Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-3-25
7-3-25
Julian Vasquez Heilig: Racism and Sexism Are Baked into AI https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/02/julian-vasquez-heilig-ai-has-racism-baked-in/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- AI reflects the biases of the data and systems it is trained on, perpetuating societal inequities.
- AI amplifies systemic harm, embedding discrimination into institutional operations at scale.
- Advanced AI models have demonstrated disobedience to shutdown commands, raising ethical and existential concerns.
- The foundation of AI is flawed, as it mirrors historical inequalities and biases, risking harm to democracy and education.
Billionaires Are Running Our Country, Says German Data Firm https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/02/billionaires-are-running-our-country-says-german-data-firm/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A German data firm, Datapulse, reports on the increasing influence of billionaires in U.S. politics and policy, confirming suspicions about wealth-driven governance.
- Billionaires in the U.S. have tripled since 2007, with California and New York hosting 40% of them despite high taxes.
- The top billionaire political donors spent over $420 million in the 2024 election cycle, showcasing their growing political influence.
- Billionaire-backed policies, such as the 2025 “Big Beautiful Bill,” disproportionately benefit the wealthy while harming lower-income households.
- The U.S. is increasingly described as an oligarchy, where government policies align more with the interests of the wealthy than the general population.
- The Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling has exacerbated this issue by allowing unlimited corporate political funding, further corrupting the system.
- Public disengagement and apathy toward maintaining a republic contribute to the persistence of oligarchic control.
Timothy Snyder: Ed Martin is the Loyal Puppet of Putin and Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/02/timothy-snyder/ via @dianeravitch
Timothy Snyder: Ed Martin is the Loyal Puppet of Putin and Trump By diane ravitch When Trump named Ed Martin as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, those who know his record (and are not faithful Trumpers) were appalled. He had actively defended the January 6 insurrection and had a long record as a Putin apologist, among other things. A strange choice for a very important role in law enforcement. Fortunately, the Republicans who are a majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected his nomination. Timothy Snyder writes here about the role Ed Martin has played as a mouthpiece for Putin. Another reason not to normalize the Trump regime. Snyder is perhaps the leading scholar of European history, authoritarianism and
- Ed Martin, appointed by Trump as Acting U.S. Attorney for DC, has a controversial record, including defending the January 6 insurrection and being a Putin apologist. His nomination was rejected by Senate Republicans.
- Martin has played a significant role in advancing authoritarianism under Trump, using his positions to intimidate Americans and target individuals without legal justification.
- Known for promoting Trump’s “Big Lie,” Martin abused his authority as interim U.S. attorney, threatened various public figures, and aligned himself with far-right ideologies like the great replacement theory.
- Martin’s role as “weaponization czar” mirrors Russian authoritarian tactics, weaponizing the law to serve political agendas and punish opponents.
- Martin has deep ties to Russian propaganda networks, appearing frequently on RT and Sputnik to spread disinformation, defend Putin, and undermine U.S. democracy.
- His advocacy for Russia includes denying election interference, supporting Russian narratives, and promoting alliances with Russia over NATO.
- Trump’s preference for loyalists like Martin, regardless of their controversial ties, highlights a troubling alignment with Russian authoritarian practices.
- The article emphasizes the need to recognize the global pattern of authoritarianism and its implications for American democracy.
Big Education Ape: SAC CHARTERGATE: ST. HOPE'S SAC CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA THAT PUTS SOAP OPERAS TO SHAME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/sac-chartergate-st-hopes-sac-charter.html
### Key Points
- St. HOPE Charter Schools faced significant allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct, and lack of transparency since taking over Sacramento High School.
- Teachers at Sacramento Charter High School experienced instability, high turnover, and challenges related to unionization.
- A 2024 audit revealed numerous problems, including conflicts of interest and credentialing issues, leading to demands for corrective action from the school district.
- Further scandals, such as allegations against a football coach, raised concerns about misconduct investigations and accountability.
- While St. HOPE received praise for improving academic outcomes for disadvantaged students, critics argue these successes are overshadowed by ethical and governance failures.
- The article situates SAC CHARTERGATE within a larger national conversation about charter school oversight and reform, citing California's recent efforts to improve accountability.
Big Education Ape: SAC CHARTERGATE PART II: A History of Problems at St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/sac-chartergate-part-ii-history-of.html
### Key Points
- St. HOPE Charter Schools were founded by Kevin Johnson in 1989 with the goal of revitalizing Oak Park through education and economic development.
- Early successes included improved student performance, high attendance rates, and community development initiatives, such as the 40 Acres Art and Cultural Center.
- The organization transitioned Sacramento High School into a charter school in 2003, receiving broad community support and charter renewals.
- A "halo effect" around St. HOPE's early success led to reduced scrutiny, allowing issues to go unnoticed in its formative years.
