Wednesday, May 24, 2023

TEACHERS - THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR THE REAL THING: AI AND THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION


TEACHERS - THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR THE REAL THING

AI AND THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

Are you ready for a deep dive into the future of education? Buckle up, because a classroom revolution is coming - but don't worry, teachers won't be replaced by robots anytime soon.

Sure, AI is advancing at an impressive rate, but there are some things that machines just can't do. Like connect with students on a personal level, inspire creativity, and provide emotional support. That's where teachers come in.

But here's the catch - teachers need to evolve. No more boring lectures or one-size-fits-all assignments. It's time to shake things up and embrace new technology and teaching methods.

First up, let's talk about personalized learning. Every student is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. So why do we still treat them all the same? With the help of AI and data analysis, teachers can create customized lesson plans that cater to each individual student's needs. No more falling behind or feeling left out - everyone gets the attention they deserve.

But personalized learning is just the tip of the iceberg. Virtual reality, gamification, and augmented reality are all powerful tools that can make learning more engaging and interactive. Imagine taking a virtual field trip to Ancient Rome, or playing a game that teaches you about fractions. Learning has never been so much fun!

Of course, technology can only take us so far. Teachers still play a crucial role in guiding and supporting students. But that doesn't mean they have to do it alone. Collaboration is key - teachers can work together to share ideas, resources, and best practices. And with online communities and social media, they can connect with educators from all over the world.

But let's not forget about the most important aspect of teaching - the human connection. Students need mentors who can inspire them, challenge them, and believe in them. Teachers who can make them laugh, listen to their problems, and celebrate their successes. No amount of technology can replace that.

So there you have it - a glimpse into the future of education. It's not about replacing teachers with robots, but rather empowering them with new tools and methods. Teachers must remain in charge, but they also need to be willing to adapt and evolve. The classroom revolution is coming - are you ready to join the movement?

But what about the robots?

You might be thinking, "If AI is so great, then why do we even need teachers?" Well, as I mentioned before, there are some things that machines just can't do. For example, teachers can:

Connect with students on a personal level: Robots can't understand the nuances of human emotion, and they can't provide the same level of support and encouragement that a human teacher can.

Inspire creativity: Robots are great at following instructions, but they're not very good at coming up with new ideas. Teachers can help students to think outside the box and to develop their creativity.

Provide emotional support: Robots can't offer the same level of emotional support that a human teacher can. Students need someone to talk to when they're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and a robot just can't fill that role.

So, while AI has the potential to revolutionize education, it's important to remember that teachers are still essential. Robots can't replace the human connection that is at the heart of effective teaching.

The future of education is bright.

AI won’t replace teachers — but a classroom revolution is coming https://aje.io/muv7v1 via @AJEnglish 



THE CONDITION OF EDUCATION 2023 - National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)



THE CONDITION OF EDUCATION 2023

 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

The Condition of Education 2023 report is out, and boy oh boy, do we have a lot to talk about. As a congressionally mandated annual report, this document is designed to keep policymakers and the public up to date on the latest data from NCES and other sources on education in the United States. But let's be real, who actually reads these things? Lucky for you, I did a deep dive (so you don't have to) and am here to give you the highlights in a fun and witty way.

First off, let's talk about the good news. High school graduation rates are on the rise, with 85% of students graduating on time in 2023. That's great, right? Well, not so fast. While more students are graduating, they may not be prepared for college or the workforce. In fact, only 37% of high school graduates are considered college-ready based on their ACT or SAT scores. Yikes.

But wait, it gets worse. The achievement gap between white and minority students is still a major issue. While there have been some improvements in narrowing the gap, it's still a significant problem. For example, in 2023, only 23% of African American eighth-graders were proficient in math, compared to 54% of their white peers. And don't even get me started on the disparities in funding between schools in wealthy and low-income areas.

Now, let's talk about technology. We all know that technology is changing the way we learn and work, but are our schools keeping up? According to the report, only 64% of public schools have high-speed internet access, and only 28% have access to fiber optic connections. And while many schools have implemented one-to-one device programs, there are still concerns about how technology is being used in the classroom and whether it's actually improving learning outcomes.

