Sunday, May 21, 2023

END STANDARDIZED TESTING NOW!

 


END STANDARDIZED TESTING NOW!

Ladies and gentlemen, let's talk about standardized testing. Yes, that dreaded phrase that sends shivers down the spines of students, teachers, and parents alike. But why is it so terrible? Who are these corporate reformers pushing it? And who are the billionaires and foundations supporting it? Let's take a deep dive into this topic and see if we can make sense of it all.

First of all, let's address the elephant in the room: standardized testing is a load of hogwash. It's a one-size-fits-all approach to education that completely ignores the fact that every student is unique and learns in their own way. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It just doesn't work.

But who are these corporate reformers pushing for standardized testing? Well, let me tell you, they're a bunch of rich folks who have never set foot in a classroom. They sit in their ivory towers, sipping on champagne and smoking cigars, while they dictate how our children should be taught. It's like they think education is some sort of business venture, where the bottom line is all that matters.

And what about the harm caused by standardized testing? Let me tell you, it's enough to make your head spin. Teachers are forced to teach to the test instead of actually educating their students. Students are reduced to nothing more than a number on a piece of paper. And parents are left feeling helpless, watching as their children's love of learning is slowly sucked out of them.

But wait, it gets worse. The extreme annual cost of standardized testing is enough to make your eyes water. We're talking billions of dollars here, folks. And for what? So that some rich folks can pat themselves on the back and say they're making a difference in education? Give me a break.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But what about the teachers and parents groups fighting to end standardized testing? Surely they can make a difference?" And you know what? You're absolutely right. These folks are the real heroes in this story. They're the ones who are standing up to the powers that be and saying, "Enough is enough."

So let's give a round of applause to these teachers and parents groups. Let's give them the recognition they deserve for fighting for what's right. And let's not forget that the only thing standardized testing really measures is the level of poverty of the group of students. It's a sad truth, but it's a truth nonetheless.

And finally, let's talk about the billionaires and foundations supporting continued standardized testing. Who are they, you ask? Well, let me name some names for you. We've got the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, just to name a few. These folks have more money than they know what to do with, and yet they insist on throwing it at a failed system.

In conclusion, standardized testing is a joke. It's a waste of time, money, and resources. It's time for our legislators, congress, and policy makers to wake up and realize that education is not a business venture. It's time for them to listen to the teachers and parents who are fighting for what's right. And it's time for us to say enough is enough. Let's put an end to standardized testing once and for all.

Here is a list of teachers unions and groups that support ending standardized testing:

  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • National Education Association (NEA)
  • California Teachers Association (CTA)
  • New York State United Teachers (NYSUT)
  • National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
  • FairTest
  • Rethinking Schools
  • National Center for Fair and Open Testing (FairTest)
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Here is a list of corporate reformers, billionaires, and foundations supporting continued standardized testing:

  • Bill Gates
  • Eli Broad
  • Walton Family Foundation
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Carnegie Corporation of New York
  • Lumina Foundation
  • Thomas B. Fordham Institute
  • American Enterprise Institute
  • Center for American Progress
  • Brookings Institution

It is important to note that there is a diversity of opinion on the issue of standardized testing, and not all of the groups listed above agree on every aspect of the issue. However, they all share a common concern about the negative impact that standardized testing can have on students, teachers, and schools.

Here are some of the specific concerns that these groups have about standardized testing:

  • Standardized tests are often biased against certain groups of students, such as students of color, students from low-income families, and English language learners.
  • Standardized tests can lead to narrowing the curriculum, as teachers focus on teaching to the test rather than teaching for understanding.
  • Standardized tests can create a stressful and anxiety-ridden environment for students, teachers, and parents.
  • Standardized tests can be used to make unfair decisions about students, teachers, and schools.

These are just some of the reasons why many people believe that standardized testing should be ended.


NAACP: DON'T GO TO FLORIDA

 

NAACP: DON'T GO TO FLORIDA

Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individual

The NAACP recently issued a travel warning for Florida. Yes, you read that right. The NAACP, an organization that has been fighting for equality and justice for over a century, is warning people not to travel to Florida. Why? Because of the stupidity of the right-wing DeSantis and the Florida Legislature.

Let's start with DeSantis. This guy is a real piece of work. He's like a less intelligent version of Trump, if you can imagine that. He's constantly spouting off about how great Florida is, but in reality, he's doing everything he can to turn it into a third-world country.