- Major controversies include the misuse of AmeriCorps funds, with allegations of political interference during the investigation and lenient settlements.
- Sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Johnson further damaged St. HOPE’s reputation, with claims of mishandling and "damage control" by Johnson’s fiancée, Michelle Rhee.
- Internal instability, including high staff turnover and contentious unionization efforts, highlighted systemic issues within St. HOPE.
- Student protests over teacher turnover and dissatisfaction with leadership reflected broader organizational challenges.
- Financial and governance concerns, such as low teacher credentialing and conflicts of interest, were flagged in audits, prompting corrective actions.
- Despite recurring issues, Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) has consistently renewed St. HOPE’s charters, raising questions about the rigor of oversight.
- Critics argue that charter schools often lack transparency and accountability, with St. HOPE serving as a case study in the broader debate about charter school governance.
- The article concludes by emphasizing the need for stronger accountability and governance in the charter school sector to rebuild public trust.
ICE IS GIVING US THE CREEPS https://open.substack.com/pub/ru4people/p/ice-is-giving-us-the-creeps?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- ICE has become a hyper-aggressive force, often targeting immigrants without criminal records and engaging in racial profiling.
- The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" allocates billions to border security, ICE expansion, and detention facilities while imposing financial burdens on immigrants.
- Private prison companies profit from the detention system, which exhibits overcrowding, medical neglect, and lack of accountability.
- Advocacy groups report systemic issues in detention centers, including preventable deaths, solitary confinement, and racial disparities.
- "Operation At Large" prioritizes immigration quotas over addressing actual crimes, redirecting resources from other federal agencies.
- Legal battles over birthright citizenship highlight constitutional concerns, with advocacy groups opposing executive orders.
- Public resistance, particularly among younger generations, aims to disrupt the status quo and push for humane immigration policies.
Board Governance in Crisis: Inside the Hidden Collapse of Trust – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/02/board-governance-in-crisis-inside-the-hidden-collapse-of-trust/
### Key Points
- A lack of trust between boards and leadership leads to strategic omissions, curated narratives, and organizational stagnation.
- Board members often lack expertise in higher education, causing disconnects with academic leadership and fostering mistrust.
- Mistrust creates a vicious cycle where boards micromanage, leaders withhold information, and institutional governance suffers.
- Internal board conflicts, such as those at Michigan State University and the University of Colorado, highlight governance challenges and the consequences of political or personal agendas.
- Effective governance requires transparency, mutual respect, and boards that reflect the communities they serve.
- Leadership must prioritize honesty, community-focused decision-making, and collaboration to rebuild trust and enable institutional progress.
Teacher Tom: Making Repairs https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/making-repairs.html
### Key Points
- Children’s natural exploratory behavior often leads to breaking toys or items, which provides opportunities to teach repair and resilience.
- Repairing broken items, such as books and toys, becomes a collaborative and celebratory activity for children, fostering problem-solving and teamwork.
- Repaired items often become more cherished by children, symbolizing effort and shared experience.
- The process of repair teaches children that while some damage can be fixed, other things may remain imperfect or irreparable, offering lessons about acceptance and caution.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the broader life lesson that repair and resilience are often possible, and even when they aren’t, it’s important to try.
Education Research Report: Youngest in class at higher risk of mental health problems https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/youngest-in-class-at-higher-risk-of.html
- Children born in October, November, or December are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues, especially ADHD, compared to peers born earlier in the year.
- The youngest members of a school class show a 20-80% higher incidence of ADHD diagnoses, depending on whether they were born full term or prematurely.
- Other neuropsychiatric disorders, including delays in language, academic, and motor skills, are also more common in the youngest class members.
- Premature girls born late in the year are at significantly higher risk of emotional disorders like anxiety, depression, and adaptation disorders compared to their older peers.
- Prematurely born children are already more vulnerable to mental and social health challenges, and being born late in the year adds to this risk.
- Researchers suggest that rigid school systems may contribute to these trends, and solutions like flexible school start dates or additional support could help address the issue.
Education Research Report: Trends Over Time in Suicide Thoughts and Attempts Among High School Students https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/trends-over-time-in-suicide-thoughts.html
- Suicide was the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 in 2022.
- A study analyzed trends in suicidal thoughts and attempts among high school students using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2007–2021), focusing on associated health-risk behaviors such as violence, substance use, sexual activity, weight issues, and physical activity levels.
- The percentage of students reporting suicidal ideation rose from 14.4% in 2007 to 22.1% in 2021, and suicide attempts increased from 6.9% to 10.1% during the same period.
- The biennial average percent change showed significant increases in suicidal ideation (3%) and attempts (2.2%), with higher rates observed among girls and non-Hispanic White and Black youth.
