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Monday, April 20, 2026

TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 20, 2026

 

May Day 2026 Toolkit | NEA  

https://www.nea.org/mayday-toolkit 

TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS

APRIL 20, 2026

Here are today's top news stories (as of April 20, 2026) in each category, based on major headlines from reliable sources.

U.S. NEWS

POLITICS

WORLD AFFAIRS

  • The U.S. seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz after it defied a naval blockade; Iran vows retaliation as a fragile ceasefire with the U.S./Israel nears expiration and new talks are planned in Islamabad, Pakistan. Tensions involve control of the vital shipping route and highly enriched uranium.
  • Broader Iran conflict developments include threats of further strikes, economic pressure points, and international ripple effects (e.g., shipping disruptions, oil price spikes).

EDUCATION

  • Governors across states are prioritizing K-12 academic achievement, foundational skills, workforce alignment, early education, teacher retention, and funding shifts in their 2026 state addresses—academics topped the list for the first time in years.
  • Iowa's aggressive school choice expansion is reportedly straining public schools in some cities (e.g., Cedar Rapids).
  • Ongoing discussions around higher ed donations (up slightly), campus issues, and policy changes amid federal shifts.

ECONOMY

  • Oil prices are rising amid the U.S.-Iran tensions and Hormuz disruptions; stock futures tumbled in response, with broader concerns over economic fallout from the conflict.
  • U.S. economic data releases this week include retail sales, business inventories, and pending home sales; growth remains resilient but slowing, with inflation risks re-emerging.
  • Tariff refund processes begin today under the Trump administration; analysts watch earnings (e.g., Tesla, Boeing) and market rebound confidence.

TECHNOLOGY

  • Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully landed its reusable booster for the first time (ratcheting up SpaceX rivalry) but placed a customer satellite in the wrong orbit.
  • Humanoid robots outperformed humans in a Beijing half-marathon, highlighting rapid advances in robotics.
  • Other developments include AI-related news (e.g., Anthropic's shifting ties with the administration, Palantir's cultural manifesto) and ongoing tech layoffs.

HEALTH

  • Trump signed an order to fast-track review and access to psychedelic treatments for mental health disorders.
  • Measles cases continue in the U.S. (over 1,700 reported in 2026 so far, mostly outbreak-linked).
  • Broader coverage includes mental health/substance use metrics tools, hospital AI discussions, and advocacy around Medicare physician payments and fraud task forces.

SPORTS

  • NHL playoffs continue with series like Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild (Game 2 matchups today).
  • NBA playoffs and related coverage (including MVP finalist discussions: e.g., Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic).
  • MLB season in full swing with power rankings and games; other events include upcoming NFL Draft coverage and international leagues (e.g., ISL football).

Note: The dominant cross-cutting story today remains the escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and related domestic impacts (e.g., on polls, oil, and weather cleanup). Stories can evolve quickly—check major outlets for live updates.



Trump Loyalists Set Up Rigged Trial to Snare All His Enemies in One Grand Net https://dianeravitch.net/2026/04/19/trump-loyalists-set-up-rigged-trial-to-snare-all-his-enemies-in-one-grand-net/ via @dianeravitch 

Trump's pursuit of vengeance against his critics and investigators is highlighted in this article. He has orchestrated a legal strategy to prosecute his perceived enemies under the guise of a "Grand Conspiracy" case. The trial is allegedly rigged, with a Trump-favored judge, a jury from a pro-Trump jurisdiction, and a prosecutor aligned with his interests. This move underscores his intent to settle scores with those who have opposed or investigated him.

### Key Points

- Trump is using a "Grand Conspiracy" case to target his critics and investigators. 

- The trial is set up with a Trump-favored judge, jury, and prosecutor, raising concerns about fairness. 

- This legal maneuver reflects Trump's obsession with vengeance against those who have challenged him. 

Big Education Ape: AI IN THE CLASSROOM: AMERICA IS PREPARING ITS CHILDREN FOR THE WRONG CENTURY — AGAIN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/ai-in-classroom-america-is-preparing.html 

A critical discussion on the future of education, drawing historical parallels to past debates on vocational versus classical education. The article critiques the current AI-driven vocational focus in schools and advocates for a transformative, human-centric curriculum that emphasizes moral reasoning, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

### Key Points

- Historical parallels are drawn between post-Civil War education debates (Booker T. Washington vs. W.E.B. Du Bois) and current AI-focused education trends, warning against repeating past mistakes. 