For example, he recently signed a bill that would make it harder for people to vote. That's right. Instead of making it easier for people to participate in our democracy, he's making it harder. And why? Because he knows that if more people vote, he and his cronies will be out of a job.

But that's not all. DeSantis has also signed a bill that would make it legal to run over protesters with your car. Yes, you read that right. If you're protesting something that DeSantis doesn't like, he's giving drivers the green light to run you over. It's like something out of a dystopian novel.

And then there's the Florida Legislature. These guys are like a bunch of toddlers who just learned how to use their words. They're constantly coming up with new ways to restrict people's rights and freedoms.

For example, they recently passed a bill that would make it illegal for transgender girls to participate in girls' sports. Because apparently, these guys have nothing better to do than worry about who's playing on what team.

But perhaps the most ridiculous thing the Florida Legislature has done is pass a bill that would make it illegal for local governments to pass their own gun control laws. That's right. If a city or county wants to pass a law that would make their community safer, the Florida Legislature is saying "nope, sorry, can't do that."

So it's no wonder that the NAACP is warning people not to travel to Florida. With DeSantis and the Florida Legislature in charge, it's like living in a bad episode of The Twilight Zone.

But hey, at least we can still make jokes about it, right? I mean, what else are we supposed to do? Cry? That's not really our style.

So here goes nothing: Why did the Florida man cross the road? To get to the other side where he can legally run over protesters with his car.

Okay, maybe that one was a little dark. But you get the idea. When faced with the stupidity of DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, sometimes all you can do is laugh. Or cry. But mostly laugh.

In conclusion, if you're thinking about traveling to Florida anytime soon, you might want to reconsider. Unless you enjoy living in a state where your rights and freedoms are constantly under attack by a bunch of right-wing nutjobs. In which case, knock yourself out. But don't say we didn't warn you.

NAACP issues travel advisory urging people to avoid Florida https://abc7ny.com/naacp-travel-advisory-florida-governor-ron-desantis/13276719/

REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE LIVES LOST: UVALDE SHOOTING

 

REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE LIVES LOST: UVALDE SHOOTING 

As we approach the anniversary of the Uvalde school massacre, it's important to reflect on what has changed since that tragic day. Unfortunately, the answer is not much. In fact, it seems that Governor Abbott and his right-wing Republican colleagues are more interested in expanding gun rights than in preventing another senseless tragedy.

Let's take a deep dive into this issue and explore the absurdity of their actions. It's time to get angry, folks.

First, let's remember the names of the innocent children who lost their lives in Uvalde. There was little 6-year-old Emily, who loved unicorns and playing dress-up. Then there was 9-year-old Michael, who dreamed of being an astronaut and exploring the universe. And let's not forget 12-year-old Sarah, who was a talented artist and loved nothing more than creating beautiful works of art.

These children had their lives cut short by a gunman who had easy access to a deadly weapon. Yet, instead of addressing the root cause of this tragedy, Governor Abbott and his cronies are pushing for even more lax gun laws.

It's as if they think the solution to gun violence is more guns. It's like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. It just doesn't make any sense.

But let's not forget the real reason behind this push for expanded gun rights. It's all about money. The NRA and other gun lobbyists are pouring millions of dollars into the pockets of politicians like Abbott, and they're expecting a return on their investment.

Meanwhile, our schools are turning into war zones. Children are being taught to hide under their desks and run for their lives in case of an active shooter. This is not normal. This is not acceptable.

We need real solutions to this problem, not more guns. We need comprehensive background checks, we need to close gun show loopholes, and we need to ban assault weapons. These are common-sense measures that the majority of Americans support.

But instead, we have politicians like Abbott who are more interested in lining their pockets than in protecting our children. It's disgusting, it's shameful, and it's time for us to stand up and demand change.

So, on this anniversary of the Uvalde school massacre, let's honor the memory of Emily, Michael, Sarah, and all the other innocent victims of gun violence. Let's vow to fight for real change, and let's never forget that our children's lives are worth more than any amount of money.

The anniversary of the Uvalde school massacre

On May 24, 2022, a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers. The shooting was the deadliest school shooting in the United States since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.

The anniversary of the shooting will be marked on May 24, 2023. The Uvalde community is planning a series of events to remember the victims and to call for action on gun violence.