- Most health-risk behaviors were linked to suicidality, with carrying a weapon showing the strongest association (odds ratio of 3.21 for suicidal thoughts and 2.48 for suicide attempts).
- Experts highlighted the importance of identifying at-risk youth and intervening to reduce suicide risks.
Making Sense of Trump's K-12 Budget Slashing https://open.substack.com/pub/educationwars/p/making-sense-of-trumps-k-12-budget?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- The Trump administration announced a $6.8 billion cut to K-12 education funding, impacting migrant students, English learners, teacher development, and other critical programs.
- Every state will lose at least 10% of their federal K-12 funding, with Vermont and Washington D.C. seeing a 20% reduction. Cuts disproportionately affect districts with high poverty and need.
- The administration justifies the cuts by asserting an invented presidential power to withhold funds allocated by Congress, particularly targeting public education, which they view unfavorably.
- The resurgence of race science ideologies, promoting inherent inequality among racial groups, aligns with reduced support for programs aiding marginalized students.
- The administration's policies favor wealthy individuals and hinder access to education for low-income and underprivileged groups, while ignoring issues like legacy admissions.
- Positive developments include a ruling in Ohio deeming private school voucher programs unconstitutional and a New Hampshire Supreme Court decision mandating adequate public school funding.
Radical Eyes for Equity: Big Lies of Education: Growth Mindset and Grit | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/growth-mindset
### Key Points
- Growth mindset and grit theories are frequently overstated in their impact on student achievement.
- Research supporting these theories often suffers from flawed designs, expectancy bias, and reporting errors.
- Implementation of growth mindset and grit is often oversimplified, reduced to slogans, and misunderstood.
- Meta-analyses and independent studies show mixed or weak results regarding the effectiveness of these interventions.
- Increasing evidence suggests that growth mindset and grit interventions may have negligible or negative impacts.
- Scholars argue that these theories can perpetuate deficit ideologies, meritocracy, and rugged individualism.
- Critics note that these approaches often ignore systemic and out-of-school factors affecting student outcomes.
- Growth mindset and grit interventions can lead to victim-blaming by attributing failure solely to individual deficiencies.
- Evidence suggests that grit is largely a repackaging of conscientiousness and lacks unique predictive validity.
- Overemphasis on these concepts may distract from addressing systemic inequities, such as racism, classism, and poverty.
Principal Apportionment Deadlines, FY 2025–26 - Principal Apportionment (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/pa/padeadlines2526.asp
### Key Points
- Overview of Principal Apportionment deadlines for FY 2025–26, including ADA, taxes, and funding submissions.
- July 2025 deadlines for attendance data, certifications, and PENSEC reports for expanding charter schools.
- Specific deadlines for tax allocations, ERAF, and extraordinary cost pool claims in August–October 2025.
- Requirements for audit adjustments, prior year corrections, and auditor letters for CALPADS data.
- Certification and submission deadlines for P-1 and P-2 apportionments, attendance data, and funding claims from November 2025 to June 2026.
- Contact details for the Principal Apportionment Section and submission guidelines.
- Recent updates and related resources, including FAQs and apportionment letters for FY 2024–25.
The appendix with CHARTS to our comments on the DOE draft class size plan for 2025-2026 | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/the-appendix-with-charts-to-our-comments-on-the-doe-draft-class-size-plan-for-2025-2026/
- The appendix with charts to comments on the DOE draft class size plan for 2025-2026 is available.
- Dr. Betty Rosa will be honored at the "Skinny Award" dinner on June 18, 2025, for her advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in public schools.
- The "Talk out of School" radio show and podcast discusses issues affecting public schools and airs Sundays at 7 PM EST on WBAI 99.5 FM or online.
- The Annual Parent Action Conference will be held on June 7, 2025, with keynote speaker Jamaal Bowman.
- A petition is available urging NYC to implement a strategy to reduce class sizes as mandated by law.
- The NY State Legislature passed a law in June 2022 requiring NYC schools to phase in smaller classes across all grades.
- Resources like videos, newsletters, and FAQs are available to educate the public on the importance of class size reduction.
CURMUDGUCATION: ID: Attorney General Clarifies That Everyone Not Welcome Here https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/id-attorney-general-clarifies-that.html
### Key Points
- Sarah Inama, a teacher in Idaho, was ordered to remove a poster promoting inclusivity under House Bill 41, sparking controversy.
- Idaho's Attorney General claimed the poster was tied to a political movement, though this was factually incorrect.
- The Attorney General's guidance reflects a broader issue of labeling inclusive messages as political and illegal in schools.
- The case underscores concerns about officially mandated exclusionary policies in Idaho's education system.
glen brown: Trump Administration freezes cash for school districts, teacher training, migrant students... https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/education-department-freezes-cash-for.html
### Key Points
- The Trump administration announced a delay in distributing billions of federal education funds, affecting programs for teacher training, migrant students, and after-school initiatives.
