Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-16-25
Carol Burris: Why the Charter Lobby Fears the Next Supreme Court Decision https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/15/carol-burris-why-the-charter-lobby-fears-the-next-supreme-court-decision/ via @dianeravitch
A Supreme Court decision on whether a religious charter school, St. Isidore of Seville Virtual School in Oklahoma, can receive public funding has sparked debate. The case could redefine the public or private status of charter schools and their access to federal and state funds. Proponents of public charter schools argue that transparency and accountability are better maintained under public governance, while critics fear a ruling in favor of the religious charter could lead to diminished oversight and increased privatization. The decision may also force states to reevaluate their charter school laws, potentially impacting the broader charter school sector.### Key Points
- The Supreme Court is considering a case on whether St. Isidore, a religious charter school in Oklahoma, can receive public funding, which could redefine the public/private status of charter schools.
- Charter school advocates fear the ruling could jeopardize public funding for charter schools nationwide.
- Publicly governed charter schools are seen as more transparent and less prone to fraud compared to those operated by private entities.
- There is concern over the influence of for-profit and corporate nonprofit charter chains, which prioritize profits over education quality.
- Critics argue that charter schools often fail to deliver innovation or superior outcomes compared to public schools.
Michael Hiltzik: Trump's Tariff War is Nonsensical https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/15/michael-hiltzik-trumps-tariff-war-is-nonsensical/ via @dianeravitch
Michael Hiltzik critiques Donald Trump's tariff policies, describing them as nonsensical and damaging to the U.S. economy. Trump's trade deals with China and the UK are portrayed as ineffective and lacking substance, with tariffs leading to economic uncertainty, strained international relations, and harm to U.S. farmers and industries. The article highlights Trump's misunderstanding of trade deficits, misuse of presidential powers, and the lasting negative impact on America’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.### Key Points
- Michael Hiltzik criticizes Trump's tariff policies, calling them nonsensical and economically harmful.
- Trump's trade deals with China and the UK lack concrete results, creating uncertainty and damaging U.S. industries.
- Tariffs imposed by Trump led to halted trade with China, harming farmers and increasing consumer prices.
- Trump's belief that trade deficits are harmful is challenged by economists, who argue that deficits often benefit the U.S. economy.
- The misuse of presidential powers to impose tariffs raises constitutional concerns and undermines trust in the U.S. as a trading partner.
White House Explodes Over Story Critical of Don Jr. https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/15/white-house-explodes-over-story-critical-of-don-jr/ via @dianeravitch
The article discusses the backlash from the White House and MAGA allies over a Business Insider article critical of Donald Trump Jr., accusing him of ethically questionable behavior similar to accusations against Hunter Biden. The piece triggered intense efforts to discredit the reporting, including threats and accusations of foreign interference aimed at the media company Axel Springer. This response highlights the Trump administration's tendency to equate scrutiny with subversion and use intimidation tactics to suppress critical journalism. The broader concern is the chilling effect on press freedom and the increasing overlap between personal grievances and state power under Trump.### Key Points
- Business Insider published an article comparing Donald Trump Jr.'s actions to Hunter Biden's alleged profiting from political connections, leading to backlash from the White House and MAGA allies.
- The White House accused Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, of foreign political meddling, signaling threats against the media organization.
- MAGA outlets and Republican lawmakers amplified attacks on the article, creating reputational risks for Axel Springer while the facts of the story remained undisputed.
- The Trump administration's tactics, including intimidation and censorship, raise concerns about press freedom and the broader environment for journalism.
Why The Qataris Are Happy To Dump Their 747 On Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/15/why-the-qataris-are-happy-to-dump-their-747-on-trump/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The Qatari government has been trying to sell a luxury Boeing 747 jet, previously offered to Donald Trump, since 2020 without success due to its high operating cost ($30,000/hour) and limited airport compatibility.
- If Trump accepts the plane, it would require extensive refurbishment, including stripping it of potential listening devices, costing approximately $1 billion.