- The vocational model, both historically and in the AI age, is criticized for serving the interests of tool owners rather than empowering students with critical thinking and leadership skills. 

- The article proposes a "Neo-Classical Model for the AI Age," emphasizing moral philosophy, arts and literature, Socratic teaching methods, and community agency as essential educational pillars. 

- It warns that focusing solely on vocational training for AI-related skills risks creating a generation of workers who are easily replaceable by automation. 

- The ultimate goal of education should be to develop independent, critically-minded citizens capable of challenging societal systems and advocating for equity. 


Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday_075047353.html 

The article provides an overview of recent developments and discussions in the education sector, focusing on topics such as the integration of AI in schools, student data privacy, federal education accountability, and global education initiatives. It highlights key events, controversies, and themes covered by the "Big Education Ape" blog and other education-related platforms during the week of April 12-18, 2026.

### Key Points  

- The "Big Education Ape" blog is a news aggregator focusing on public education, student privacy, and the influence of "Big Tech" in classrooms. It has recently shifted focus from anti-charter rhetoric to anti-AI/Big Tech concerns.   

- The "AI Moratorium" movement in NYC is gaining momentum, with parents and educators protesting the adoption of AI in schools. Concerns include cognitive offloading, algorithmic bias, and environmental impacts of AI.   

- A $17.25 million class-action settlement involving PowerSchool and Chicago Public Schools was reported. The case involved unauthorized sharing of student data with third-party tech companies like Google and Microsoft.   

- There is criticism of inconsistent guidance on classroom AI use, particularly regarding its application in IEP (Individualized Education Program) development and lesson planning.   

- Concerns were raised about school systems prioritizing investments in AI products over resources like smaller class sizes and human educators.   

- The blog highlighted contributions from other education-focused platforms, such as Curmudgucation and the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy, which provided data on student privacy issues.   

- The U.S. Department of Education proposed new accountability rules for colleges to address "low earning outcomes" and protect students and taxpayers.   

- State governors prioritized literacy and math over funding and workforce development for the first time since 2005, reflecting a shift in educational priorities.   

- The blog covered the growing global focus on sustainability and environmental education, including UNESCO's "Greening Schools" initiative.   

- Reports highlighted the worsening crackdown on women and girls' education in Afghanistan under the Taliban.   

- Microsoft announced expanded AI analytics tools for global education systems, raising concerns about privacy and corporate influence.   

- A report revealed that 80% of teachers feel they are competing with social media for students' attention, prompting calls for more meaningful classroom instruction.   

- Hampshire College announced its closure due to financial challenges, marking the end of its experimental educational model. 

Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 19, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01625674170.html 



The article is a comprehensive roundup of news, opinions, and analyses covering a wide range of topics, including U.S.-Iran tensions, global conflicts, education reforms, technological advancements, health policies, economic fluctuations, and sports events. It highlights significant developments, controversies, and challenges in these areas, with a focus on the implications of policies and reforms for society.

### Key Points
- Severe weather in the Midwest caused significant damage, including tornadoes impacting homes, schools, and infrastructure. 
- U.S. immigration custody reported 17 deaths this year, sparking debates over enforcement policies. 
- President Trump signed an executive order addressing foreign policy, including the Strait of Hormuz standoff and Iran negotiations. 
- Democrats increased resistance to Trump’s policies, focusing on immigration enforcement and special election trends. 
- Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed in response to a U.S. Navy blockade. 
- A fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon holds, with broader implications for Iran-related talks. 
- U.S. governors emphasized education priorities, including funding, workforce development, and teacher workforce issues. 
- The U.S. Department of Education and Treasury announced a partnership to address student loan defaults. 
- Stock markets showed resilience despite geopolitical tensions, with S&P 500 reaching record highs. 
- AI demand caused supply chain strains, leading to price hikes for devices and increased investment in AI infrastructure. 
- FDA approved an oral GLP-1 pill for weight loss, while health care costs and antibiotic resistance remain concerns. 
- NBA and NHL playoffs began, alongside developments in NFL trades and other sports events. 
- Robert Hubbell criticized Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, highlighting contradictory statements and potential market manipulation. 
- Allegations were made against Kash Patel and John Brennan, raising concerns about political misuse of power. 
- The Trump administration faced criticism for its handling of the Iran conflict, including disputes over uranium transfer deals and ceasefire agreements. 
- May Day rallies in the U.S. advocated for democracy, labor rights, and reduced military spending. 
- The adoption of AI in education raised concerns over equity, privacy, and its impact on students’ mental health and learning. 
- Billionaire-driven privatization strategies and four-day school weeks were criticized for exacerbating inequality in public education. 
- The Senate introduced the "Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act" to repeal the federal school voucher program. 
- Wisconsin faces a teacher retention crisis due to low pay, poor working conditions, and an anti-teacher climate. 
- NYC parents and advocates called for a moratorium on AI in classrooms, citing risks to student well-being and education quality. 
- Jared Kushner is under investigation for alleged conflicts of interest and self-enrichment during his time as a White House envoy. 
- Trump’s Iran conflict has led to significant profits for oil companies, sparking calls for a windfall profits tax to fund renewable energy initiatives. 
- Anthropic’s AI model, Claude Mythos, has become a cybersecurity expert, raising ethical concerns about its military use. 

Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: APRIL 19, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/morning-news-update-april-19-2026.html 

Big Education Ape’s April 19, 2026, news update covers key developments across various sectors, including U.S. and global news, politics, education, economy, technology, health, and sports.

### Key Points

- Mass shooting near the University of Iowa, concerns over investment trusts owning long-term care facilities, and severe weather across the Midwest. 

- U.S. Senate extends the FISA surveillance program; antitrust ruling blocks Nexstar-Tegna merger. 

- Escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, including negotiations in Pakistan and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. 

- Advances in robotics showcased during a humanoid marathon in Beijing; concerns raised about AI personification and rising chip costs. 

- U.S. Department of Education proposes a “hard reset” to hold colleges accountable for graduate earnings; states focus on foundational literacy and math skills. 

- Global education faces challenges, including rising numbers of out-of-school children and teacher shortages in low-income countries. 

- Economic disruptions due to the Iran conflict, leading to slowed global growth, oil price volatility, and inflation concerns. 

- NBA playoffs highlight Lakers' Game 1 win; WNBA announces its richest deal in history. 

Big Education Ape: AI: WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE (BUT FIRST, LET'S ASK THE ROBOTS WHAT THEY THINK) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/ai-were-all-gonna-die-but-first-lets.html 

### Key Points

- Bill Maher's critique of AI, explored through five AI models, reveals consensus on key issues such as dual-use risks, power concentration, and lack of plans for job displacement. 

- The AI models agreed on the dangers of unregulated AI development, the risks of concentrated power, and the irresponsibility of deploying automation without addressing unemployment. 

- The AIs pushed back on certain points, such as Maher's invocation of Elon Musk as a credible AI skeptic and his claim that AI has done nothing beneficial. 

- The models emphasized that AI is more of a tool for amplification rather than a replacement for human ingenuity, challenging Maher's framing of "humans vs. machines." 

- The article highlights the irony of AI systems offering more nuanced and self-aware evaluations of their risks than human policymakers. 

Big Education Ape: YOU SCREEN, I SCREEN, WE ALL SCREAM AT SCREENS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/you-screen-i-screen-we-all-scream-at.html 

The article critically examines the integration of AI in education, highlighting the contradictions and challenges of balancing technology's benefits with its potential harms. It discusses the move to ban smartphones in schools while promoting AI tools, the equity issues arising from subscription-based educational AI, and the negative impact of over-reliance on technology on students' cognitive development and mental health. The piece also questions the motives behind the push for AI in classrooms, suggesting it may be driven more by profit than genuine educational reform.

### Key Points

- Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, has grown significantly, prompting investigations into potential self-enrichment. 

- Schools are banning smartphones to address mental health concerns while simultaneously integrating AI into curriculums, leading to policy contradictions. 

- Students highlight the hypocrisy of using slower school-issued devices while their personal devices are more efficient at running AI tools. 

- Research shows that excessive device use in schools correlates with lower academic performance and increased loneliness among students. 

- Smartphone overuse has been linked to rising teen depression and permanent cognitive distraction, prompting some states to implement phone bans. 

- The push for AI in classrooms includes promises of personalized tutoring and efficiency but raises concerns about critical thinking erosion and equity gaps. 

- Students are being taught to use AI tools without understanding when or why to use them, leading to a "productive struggle" in learning. 

- The commercialization of educational AI raises questions about whether the focus is on student benefit or vendor profits, echoing past trends in educational technology. 

Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 4-12-26 TO 4-18-26 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/the-top-news-stories-this-week-4-12-26.html 

The article provides an extensive overview of the major news stories and developments during the week of April 12–18, 2026. Key topics include the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, political events involving the Trump administration, advancements in technology and space exploration, economic fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions, and significant updates in education, health, and sports.

