Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-29-25
7-29-25
El Paso: IDEA's First Graduating Class Lost Half Its Students https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/28/el-paso-ideas-first-graduating-class-lost-half-its-students/ via @dianeravitch
- IDEA Public Schools' first graduating class in El Paso saw only half of its eighth-grade cohort remain to graduate, with the rest returning to public schools.
- Despite receiving $225 million from Betsy DeVos during her tenure as Secretary of Education, IDEA's performance in El Paso has not consistently surpassed public schools.
- IDEA claims students leave due to its rigorous curriculum, but critics argue that public schools are more stable and accountable.
- IDEA boasts a 100% college acceptance rate for graduates but does not highlight that many attend colleges with open admissions policies, including community colleges or institutions they themselves established.
New Hampshire: Do Parents Have the "Right" to Abuse and Neglect Their Children? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/28/new-hampshire-do-parents-have-the-right-to-abuse-and-neglect-their-children/ via @dianeravitch
- Andru Volinsky criticizes Republican efforts in New Hampshire to expand homeschooling, charter schools, and vouchers while rolling back child labor laws.
- The MAGA movement seeks to relax child labor protections under the guise of "parental choice," with 28 states introducing legislation to weaken such laws.
- New Hampshire passed a law allowing younger children to work in establishments serving liquor and extended working hours for minors, raising concerns about child welfare.
- Volinsky highlights the lack of oversight on abuse and neglect among homeschooled children, with NH's Department of Education failing to track or assess the well-being of these students.
- NH homeschooling laws allow minimal regulation, with parents having significant control over curriculum and assessment without external review.
- A survey commissioned by NH’s Department of Education about homeschooling and private schooling had a small, self-selected sample, making its findings unreliable.
- The Trump administration’s withholding of $8 billion in public education funding has caused significant harm, with NH leaders failing to join legal challenges against this action.
- Advocacy groups like the Network for Public Education provide tools to demand the release of withheld federal education funds.
Oklahoma: Board Members Shocked by Images of Nude Women on Ryan Walters' Screen In Executive Session https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/28/oklahoma-board-members-shocked-by-images-of-nude-women-on-ryan-walters-screen-in-executive-session/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters displayed explicit images during a board meeting, raising concerns about hypocrisy and accountability.
- Board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage were shocked and questioned the appropriateness of the situation, emphasizing the double standard for educators.
- The controversy adds to Walters' history of radical actions and challenges his credibility as a leader in education.
Big Education Ape: The Oligarchy Eats!: Welcome to Geoffrey and Elaine’s: Where the Elite Meet to Eat… People! https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-oligarchy-eats-welcome-to-geoffrey.html
### Key Points
- A secretive restaurant run by wealthy cannibals uses its staff as ingredients, catering to the elite.
- Benny, a staff member, escapes and exposes the operation, sparking public outrage.
- The elite suppress the scandal through media control, government intervention, and rebranding.
- Online activists and platforms like 'Wiki-Anon' play a key role in spreading the truth.
- Despite public backlash, the oligarchy evades accountability, continuing their operations.
This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Useful Posts & Articles On Ed Policy Issues Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The article shares a "Round-Up" of recent posts and articles on educational policy issues, including topics like the impact of external factors on student achievement, the Trump administration's education policies, and a funding freeze affecting Harvard.
- It highlights studies on the pandemic's impact on brain aging and updates on scholarships for DACA students and frozen grant releases by the Education Department.
- The author, Larry Ferlazzo, is a retired high school teacher who frequently compiles resources and commentary on education reform, ELL teaching, and other related topics.
- Additional resources mentioned include insights on English Language Learner (ELL) needs, democracy mapping, and tributes connecting music to education.
- The post briefly references past articles and resources curated by the author, such as on employee evaluation processes and critiques of school reform policies.
The Uppity Minority: The Politics of Hiring and the Price of Courage – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/28/the-uppity-minority-the-politics-of-hiring-and-the-price-of-courage/
### Key Points
- Equity-driven leaders and "Uppity Minorities" face backlash when they challenge norms and take a stand for justice, often enduring scrutiny and attacks on their legacy.
- Hiring is a political act, reflecting values and priorities, and challenging traditional norms tied to longevity and relationships rather than capability.
- A-talent leaders hire A-talent, prioritizing excellence and collaboration, while B-talent leaders hire C-talent, driven by ego and loyalty.
- Community participation in hiring processes builds legitimacy and protects bold hires from resistance, fostering participatory leadership.
- Transparent, inclusive, and documented hiring processes are crucial for protecting equity-driven hires and defending against backlash.
- General Counsel offices often act as strategic actors that protect the status quo rather than centering justice, sometimes undermining bold hires.
- Courageous leaders with "battle scars" should be hired and supported, as their tested resilience and vision can elevate organizations.
- Bold hires often face backlash rooted in power and resentment, but organizations must protect and support them through airtight processes and visible values.
- Documenting patterns of retaliation against equity-driven leaders is essential for accountability and transparency in organizations.
- Organizations that prioritize safe hires and avoid disruption stagnate, while those that embrace innovation and equity-driven hiring thrive.