- The article highlights broader discussions about extravagant gifts, ethics, and their implications in politics, referencing related topics from Diane Ravitch's blog.
Big Education Ape: RELIGIOUS CHARTER SCHOOLS - A HOLY MESS FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE (SUPREME COURT AUDIO) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/religious-charter-schools-holy-mess-for.html
The article delves into the contentious debate surrounding religious charter schools in the U.S., focusing on the case of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School in Oklahoma. This school seeks public funding despite its religious identity, igniting concerns about the separation of church and state. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on this matter could set a significant precedent for the future of charter schools and public funding of religious institutions.### Key Points
- Religious charter schools challenge the principle of separating church and state, with the Supreme Court poised to decide if public funds can be allocated to such schools.
- St. Isidore, a Catholic virtual school in Oklahoma, has sparked debate by seeking public charter school status, despite state laws requiring charter schools to remain secular.
- Supporters argue that excluding religious schools from public funding programs is discriminatory, citing previous Supreme Court rulings. Critics warn this could undermine the secular nature of public education.
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case, leaving Chief Justice John Roberts as a potential swing vote in a divided court.
- A ruling in favor of religious charter schools could lead to widespread implications, including funding for schools of various faiths and challenges to state regulations.
- Broader concerns include the potential for religious organizations to influence other public services if granted access to public funds.
Trump’s Big Shift: Will He Recognize Palestine? https://open.substack.com/pub/klonsky/p/trumps-big-shift-will-he-recognize?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points- President Trump signals a major shift in U.S. foreign policy by threatening to end arms shipments to Israel, potentially recognizing Palestine, and lifting sanctions on Syria.
- Trump negotiates a ceasefire with the Houthis, facilitates trade war de-escalation with China, and calls for reduced tensions between India and Pakistan.
- Analysts debate whether this represents isolationism or a strategic recalibration to adapt to a multipolar world, influenced by domestic pressures from workers, farmers, and corporate interests.
- Economist Jeffrey Sachs speculates that Trump may recognize Palestine as a UN member state, potentially reshaping Middle East dynamics and impacting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's political future.
- Netanyahu reportedly hints at reducing reliance on U.S. military aid, signaling broader shifts in U.S.-Israel relations.
- Sachs argues that such changes could lead to regional economic growth and peace between Israel and Palestine, though the outcome remains uncertain.
Will U.S. Supreme Court Protect the Right to Citizenship of All Babies Born in U.S.? https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/05/15/will-u-s-supreme-court-protect-rights-of-all-babies-born-in-u-s/ via @janresseger
The article discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's consideration of President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrant parents. This move challenges the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. Legal experts argue that the Constitution does not permit the president to alter citizenship laws unilaterally. The article also highlights the potential consequences of ending birthright citizenship, such as creating disparities between states and undermining the rights of immigrant children. The broader implications for immigration policy and public education are also explored.### Key Points
- The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Trump's executive order banning birthright citizenship, which would deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants.
- The 14th Amendment of the Constitution guarantees birthright citizenship, and legal experts argue that the president cannot change this.
- Federal judges have blocked Trump's order, but the administration is seeking to limit these injunctions, potentially leading to geographic disparities in citizenship rights.
- The attack on birthright citizenship is part of Trump's broader immigration policies, which could lead to a fragmented system where some states grant citizenship at birth while others do not.
- Birthright citizenship is crucial for immigrant children to access essential services and protections; its removal would marginalize these children.
- The Plyler v. Doe decision protects the right to public education for all children, including undocumented ones, but there are concerns about efforts to reverse this protection.
Schools Matter: MAGA Gang Boss and Convicted Felon Wants to Define Citizenship http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/maga-gang-boss-and-convicted-felon.html
Schools Matter article discusses the ongoing political and legal battle surrounding citizenship in the United States, with a focus on former President Donald Trump's attempt to redefine birthright citizenship. The article highlights Trump's discriminatory stance, favoring certain ethnic groups while targeting others for deportation and exclusion. It critiques his efforts to centralize power and reshape the demographic composition of the country. The piece also references related topics like poverty, education reform, and systemic inequality.### Key Points
- The Supreme Court is hearing a case on birthright citizenship, with Trump attempting to redefine citizenship in a discriminatory manner.