### Key Points

- The U.S. and Iran are engaged in high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad to finalize a peace deal after a seven-week war. 

- A temporary ceasefire led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iranian trade, but tensions remain high. 

- U.S. special forces rescued a downed airman in Iran, which President Trump celebrated as a major military success. 

- President Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi, marking another high-profile cabinet departure. 

- The Trump administration proposed a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for 2027, with significant increases for the Space Force. 

- Vice President JD Vance was appointed to lead negotiations in Pakistan for a ceasefire with Iran. 

- The Trump administration faced internal MAGA criticism over its handling of the Iran conflict. 

- The U.S. Navy initiated a blockade of Iranian ports, to be lifted upon a formal peace agreement. 

- President Trump faced backlash for posting an AI-generated image of himself in a Christ-like pose, which he later deleted. 

- The Artemis II mission achieved historic milestones, including a lunar flyby and a solar eclipse image from the Moon’s far side. 

- Oil prices surged due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, leading to discussions about gas tax holidays and economic relief measures. 

- The Trump administration advanced plans to designate far-left groups as terrorism targets and imposed restrictions on mail-in voting, sparking legal challenges. 

- The American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2026 conference focused on AI's role in education and equity. 

- Hampshire College announced its closure due to financial instability. 

- The teacher shortage crisis worsened, with declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs. 

- AI technologies, including "agentic AI" and autonomous corporate workflows, saw significant advancements. 

- UNESCO reported that 45 million children face severe education disruptions due to conflicts in the Middle East. 

- Refugee healthcare cuts sparked mass protests across Canada and Europe. 

- The Trump administration faced a public spat with Pope Leo over criticism of threats to Iranian cultural sites. 

- The federal government highlighted a crackdown on federal student aid fraud, saving over $1 billion. 

- The NBA, NHL, and MLB saw significant developments, while the Masters golf tournament and NCAA championships garnered attention. 

Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS APRIL 18, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/04/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0177350859.html 

The article compiles a wide range of current events, including U.S. politics, global conflicts, education reforms, technological advancements, and societal issues. It highlights the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions, the role of AI in education, and the implications of various domestic and international policies. The content also critiques privatization in education, authoritarian governance, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.









Curmudgucation     ICYMI: Sumter Edition (4/19) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/icymi-sumter-edition-419 

This article provides a wide-ranging commentary on historical, educational, and societal issues, including reflections on the Civil War, education policies, AI in schools, and political dynamics. The author references historical events, books, and current topics to explore themes like inequality, public education funding, and cultural prejudices.

### Key Points

- Reflection on the 165th anniversary of the Fort Sumter bombardment and insights from Erik Larson’s book about the Civil War era. 

- Commentary on historical Southern attitudes toward slavery, inequality, and cultural prejudices, with connections to modern political rhetoric. 

- Criticism of Alabama's Ten Commandments law and its implications for religious and educational systems. 

- Advocacy for better teacher compensation and critiques of Missouri’s parental rights bill treating children as property. 

- Concerns about Florida and Ohio diverting public education funds to private and religious schools. 

- Criticism of Sal Khan’s initiatives and the failures of AI-powered education and agriculture startups. 

- Call for a moratorium on AI in schools due to concerns over its impact on youth. 

- Examination of civil rights rollbacks under the Trump administration and voter support for public education. 

- Discussion on avoiding broad stereotypes of Southern and rural communities, emphasizing the importance of supporting local candidates who align with shared beliefs. 



glen brown: Trump Lies https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/04/trump-lies.html 

The article is a critical commentary on various political, social, and economic issues, focusing on the actions and policies of former President Donald Trump. It discusses topics such as Trump's handling of international relations, economic policies, alleged corruption, and their broader implications, while drawing historical parallels and highlighting societal impacts.

### Key Points
- The article criticizes Trump’s foreign policy, including his contradictory stance on Iran, his potential $20 billion deal, and his military actions in various countries. 
- It highlights Trump’s alleged abuse of power, including his lawsuit against the IRS for $10 billion and self-serving financial maneuvers. 
- Economic issues under Trump’s administration are discussed, such as the recession, the impact of tariffs, and the rise of high-interest credit usage for basic needs like groceries. 
- The article critiques the behavior of Trump’s wealthy supporters, such as moving jobs overseas despite promoting an "America First" agenda. 
- ICE is condemned for its treatment of immigrants, with a specific example of an 85-year-old French woman detained under harsh conditions. 
- Historical comparisons are drawn between Trump’s actions and authoritarian regimes, emphasizing concerns about constitutional violations and human rights abuses. 
- The article includes opinions from various commentators and references to issues like healthcare, social justice, economic inequality, and political corruption. 

glen brown: Justice According to Trump https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/04/justice-according-to-trump.html 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the controversial actions of Donald Trump, including granting pardons and commuting sentences for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol insurrection, including members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. 