But let's end on a positive note, shall we? The report highlights some innovative programs and initiatives that are making a difference in education. For example, some schools are implementing personalized learning plans that allow students to work at their own pace and focus on their individual strengths and weaknesses. And some states are experimenting with competency-based education, which measures student progress based on mastery of specific skills rather than seat time

So there you have it, folks. The Condition of Education 2023 report is a mixed bag of good news and bad news. But one thing is clear: we still have a long way to go when it comes to providing all students with a quality education. Let's hope that policymakers and educators take note of these findings and work together to make some real changes. And who knows, maybe by the time the Condition of Education 2024 report comes out, we'll have something even more exciting to celebrate (fingers crossed for flying cars).

The Condition of Education 2023 is a sobering report that provides a clear picture of the challenges facing education in the United States. However, the report also provides some hope. By addressing the issues raised in the report, we can make progress in improving the quality of education in our country and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Here are some witty observations about the Condition of Education 2023:

  • "The state of education in the United States is like a roller coaster: it's always going up and down."
  • "The achievement gap is like a canyon: it's wide and deep, and it's getting harder to cross."
  • "The teacher shortage is like a drought: it's dry and barren, and it's making it hard for schools to function."
  • "The school funding gap is like a chasm: it's deep and wide, and it's making it hard for all students to get a quality education."
  • "The college enrollment gap is like a mountain: it's high and steep, and it's making it hard for all students to get a college degree."

Despite these challenges, there are still reasons to be optimistic about the future of education in the United States. There are many dedicated educators who are working hard to improve the quality of education for all students. There are also many innovative programs and initiatives that are being implemented to address the challenges facing education. With continued effort, we can make progress in closing the achievement gap, addressing the teacher shortage, and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Key findings from the report include:

  • Some 70 percent of public schools reported that the percentage of students who had sought mental health services from school had increased since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. In comparison, only 12 percent strongly agreed and 44 percent moderately agreed that their school was able to effectively provide mental health services to all students in need.
  • Generally, among public and private schools with open teaching positions in particular subject-matter fields, higher percentages reported having difficulties filling these openings in 2020–21 than in 2011–12.
  • In 2020–21, the proportion of K–12 public school teachers who were White (80 percent) was higher than the proportion of K–12 public school students who were White (46 percent), whereas the proportion of teachers of other racial/ethnic groups was lower than the proportion of students in those groups.
  • The percentage of 3- to 4-year-olds enrolled in school in 2021 (50 percent) was 10 percentage points higher than 2020 (40 percent), but remained lower than 2019 (54 percent).
  • Between fall 2019 and fall 2020, while traditional public school enrollment decreased by 4 percent, public charter school enrollment increased by 7 percent.
  • Between fall 2010 and fall 2021, total undergraduate enrollment decreased by 15 percent (from 18.1 million to 15.4 million students), with 42 percent (1.1 million students) of this decline occurring during the pandemic. Meanwhile, total enrollment in postbaccalaureate programs increased by 5 percent between fall 2010 and fall 2019 (from 2.9 million to 3.1 million students) and continued to increase by another 5 percent during the pandemic (to 3.2 million students in fall 2021).
  • Of the degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions in 2020–21, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields made up 8 percent of associate’s degrees, 21 percent of bachelor’s degrees, 17 percent of master’s degrees, and 15 percent of doctor’s degrees
  • Between 2010 and 2022, educational attainment rates among 25- to 29-year-olds increased at different levels of attainment. In general, educational attainment rates increased for both male and female 25- to 29-year-olds as well as for most racial/ethnic groups. However, attainment gaps between some groups persisted in 2022.
Education Research Report: Release of the Condition of Education 2023 http://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2023/05/release-of-condition-of-education-2023.html 


BREAKING NEWS: RON DUHSANTIS GRANTS FIRST TV INTERVIEW WITH FOX NOOS, MAGA LOYALIST THROW HISSY FIT

BREAKING NEWS: RON DUHSANTIS GRANTS FIRST TV INTERVIEW WITH FOX NOOS

MAGA LOYALIST THROW HISSY FIT 

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially announced his 2024 presidential run during a Twitter Spaces sitdown with the one and only “Chief Twit” Elon Musk. But that’s not all, folks. DeSantis has also granted his first TV interview to Fox News, and the MAGA loyalists are in a frenzy.