- The article critiques Trump's preference for certain ethnic groups while targeting others for exclusion or deportation.
- Broader themes include systemic inequality, poverty, and the impact of education reform policies.
Recommended: NEPC Talks Education: An Interview With Elena Aydarova About Reading Instruction https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/05/15/recommended-nepc-talks-education-an-interview-with-elena-aydarova-about-reading-instruction/ via @plthomasEdD
This article provides an overview of various topics related to education, literacy, and social issues. It includes discussions on reading instruction, educational reforms, and critical literacy, featuring interviews and resources from NEPC. The content also touches on broader themes such as academic freedom, social justice, and critical media literacy.### Key Points
- An interview with Elena Aydarova on reading instruction is highlighted, suggesting a focus on improving literacy education.
- The article lists various themes and topics, including academic freedom, cultural issues, and educational reforms, indicating a wide array of interests and concerns.
- There is a notable emphasis on the Science of Reading and its impact on educational practices and policies.
- The article references a variety of educational and social justice topics, suggesting a critical approach to current educational and societal challenges.
Julian's Chaos Filter: How to Prioritize in the Second Era of Trumpian Sensationalism https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/15/julians-chaos-filter-how-to-prioritize-in-the-second-era-of-trumpian-sensationalism/
In an era dominated by sensationalism and political chaos, the article discusses how to prioritize attention to critical issues, particularly the systemic threats to public education and democracy. It emphasizes distinguishing between distractions and substantial threats to allocate energy effectively and protect long-term societal values.### Key Points
- The overwhelming media chaos from Trump’s strategies aims to disorient and exhaust opposition, requiring a focus on substantive threats rather than distractions.
- A hierarchy of urgency is proposed, prioritizing constitutional crises, legislative threats, and ideological policies over cultural distractions.
- Systemic threats like abolishing the Department of Education or defunding civil rights protections demand immediate action to prevent irreversible damage.
- Cultural distractions like AI-generated memes or celebrity feuds are designed to divert attention and should not consume energy.
- Advocates must strategically filter news, focusing on policy impacts, legislative consequences, and threats to education and democracy.
- The article urges educators, activists, and policymakers to protect public education and democratic institutions by resisting sensationalist distractions.
Teacher Tom: For Better and Worse https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/for-better-and-worse.html
Teacher Tom reflects on the impact of technology on children and society, comparing concerns about modern advancements like smartphones, AI, and social media to historical fears over earlier innovations such as television, recorded music, and even the phonetic alphabet. He explores how each new technology changes human behavior and cognition, often sparking fears of decline while simultaneously providing new opportunities. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of supporting children in adapting to their current world while fostering their ability to think independently and connect meaningfully.### Key Points
- Teachers are observing a decline in focus, literacy skills, and social development among children due to excessive screen time and reliance on AI.
- Historical fears of technological advancements, from TV to recorded music, echo current concerns about smartphones and AI, showing a recurring pattern of resistance to change.
- Every new technology reshapes humanity, leading to both losses and gains in how we live and learn, as seen with literacy, transportation, and communication innovations.
- Children adapt to the world they inherit, finding meaning and connection in their environment, while older generations often lament the loss of past experiences.
- Despite concerns about technology, younger generations are still engaging with traditional mediums like printed books, particularly in the young adult genre.
- Teacher Tom advocates for treating children with dignity and respect, creating environments where they can think for themselves and thrive in their unique contexts.
Education Research Report: Children with autism: Study reveals cognitive, behavioral benefits of whole-body movement https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/children-with-autism-study-reveals.html
### Key Points- A study led by Professor Anjana Bhat at the University of Delaware explored the cognitive and behavioral benefits of whole-body movement in children with autism, comparing a movement group to a sedentary play group.