- Trump's administration, through U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, has sought to vacate convictions of prominent insurrectionists, arguing it serves "the interests of justice." This move is seen as an attempt to erase their crimes. 

- Trump’s actions highlight his use of the justice system to reward allies and punish critics, such as former CIA Director John Brennan, who is under investigation despite questionable evidence. 

- The article critiques the Justice Department's dysfunction under Trump, suggesting it undermines the rule of law and democracy by applying justice selectively based on political allegiance. 

- The piece emphasizes the critical importance of the midterm elections in preventing further erosion of democratic principles and the misuse of power. 



Schools Matter: Tech Bros and Hos Beware: The Learning Counterrevolution is Here http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/04/tech-bros-and-hos-beware-learning.html 

### Key Points

- The article critiques the over-reliance on technology and gamification in modern education, arguing that these trends have negatively impacted learning outcomes. 

- It highlights a "counterrevolution" in education led by teachers like Ms. Drygas, who emphasize traditional teaching methods such as handwriting essays, reading physical books, and minimizing screen use in classrooms. 

- Researchers have linked the aggressive adoption of 1-to-1 device policies in schools to declining math and reading scores among students, particularly in wealthy countries. 

- The article suggests that technology should serve as a supplemental tool in education rather than the central focus of learning. 



A Little Shift in Teaching Can Go a Long Way in the Classroom”   Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/ 

### Key Points

- The blog provides educational resources, teaching strategies, and updates on various topics such as using photos in lessons, World Malaria Day, and weekly sentence exercises. 

- Highlights include resources like "Podcasting Democracy" for teaching the Constitution and fun tools like TVGuessr for classroom engagement. 

- Research studies discussed include the benefits of peer and self-assessment in student motivation and effective reading interventions for older students. 

- The blog shares neuroscience-backed strategies for improving learning and memory and provides weekly updates on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). 

- The author has written various books offering research-based instructional strategies for subjects like Social Studies, English, Math, and Science, as well as resources for English Language Learners (ELL). 

- Additional resources include tips for student motivation, classroom management, and lesson plans, as well as Q&A-style responses to educators' questions. 

- The blog features contributions to platforms like Education Week Teacher and The New York Times, along with videos and a radio show. 



Let's Pay Teachers Overtime https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2026/04/16/lets-pay-teachers-overtime/ via @nancyflanagan 

### Key Points

- The article discusses whether teachers should receive overtime pay, emphasizing that teachers deserve professional salaries due to the nature of their job. 

- A teacher-led consortium in 2007 explored alternative compensation models for teachers, focusing on rewarding expertise and leadership without relying on student test scores. 

- Teachers are often compensated for extra duties like coaching or giving up planning time, but paying for additional tasks like grading essays would be financially unsustainable for districts. 

- Historical attempts at alternative compensation, such as merit-based pay and bonuses tied to test scores, have often failed due to economic downturns and implementation challenges. 

- The article critiques the lack of progress in addressing teacher pay and highlights the growing teacher shortage as salaries fail to keep up with the cost of living. 



The Senate Should Reject the SAVE Act: It Suppresses Young Voters and a Federal Court Just Proved It An Indiana judge just blocked a state law that targeted student voters. The SAVE Act has the same problem but at a national scale. BRUCE LESLEY https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/the-senate-should-reject-the-save 

The Senate Should Reject the SAVE Act: It Suppresses Young Voters and a Federal Court Just Proved It

### Key Points

- An Indiana judge blocked Senate Bill 10, which removed student IDs as valid voter identification, citing lack of evidence for its necessity and its discriminatory impact on young voters. 

- The court found that Indiana’s justifications for SB 10, such as protecting election confidence and administration, were unsubstantiated and counterproductive. 

- SB 10 disproportionately disenfranchised approximately 40,000 Indiana students by creating barriers to obtaining alternative IDs, especially for out-of-state students and those with limited access to required documentation. 