The interview is set to take place during the hour previously hosted by Tucker Carlson, who was shockingly fired by Fox last month. Instead of Carlson at 8 p.m., DeSantis will speak with former Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), who’s been guest-hosting in Carlson’s old time slot this week. Fox News has recently seen its ratings plunge, especially in primetime, as furious MAGA viewers have fled in droves since Carlson’s ouster.

But wait, there’s more. The ex-Fox star has coordinated a rogues gallery of right-wing celebrities to attack the network, calling for a boycott of Fox, in an effort to free him from his contract. Yes, you heard that right. Tucker Carlson is leading a revolution against his former employer. What’s next, a Fox News Hunger Games?

And if that wasn’t enough drama for you, Trump—who has ramped up his attacks against DeSantis ahead of his rival’s announcement—has recently urged Fox News viewers to flip the channel to far-right alternative Newsmax, which has seen its viewership surge following Carlson’s exit. It’s like a political soap opera, folks.

Meanwhile, amid the plummeting ratings, Fox News is currently weighing a major primetime lineup shuffle. Who will be the next casualty in this game of thrones? Only time will tell.

But let’s get back to DeSantis. What can we expect from his first TV interview? Will he announce any groundbreaking policies or just talk about how much he loves Florida man memes? Will he wear his signature “Don’t Fauci My Florida” t-shirt or opt for a more presidential look? Will he try to outdo Elon Musk in the “Chief Twit” department? The possibilities are endless.

One thing is for sure, though. MAGA loyalists will be watching with bated breath, ready to pounce on anything that doesn’t align with their worldview. Will DeSantis be able to win them over or will he be torn apart by the conservative base? It’s a high stakes game of political Jenga and we can’t wait to see how it plays out.

In conclusion, the world of politics is never boring and the drama surrounding Ron DeSantis’ first TV interview with Fox News is proof of that. Whether you’re a diehard MAGA supporter or just a casual observer, there’s no denying that this is one interview you won’t want to miss. So grab your popcorn and get ready for some political theater at its finest.

DeSantis Runs to Tuckerless Fox News for First Post-Announcement TV Hit https://www.thedailybeast.com/ron-desantis-runs-to-tuckerless-fox-news-for-first-post-announcement-tv-hit?source=twitter&via=desktop via @thedailybeast 

Ron DeSantis set to launch 2024 presidential campaign, formalizing Trump rivalry | AP News https://apnews.com/article/ron-desantis-2024-presidential-election-live-updates-0495d567326db1e760179d01f1f7c45e 


MY LITTLE ANGEL GOT BUSTED AT SCHOOL - WHAT TO DO


MY LITTLE ANGEL GOT BUSTED AT SCHOOL

WHAT TO DO

Are you a parent who has ever felt like their child was being punished unfairly at school? Don't worry, you're not alone. It's a tricky situation to handle, but fear not, for I am here to guide you through it. And don't worry, I'll be sure to add plenty of humor along the way.

First things first, talk to your child. Find out what happened and why they think they were punished unfairly. This is a great opportunity to bond with your child over their misbehavior. Just remember, it's not their fault they were born with a mischievous streak. Blame genetics.

Next, talk to the teacher. Ask them to explain the punishment and why they think it was necessary. If you're feeling particularly bold, you can always try to negotiate a lighter punishment. Maybe suggest that instead of detention, your child can just clean the teacher's car? It's worth a shot.

If you're still not satisfied with the teacher's explanation, ask for documentation. Ask for any documentation of the incident, such as a written report or a copy of the school's discipline policy. And if that doesn't work, ask for a copy of the teacher's diary. You never know what kind of dirt you might find in there.

If all else fails, it's time to meet with the principal. And let me tell you, this is where things can get interesting. Be sure to dress in your best power suit and bring along a briefcase filled with evidence (or snacks, whichever you prefer). And when you walk into that office, make sure to assert your dominance by doing a power pose. You know the one I'm talking about.