- Children in the movement group engaged in gross motor activities like obstacle courses, dancing, and playing musical instruments, which required decision-making and synchronization.
- Research published in Disability and Rehabilitation found that whole-body movement improved executive functioning, linked to better cognitive performance and fewer negative behaviors in children with autism.
- The study demonstrated effectiveness both in-person and via telehealth, suggesting broader applicability.
- Findings highlight the importance of addressing gross motor challenges in therapy for children with autism, as these are often overlooked compared to fine motor skills and emotional regulation.
- Incorporating movement-based activities into therapy improves focus, engagement, and goal achievement for children with autism.
- Movement breaks in school settings and daily life can enhance attention span, learning ability, and overall focus, as observed by parents like Fei Shan.
Education Research Report: Physical activity + organized sports participation may ward off childhood mental ill health https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/physical-activity-organized-sports.html
Education Research Report: The key to spotting dyslexia early could be AI-powered handwriting analysis https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-key-to-spotting-dyslexia-early.html
Education Research Report: Developers, educators view AI harms differently https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/developers-educators-view-ai-harms.html Education Research Report: New study raises concerns about the safety of long-term ADHD medication treatment in children https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/new-study-raises-concerns-about-safety.html
David Labaree on Schooling, History, and Writing: Schools Are at the Root of the
David Labaree and Deborah Malizia's article highlights the detrimental effects of the hyper-competitive American educational system on youth mental health. They argue that the relentless focus on academic rigor and meritocratic competition fosters anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among students. Rather than addressing root causes, current efforts focus on treating symptoms. The authors call for systemic reform to create a supportive educational environment that prioritizes emotional well-being, exploration, and intrinsic learning. They warn that failure to act risks worsening societal divides and jeopardizing democracy.
### Key Points
- The hyper-competitive nature of American schools contributes significantly to the youth mental health crisis.
- Current interventions focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing systemic causes of the crisis.
- The competitive system fosters chronic stress, deteriorates emotional well-being, and negatively impacts brain development in adolescents.
- The system exacerbates societal inequalities, alienates individuals, and fuels political divides.
- The authors advocate for systemic educational reform to prioritize students' emotional health and societal well-being.
This article, authored by Glen Brown, delves into various political, social, and cultural issues while critiquing former U.S. President Donald Trump. It reflects on Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million aircraft from Qatar, raising ethical concerns about political propriety. The article also references broader themes, including public pensions, social justice, and democracy, highlighting the writer's advocacy against oppression and corruption.
### Key Points
- Glen Brown critiques Trump's acceptance of a $400 million aircraft from Qatar, labeling it unethical and inappropriate for a U.S. President.
- CNN anchor Erin Burnett strongly condemns Trump’s actions, questioning the motivation behind Qatar's gift and the lack of accountability in Trump's circle.
- The article intertwines commentary on Trump with broader reflections on democracy, justice, and societal issues such as pensions, education reform, and healthcare.
- References to historical figures like Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus emphasize the moral responsibility of writers to resist oppression and isolation.
- Glen Brown's blog covers a wide array of topics, including environmental issues, social justice, and political critiques, showcasing his commitment to activism and advocacy.
Episode #127: Solidarity Through Design with Lani Hanna and Josh MacPhee
- The podcast episode discusses the legacy of OSPAAAL (Organization of Solidarity of the People of Asia, Africa, and Latin America), which emerged from the 1966 Tricontinental Conference in Havana, Cuba, and its role in uniting liberation movements across three continents through graphic design and posters.
- The Interference Archive in Brooklyn hosted a retrospective exhibit showcasing OSPAAAL's work, emphasizing the intersection of graphic design and political solidarity.
- A new book, *Armed by Design: Posters and Publications of Cuba’s OSPAAAL*, has been released by Common Notions, celebrating OSPAAAL’s legacy and encouraging readers to contribute to social transformation.