- The legacy of leadership is shaped by hiring decisions that prioritize transformation, courage, and mission-driven values.
AI Literacy for Preschoolers? The Frightening Redefining of Childhood - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/07/28/ai-literacy-for-preschoolers-the-frightening-redefining-of-childhood/
### Key Points
- President Trump's push to integrate AI into K-12 education sparks concerns about its introduction to preschoolers.
- Tammy Kwan advocates for AI literacy for children as young as 3-4 years old, citing its growing influence on industries and homes.
- Critics argue that early AI education undermines developmental research and prioritizes corporate interests over children's well-being.
- Concerns include privacy risks, exploitation of data, disruption of learning methods, and mental health impacts on children.
- Overemphasis on early AI education may detract from play-based learning and natural discovery, essential for childhood development.
- The article highlights skepticism about AI's role in education and questions the motives of corporations promoting it.
### Key Points
- Children should be treated as fully formed individuals deserving respect and autonomy.
- Adults often mistakenly believe children need constant guidance or correction to thrive.
- Play-based learning empowers children to lead their own projects and fosters curiosity.
- Adults must unlearn traditional parenting and schooling norms to better support children.
- Teacher Tom’s Play-Based Learning Summer Camp provides tools for educators and parents to advocate for play-based education.
Washington Post: There is no literacy crisis in the U.S. Here’s what’s really happening https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/07/28/washington-post-there-is-no-literacy-crisis-in-the-u-s-heres-whats-really-happening/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- The article disputes claims of a U.S. literacy crisis, highlighting how data like NAEP scores are often misinterpreted.
- It critiques the "Mississippi Reading Miracle," arguing it is overstated and not a model for national reform.
- The author advocates for equity-driven and evidence-based education practices to address systemic issues in literacy.
glen brown: Due process: What it means in US law and its implications for migrant rights https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/due-process-what-it-means-in-us-law-and.html
- The concept of "due process" in U.S. law, originating from medieval England's Magna Carta, ensures that individuals cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures.
- The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s writings emphasized the rule of law over monarchy, shaping revolutionary ideals in America.
- The U.S. Constitution and subsequent amendments, particularly the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment, enshrined due process principles at federal and state levels.
- Supreme Court rulings, such as Goldberg v. Kelly (1970), defined due process requirements, including fair notice, opportunity to defend, and impartial adjudication.
- Recent contradictory Supreme Court rulings regarding migrant deportation highlight challenges in interpreting and applying due process protections.
- Due process varies depending on the stakes of a case, requiring more rigorous procedures when critical interests like life are involved.
With New York's ranked voting, most voters knew exactly what they were doing., by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/with-new-yorks-ranked-voting-most?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
- New York's ranked-choice voting was well understood by most voters in the Democratic primary, benefiting Zohran Mamdani, who won by double digits.
- The "Don’t Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor" campaign successfully encouraged voters to exclude Cuomo, with 70% not ranking him.
- Cross-endorsement between Mamdani and Brad Lander played a significant role, as Mamdani gained 85,000 votes after Lander's elimination.
- Ranked-choice voting was utilized by 78% of voters, though 37% of Cuomo voters opted for "bullet voting" by ranking only him.
- Mamdani won Hakeem Jeffries' Brooklyn-based district, securing 46% in the first round and 56% in the final round.
- The upcoming November election will not use ranked voting and includes candidates Eric Adams, Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Mamdani.
Weekend Quotables, by @mikeklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelklonsky/p/weekend-quotables-ce8?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- The University of Chicago is cutting liberal arts programs, citing financial pressures, but this move reflects ideological shifts rooted in Trump-era hostility toward academia.
- The Trump administration's attacks on higher education between 2017-2021, including cuts to public university support and Pell Grants, contributed to a decline in trust and funding for institutions like UofC.
- With a $10.1 billion endowment, UofC's cuts suggest a redefinition of priorities, emphasizing profitability over intellectual and cultural integrity.
- The loss of liberal arts programs threatens the university's role as an intellectual ecosystem, eliminating diverse perspectives and critical ways of thinking.
Private School Coupons for Wealthy Families Create AZ Budget Shortfall, by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/private-school-coupons-for-wealthy?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
- Arizona's universal school voucher program primarily benefits wealthy families by providing $7,000-$8,000 annually, often for private schools their children already attend.
- The program has led to a $206 million funding shortfall in Arizona, with $440 million in unused voucher funds, while public school funding remains among the worst in the U.S.
- Tennessee's new universal school voucher scheme, set to cost taxpayers $140 million in its first year and over $1 billion in five years, mirrors Arizona's issues by favoring wealthy families and creating budget imbalances.
- School vouchers fail to improve student academic outcomes, increase taxpayer spending, and lack accountability, as evidenced by programs in multiple states.
- Tennessee's inadequate public school funding, coupled with costly voucher schemes, risks further financial strain and tax increases for residents.
Christian Nationalism and Education | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/07/28/christian-nationalism-and-education/
### Key Points
- Since 2024, states like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas have passed laws influenced by Project Blitz, promoting Christian Nationalist policies in education.
