Protect Children Project - TST https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/protect-children-project 


BONUS 


Supreme Courtship - TST https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/supreme-courtship