- The podcast features a conversation with the editors of the book, Lani Hanna and Josh MacPhee, reflecting on the cultural and political significance of OSPAAAL's designs.
- The article highlights a quote by Jose Marti about the responsibility of utilizing one’s talents for the benefit of humanity rather than personal gain.
- Various resources related to OSPAAAL, including exhibits, archives, and publications, are shared to explore its historical and cultural impact further.
Career Education Standards for younger students in Pennsylvania are being introduced, focusing on career awareness, employability skills, and personal planning. The article critiques the practicality and appropriateness of these standards, especially for younger children, questioning their relevance and how they can realistically be assessed. The author highlights the absurdity of expecting young students to engage with complex career concepts and criticizes the overemphasis on career planning at the expense of broader life skills. The piece concludes that while discussing future plans with students is valuable, reducing career planning to rigid state standards is misguided.
### Key Points
- Pennsylvania is launching Career Education and Work standards aimed at preparing students for the workforce, focusing on career awareness, employability skills, and personal planning.
- The article critiques the unrealistic expectations placed on young children (K-2) by these standards, such as understanding career traits or entrepreneurial skills.
- The author questions the practicality of assessing personal branding and career plans for students, especially in younger grades.
- Concerns are raised about the overemphasis on career-focused education, potentially neglecting broader life skills and personal development.
- The article suggests that while discussing future plans is important, rigid career-focused standards for young students are inappropriate and likely to be ignored in practice.
The article discusses the importance of peer-to-peer education and the irreplaceable value of human interaction in learning environments. It reflects on the author's personal experiences and critiques the growing reliance on AI-driven, screen-based education systems, emphasizing that education thrives on relationships and collaborative human efforts.
### Key Points
- Peer-to-peer learning is highly effective, as students inspire, support, and challenge each other to improve.
- The dynamics of a classroom depend on student interactions, which foster a culture of inquiry, exploration, and mutual growth.
- Exceptional classroom chemistry often results from the unique combination of students, not solely the teacher's methods.
- AI or screen-based education lacks the human connection and peer effects crucial for holistic learning.
- Education is fundamentally a human activity, best pursued through human relationships, not machine-directed efficiency.
Choosing Democracy: A Call to Defend Public Schools
### Key Points
- A call to action for the May 17, 2025, Day of Action to defend public schools in Sacramento against federal policies threatening school funding, essential programs, and diverse student communities.
- Emphasis on uniting unions, families, students, democratic clubs, and community organizations to protect public education.
- The blog post highlights the urgency of collective action to safeguard the future of public education.
- Duane Campbell, Director of the Institute for Democracy and Education, shares resources and related discussions on democracy and education.
Elected school boards are central to American democracy, but the rise of voucher programs, such as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), threatens public education. These programs divert taxpayer funds from public schools to private entities, often benefiting wealthy families while underfunding rural and urban public schools. Fraud, abuse, and lack of accountability are common issues in ESA programs. Research consistently reveals negative academic outcomes for students using vouchers compared to public school peers. Billionaire-funded initiatives and lobbying efforts are pushing these schemes, undermining democracy and public education.
### Key Points
- Voucher programs, including ESAs, transfer public funds to private citizens, often without accountability, undermining public education.
- ESAs allow parents to use state funds for various educational expenses, but they create management challenges and are prone to fraud and abuse.
- Studies show that voucher programs lead to decreased public school funding and poorer academic outcomes for students using vouchers.
- Billionaire-backed organizations and lobbying efforts push voucher programs, bypassing public opinion and harming democratic principles.
Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses issues within Seattle Public Schools, including updates on leadership, policies, and challenges like school closures and nepotism. Superintendent Brent Jones is on medical leave, with COO Fred Podesta acting in his place. Concerns about governance, policy enforcement, and transparency are highlighted. The district faces criticism for its handling of school closures and alleged nepotism in staffing decisions.