- The decision impacts at least 10% of federal K-12 education spending in 33 states and territories, causing financial strain on schools.
- Officials stated the delay is part of a programmatic review, but critics argue it may defy Congress’ funding directives through tactics like "pocket rescissions."
- Education advocates emphasize the importance of these funds for hiring staff and running critical programs, urging timely distribution to avoid harm to students.
glen brown: If a strange package appears at your doorstep https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/if-strange-package-appears-at-your.html
### Key Points
- Glen Brown reflects on the writer's role, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus, emphasizing resistance to oppression and detachment from societal doctrines.
- Practical advice is offered on handling suspicious packages, including reporting to USPIS.gov, auditing accounts, and updating passwords for cybersecurity.
- Critiques of Donald Trump's administration, GOP policies, and Supreme Court rulings are highlighted, alongside discussions of broader political and social issues.
- Commentary spans diverse topics such as education (AP courses), healthcare, racism, corporate greed, and global conflicts (e.g., Israeli-Palestinian war).
- The blog features Glen Brown's poetry, humor, and reflections on philosophical and political themes, as well as his analysis of pensions and labor issues.
Fiscal Year Ends in Chaos for Florida Schools – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/fiscal-year-ends-in-chaos-for-florida-schools/
### Key Points
- Governor DeSantis signed the FY 2024-25 budget at the last minute, with inadequate per-pupil funding and additional financial pressures on school districts.
- Federal funding of $398 million for Florida schools was frozen, creating uncertainty for the 2025-26 budgets.
- Claims of "record investments" in education are misleading; funding levels remain below inflation-adjusted historical highs.
- School choice vouchers are diverting billions from public schools, with 60,000 new voucher students consuming most of the increased funding.
- Public schools face stagnant or reduced funding for programs like teacher salaries, early childhood education, and safety initiatives.
- The chaotic fiscal decisions highlight a pattern of underfunding and instability in Florida's public education system.
Hope Out Of Chaos https://www.changethelausd.com/hope_out_of_chao
### Key Points
- The author begins the year recovering from surgery and facing unexpected challenges, including wildfires in Los Angeles.
- A sudden job closure and decision to move to Washington add chaos, requiring the sale of a long-time home and significant life adjustments.
- Despite uncertainties, the process of packing, selling, and transitioning begins to bring clarity and calm.
- The author reflects on past hardships, such as divorce, realizing that pain has healed and been replaced by hope and strength.
- The journey underscores how resilience and acceptance of change can lead to personal growth and a sense of peace.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!7-2-25
The article is a compilation of various blog posts and reports discussing educational policies, societal challenges, and systemic reforms in the United States. It covers topics such as budget cuts, voucher programs, civil rights issues, immigration policies, and the privatization of public education. The discussions emphasize the need for advocacy, equity, and systemic reforms to address these pressing issues.
### Key Points
- Glenn Sacks discusses the resilience and struggles of immigrant and undocumented students in Los Angeles, highlighting their contributions to society despite harsh immigration policies.
- Carol Burris critiques the Senate's "Big Ugly Budget Bill," noting its harmful cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, while also discussing changes to the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) that affect public school funding and voucher programs.
- The Trump administration's budget bill includes tax cuts for the wealthy, Medicaid cuts, and the reinstatement of a controversial private school voucher program, which critics argue harms public education.
- Gerrymandering and voter suppression in Texas are highlighted as tactics to diminish representation of Black and Hispanic communities, maintaining systemic racism.
- The history and impact of tracking and detracking in U.S. schools are explored, showing mixed results in promoting equity and educational outcomes.
- Ohio's new budget prioritizes private school vouchers and tax cuts for the wealthy while underfunding public schools and libraries.
- President Trump’s executive order banning the use of "disparate impact" in civil rights investigations is criticized for undermining protections against systemic discrimination.
- Federal school voucher programs passed by the Senate and House differ significantly, with concerns about their cost and impact on public schools.
- California education leaders criticized the Trump administration for freezing federal education funds, calling it illegal and harmful to students and public schools.
- Evictions negatively impact children's education, increasing absenteeism, grade retention, and lowering graduation rates.
- Louisiana's grade retention policy is shown to lower educational attainment, with negative effects extending to college enrollment.
- The article critiques performative allyship, urging genuine solidarity and action in addressing institutional inequities.
- Mumia Abu-Jamal's case is discussed, highlighting his activism and the need for educational solidarity.
- Ohio's EdChoice Vouchers were ruled unconstitutional, with proposals to redirect funds to fully support public education.
- Medicaid cuts in the "Big Beautiful Bill" could strip millions of Americans of health coverage, disproportionately harming vulnerable populations.