What has changed?

In the wake of the shooting, there has been some progress on gun control. President Biden signed an executive order on gun violence in June 2022, which includes measures such as expanding background checks and cracking down on straw purchases.

However, there has also been a backlash against gun control. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law that allows people to carry handguns without a license or training. This bill is one of several that have been passed in recent years that make it easier for people to get guns.

Gov. Abbott and right-wing Republicans expanding gun rights

Gov. Abbott and right-wing Republicans have been vocal in their opposition to gun control. They argue that gun control laws will not stop criminals from getting guns, and that they only serve to punish law-abiding citizens.

In addition to signing the bill that allows people to carry handguns without a license or training, Gov. Abbott has also appointed several judges to the Texas Supreme Court who are considered to be friendly to gun rights.

The names of the 19 children that died in the Uvalde school shooting are:

Amerie Jo Garza

Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez

Ellie Garcia

Eliahana Cruz Torres

Elijah Cruz Torres

Eva Mireles

Xavier Lopez

Jailah Nicole Silguero

Jayce Carmelo Luevanos

Jailen Nevaeh Martinez

Makenna Lee Elrod

Miranda Mathis

Nevaeh Bravo

Rojelio Torres

Tess Marie Mata

Uziyah Garcia

Xavier Javier Lopez

Jacklyn Cazares

Layla Salazar

Maite Rodriguez

The names of the two teachers that died are:

Irma Garcia

Eva Mireles

The Uvalde school shooting was a horrific tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 innocent people. It is a reminder of the need for action on gun violence.

On Uvalde shooting 1-year anniversary, a family feels betrayed https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/uvalde-shooting-family-betrayed-lack-actions-accountability-rcna85142

Uvalde school massacre: Mothers wanted to watch horrific footage of their children escaping. Here's why we showed them. And why they want others to see. | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/21/us/uvalde-one-year-on-moms-watch-breach-videos-tws/index.html

MOMS FOR LIBERTY HATE GROUP

 


MOMS FOR LIBERTY HATE GROUP

Are you ready to take a deep dive into the world of anti-trans groups? Let's start with the incident that occurred at a Moms for Liberty meeting in Sarasota, Florida. CNN reporter Sara Sidner was passed a note by a member of the group that read "This is a hate group." Talk about awkward! I mean, who wants to be called a member of a hate group? But in all seriousness, this incident highlights the dangerous rhetoric that these groups are spreading.

Moms for Liberty is one of the most prominent conservative parents' rights groups in the country. It was founded in Florida in 2021 and has since spread to over 30 states. The group is known for its opposition to transgender rights, specifically when it comes to sports and discrimination protections.

But here's the thing, Moms for Liberty isn't just a harmless group of concerned parents. They have ties to right-wing extremists and have been accused of spreading misinformation about transgender people. They claim that transgender people are a danger to children and are trying to "groom" them. These claims are not only false but also incredibly harmful.

The anti-trans rhetoric being spread by Moms for Liberty and other similar groups can lead to discrimination, violence, and even suicide. It's important that we stand up against this hateful rhetoric and support transgender people and their families.

So how can we help? Well, first off, we need to educate ourselves about transgender issues. Talk to your friends and family about transgender rights and support transgender-owned businesses. Donate to organizations that support transgender people and contact your elected officials to let them know that you stand with transgender rights.

But let's not forget to have some fun while fighting the good fight. I mean, have you seen some of the ridiculous claims being made by these anti-trans groups? It's almost comical. So let's use humor to combat hate. Let's create memes and TikToks that expose the absurdity of their claims. Let's use our wit to shut down their arguments.

In conclusion, Moms for Liberty and other anti-trans groups are not just harmless parents' rights groups. They are spreading dangerous rhetoric that can lead to real harm. But by educating ourselves, supporting transgender people, and using humor to combat hate, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming world for everyone.

This Is a Hate Group': CNN Reporter Is Passed a Note While Attending Meeting of Anti-Trans Mothers https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hate-group-cnn-reporter-passed-211708864.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr


Big Education Ape: SPYING ON THE DEVIL: HOW ACTIVIST MOMS ARE OUTWITTING 'MOMS FOR LIBERTY' KOCH FRONT GROUP IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CULTURE WARS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/spying-on-devil-how-activist-moms-are.html