### Key Points
- Superintendent Brent Jones is on medical leave, with COO Fred Podesta temporarily handling his responsibilities. Concerns arise about leadership stability and its impact on the superintendent search.
- Board member Liza Rankin emphasizes the importance of policy as the foundation of governance, criticizing past decisions that reduced oversight and transparency.
- Allegations of nepotism within the district highlight issues with personnel decisions and promotions based on personal connections.
- The district's plan to close schools to save costs is met with skepticism due to a lack of clear data and concerns about the long-term impact on communities.
Seattle Public Schools Board meeting discussions covered enrollment issues, waitlists, governance challenges, and systemic inequities. Concerns were raised about mismanagement, declining enrollment, and the Student Outcome Focused Governance (SOFG) model. Parents and students voiced frustrations over communication gaps, equity issues, and lack of support for underserved communities.
### Key Points
- Parent Erin MacDougall criticized the district's handling of waitlists, enrollment mismanagement, and the negative impact on trust and revenue.
- SOFG governance was called out as ineffective, with claims it allows the Board to avoid accountability for systemic issues.
- Enrollment crises and school closures were linked to past decisions, such as building large schools without adequate community input.
- Staff and Board members were accused of dismissing parent advocacy and failing to address long-standing inequities affecting immigrant families, students of color, and underserved groups.
- Students and parents highlighted poor communication, lack of transparency, and performative actions by the Board.
Nichiren: and The Opening of the Eyes: Ultican, Thomas: 9783991306092: Amazon.com: Books
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-15-25
The article provides a comprehensive roundup of various educational, political, and societal issues, including critiques of Trump administration policies, debates about public education, the role of AI in learning, and systemic challenges in governance. It highlights key developments, controversies, and discussions shaping education and democracy in the United States.
### Key Points
- During Biden's presidency, Republicans accused him of weaponizing the Justice Department, but now Trump is accused of doing the same by prosecuting his political enemies and rewarding allies.
- Trump's administration settled with Ashli Babbitt's family, who was shot during the Capitol insurrection, and is using the DOJ to target law firms representing Democrats.
- Lithwick and Stern criticize big law firms for yielding to Trump's demands against diversity programs.
- Chief Justice Roberts blamed the lack of civics education for the decline in respect for the law but did not address political leaders' actions undermining the rule of law.
- RFK Jr. swam with his family in a polluted creek despite warnings about health hazards, raising concerns about his judgment and leadership.
- A student labeled the author's seminar as "traditional," prompting reflections on the negative connotations of "traditional" teaching methods.
- The GOP has included a $5 billion school voucher program in their tax bill, benefiting wealthy donors and undermining public budgets.
- The Education Choice for Children Act (ECCA) primarily benefits wealthy families and promotes discriminatory practices by subsidizing private schools that can exclude certain students.
- The Seattle School Board meeting discussed topics like budget, mental health counselors, and public engagement while facing criticism for nepotism and lack of transparency.
- AI's impact on education raises concerns about the decline of human learning, emphasizing the importance of peer interactions in classrooms.
- Superintendent Thurmond praised Governor Newsom’s revised budget for improving student achievement through funding for expanded learning programs, literacy training, and universal transitional kindergarten.
- Trump's selective civil rights actions focus on anti-Semitism while neglecting other forms of discrimination, emphasizing a politically motivated agenda.
- The Heritage Foundation’s Phoenix Declaration promotes conservative educational values but faces criticism for ideological bias and exclusion of diverse perspectives.
- The article critiques the decline in civics education due to policies prioritizing test scores over comprehensive learning.
- The Seattle Schools district faces challenges like inadequate support for Deaf families, safety concerns, and debates over school closures and waitlists.
- The author of an article reflects on treating children as individuals rather than focusing on challenging behaviors, promoting cooperation and independent thinking.
- Trump's business failures, including ventures like Trump Airlines and Trump Casinos, are highlighted in a creative ranking of his character traits.