- David Barton, founder of WallBuilders, is a key figure in Christian Nationalism, using revisionist history to advocate for a Christian-centric narrative of America’s founding.
- Barton has faced criticism for spreading historical inaccuracies, such as misrepresenting the Constitution and falsely attributing quotes to figures like James Madison.
- Despite controversies, Barton wields significant political influence, advising Republican leaders and shaping conservative education policies.
- His work has led to actions like rewriting textbooks to align with Christian Nationalist perspectives, sparking widespread debate.
CEP Application and Mandatory P2 Base Year Review - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/cepapplicationp2basyear.asp
- The California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division has updated management bulletins for school food authorities applying for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Provision 2.
- MB SNP-10-2025 replaces MB SNP-06-2024 for CEP applications, and MB SNP-11-2025 replaces MB SNP-25-2019 for mandatory reviews of Provision 2 base year participation.
- Guidance is provided on applying for CEP and conducting mandatory reviews of Provision 2 base year participation.
- CEP offers an alternative method for claiming student meals in high-poverty schools, while Provision 2 provides additional claiming options for local educational agencies.
- A list of School Nutrition Program specialists is available for inquiries, along with contact information.
- Related resources include Universal Meals background, policy, and FAQs, as well as updates on income eligibility scales and noncongregate waivers for unanticipated school closures.
Diane Ravitch's Blog: Glenn Sacks: I Teach Immigrant Kids in an L.A. High School: Here’s the Truth | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/glenn-sacks
- Glenn Sacks, a social studies teacher in Los Angeles, shares his experiences teaching immigrant students, many of whom are undocumented, and highlights their struggles and resilience amidst anti-immigrant policies and sentiments under the Trump administration.
- Graduation ceremonies at Los Angeles schools faced threats of ICE raids, yet many immigrant families attended despite the risks, showcasing their determination and sacrifice.
- Sacks recounts inspiring stories of his students overcoming immense hardships, such as homelessness, learning difficulties, and traumatic migration experiences, to achieve academic and personal success.
- Many immigrant students join the military for economic opportunities or to help their families adjust their immigration status, reflecting the concept of an "economic draft."
- Immigrants play a vital role in various industries, contribute significantly to state and federal taxes, and are essential to the economy, countering stereotypes of being "takers."
- The Trump administration's immigration enforcement measures, including ICE raids, have created fear and uncertainty among immigrant families, further polarizing public opinion.
- Despite challenges, immigrant students remain focused on their goals, with some achieving remarkable academic milestones and aspiring to contribute positively to society.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-28-25
7-28-25
The article is a collection of blog posts and discussions on various topics related to public education, politics, social justice, and cultural issues. It explores controversies in education policies, the impact of AI in classrooms, challenges to democracy, and the representation of women in pop culture. Key themes include privatization, voucher programs, censorship, grassroots movements, and systemic inequities in both education and society.
### Key Points
- Arizona’s universal school voucher program benefits wealthy families, not poor students as originally intended.
- Voucher funds are being spent on luxury items and private activities, while public schools face resource shortages.
- Oversight is lacking, with funds distributed before audits, and many families banking voucher money for future use.
- Critics highlight the program’s inequity and its potential to harm public school funding and state finances.
- Larry Cuban explains why teaching practices in public schools remain familiar across generations, citing "dynamic conservatism."
- Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters faces criticism for his actions and personal controversies.
- Diane Ravitch evolves from a conservative advocate to a staunch defender of public education against privatization efforts.
- Charter school issues, particularly at St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento, are examined.
- Donald Trump’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein and broader political controversies are discussed.
- AI integration in classrooms sparks debates about progress versus ethical concerns.
- Immigration enforcement under the Trump administration is criticized for its harshness.
- The Unitary Executive Theory is explored in the context of shielding Trump administration officials from accountability for controversial actions.
- The far right uses the First Amendment to suppress opposing views, silencing dissent and criminalizing disagreement.
- Legislative efforts across the U.S. target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, erasing collective memory and accountability.
- Authoritarianism redefines liberty and rights, aiming to dominate rather than debate, undermining democratic pluralism.
- Black Widow’s evolution over 60 years reflects the ongoing underestimation and hypersexualization of women in pop culture, both in comics and films.
- Scarlett Johansson acknowledges Black Widow's early hypersexualization in the MCU, noting parallels with comic book depictions catering to the male gaze.
- Women creators bring depth to female characters, but their contributions remain outliers in mainstream superhero media.
- ADF actively works to dismantle public education, promoting school vouchers that divert public funds to private religious institutions.
- Microsoft partnered with AFL-CIO unions to promote AI adoption and train workers, including a focus on education through the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
- Concerns arise about the potential negative effects of AI tools on students' critical thinking, overreliance, and diminished problem-solving skills.
- Grassroots movements like the "50501" protests, involving over 10 million participants, are key in driving political and cultural change.
- Local elections serve as critical battlegrounds for both sides, fostering new strategies and diverse political leadership.
- Public health crises, including Medicaid cuts and rural hospital closures, threaten American society, alongside allegations of corruption in the Trump administration.
- Supreme Court rulings on religious charter schools and disability rights raise concerns about inclusivity and equity in public education.