- The SAVE Act, passed in the House and awaiting Senate action, would impose federal documentation requirements for voter registration, disproportionately burdening young voters, out-of-state students, foster youth, and young parents. 

- The SAVE Act could violate the 26th Amendment by targeting young voters and creating barriers for their participation in elections, further suppressing their already low voter turnout. 

- The act could disrupt preregistration systems for individuals under 18 and create barriers for 17-year-olds eligible to vote in primaries, undermining efforts to foster early civic engagement. 

- The Indiana court’s ruling highlights the importance of evidence-based justifications for voting restrictions and serves as a challenge to the Senate to reject the SAVE Act, which threatens democratic participation. 



The74: Students In District That 'Shed' Remedial Math Thrived.  The Data Suggests Otherwise. https://garyrubinstein.wordpress.com/2026/04/19/the74-students-in-district-that-shed-remedial-math-thrived-the-data-suggests-otherwise/ via @garyrubinstein 

### Key Points

- The author, a veteran math teacher with 35 years of experience, advises new math teachers not to teach too much in one lesson, emphasizing that learning math is a slow and deliberate process.   

- The author critiques the trend of pushing students into advanced math courses prematurely, arguing that rushing through math does not benefit students and that appropriate pacing is crucial.   

- An article from The74 claims a Maryland district eliminated remedial math courses, leading to significant gains in Algebra II completion rates, particularly among Black students and students with disabilities. The author questions the validity of these claims.   

- The author examines Maryland state test scores (MCAP) for the district and finds that proficiency levels in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II are below the state average, challenging the narrative of success presented in The74 article.   

- The author criticizes the conflation of "completing" a course with truly "learning" the material, arguing that forcing unprepared students into advanced courses may not result in genuine understanding.   

- The author suggests that the term "remedial math" carries an unnecessary negative connotation and argues that teaching students at their appropriate level is more beneficial than pushing them into advanced courses prematurely. 


TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY

It is April 20, 2026, and the headlines are dominated by a high-stakes standoff between the Trump administration and Iran, alongside significant domestic shifts in immigration and federal funding.

Here are the top 10 Trump-related news stories for today:

1. U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Vessel

President Trump announced that the USS Spruance fired on and seized the Touska, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, in the Gulf of Oman. Trump stated the vessel attempted to breach the U.S. naval blockade; Iran has vowed retaliation, calling the move "armed piracy."

2. High-Stakes Peace Talks in Pakistan

Despite the naval skirmish, Trump has ordered a high-level delegation to Islamabad for talks aimed at extending a Middle East ceasefire. While the White House confirmed Vice President J.D. Vance, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff are attending, Iranian state media claims Tehran has no current plans to join.

3. "No More Mr. Nice Guy" Ultimatum

In a series of posts, Trump issued a final deal ultimatum to Iran. He warned that if a deal isn't reached before the current ceasefire expires this Wednesday, the U.S. will target Iranian infrastructure, specifically bridges and power plants.

4. Strait of Hormuz Lockdown

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated today that the Strait of Hormuz is still "not safe" for commercial transit despite reports of some vessels trickling through. While Wright claims a deal is "not too far away," the U.S. blockade remains the primary sticking point.

5. Repurposing Federal Funds for ICE

A new report has sparked controversy after revealing the administration repurposed funds from six unrelated federal programs—including FEMA positions and election interference counters at the State Department—to bolster ICE Custody Operations.

6. Indefinite Refugee Ban Impact

Human rights groups and resettlement agencies are reporting "devastating" impacts following the administration's indefinite refugee ban and the halt of work orders, which has left tens of thousands of families in legal limbo.

7. Congressional Funding Clashes

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune met to finalize a reconciliation bill that includes billions for Border Patrol and ICE. However, some Republicans, including Jason Smith (R-MO), warned that the focus on enforcement over affordability may alienate voters.

8. The "Public Option" AI Debate

Domestically, the administration continues to face pressure regarding "Public Option" AI initiatives. While the White House pushes for private-sector dominance, educators and activists are calling for public alternatives to prevent corporate monopolies in schools.

9. Surveillance Law Extension

Amidst significant GOP infighting, Trump signed a brief 10-day extension of a controversial warrantless surveillance law. The short-term fix came after a longer renewal was blocked by members of his own party.

10. Clash with the Papacy

Tensions between the White House and the Vatican have spiked. Pope Leo XIV criticized the administration's "just war" rhetoric regarding Iran, leading to a public back-and-forth between the Pontiff and Vice President J.D. Vance over theology and foreign policy.


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