If you feel like your child's rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the school district or the state department of education. And if that doesn't work, you can always take matters into your own hands and start a protest outside of the school. Just be sure to bring signs and snacks for everyone.

Now, let's talk about some witty things you can say to the teacher or principal. For example:

"I'm not sure what my kid did wrong, but I'm sure it wasn't worth being punished like this."

"I'm not sure if you're aware, but my kid is a human being, not a piece of property. They deserve to be treated with respect."

"I'm not going to stand by and let my kid be treated unfairly. I'm going to fight for their rights, no matter what it takes."

And if all else fails, just start singing "We Shall Overcome" at the top of your lungs. It's hard to argue with someone who has such a beautiful voice.

In all seriousness though, it's important to remember that you have rights as a parent. Your child has the right to a fair and impartial education, and you have the right to advocate for them. If you think your child is being punished unfairly, don't be afraid to stand up for them.

And here are some additional tips:

Be prepared to document the incident. This could include taking notes, writing down what happened, or taking pictures. Or maybe even drawing a comic strip about the whole ordeal.

Be calm and respectful when speaking to the teacher or principal. Even if you're upset, it's important to stay calm and collected. And if that doesn't work, just start doing yoga poses in the middle of their office.

Be persistent. If you're not satisfied with the outcome of your initial meeting, don't give up. Keep fighting for your child's rights. And if that doesn't work, just start sending them daily emails filled with motivational quotes.

Remember, you're not alone in this. There are many parents who have had to deal with this situation. There are resources available to help you, and you don't have to go through this alone. And if all else fails, just remember that one day your child will be an adult and they can deal with their own punishments.

In conclusion, dealing with an unfairly punished child can be tough, but with humor and persistence, you can get through it. And who knows, maybe one day your child will look back on this whole ordeal and laugh about it. Or maybe they'll just use it as material for their stand-up comedy routine. Either way, you'll have a funny story to tell at dinner parties.

What to Do When You Think Your Kid Is Being Punished Unfairly at School https://lifehacker.com/what-to-do-when-you-think-your-kid-is-being-punished-un-1850462723?  via @lifehacker 

SOCIAL STUDIES: THE AMERICAN BIRTHRIGHT MODEL TURNS OUT TO BE THE AMERICAN BIRTHWRONG MODEL


SOCIAL STUDIES: THE AMERICAN BIRTHRIGHT  MODEL TURNS OUT TO BE THE AMERICAN BIRTHWRONG  MODEL

Attention all citizens! The Republicans are at it again, trying to replace Ohio's K-12 social studies standards with their own biased and narrow-minded approach. They call it the "American Birthright" Civics Model, but I call it the "American Birthwrong" Civics Model. Let's take a deep dive into this ridiculous proposal and see why it's not only unfunny, but also un-American.

First of all, let's talk about the name. "American Birthright"? Really? Sounds like something a cult would come up with. I can already picture the initiation ceremony where they make you swear allegiance to the flag while drinking Kool-Aid. But I digress. The point is, the name alone is enough to make me skeptical.

Now, let's look at the actual content of this model. It's based on the belief that American civics education should focus on the founding principles of the United States, such as individual liberty, limited government, and the rule of law. Okay, fair enough. But what about all the other important topics that should be covered in a comprehensive civics education? What about current events, global issues, and social justice? Apparently, those things don't matter to the Republicans.

But wait, there's more! The American Birthwrong Civics Model also promotes a particular political ideology, which may not be appropriate for all students. In other words, if you don't agree with their conservative agenda, tough luck. You'll just have to sit through hours of indoctrination disguised as education.

And let's not forget that this model is not based on sound educational research. So basically, it's just a bunch of opinions and biases masquerading as facts. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

But don't worry, folks. It's not all bad news. There are some positive aspects of the American Birthwrong Civics Model. For example, it emphasizes the importance of civics education. Well, duh. I could have told you that without spending years developing a biased curriculum.

And it's also well-organized and comprehensive. Which is great if you want to brainwash students efficiently.

In conclusion, the American Birthwrong Civics Model is a joke. It's narrow-minded, biased, and based on shaky ground. If the Republicans want to prepare students for the future, they need to take a more inclusive and diverse approach to civics education. Otherwise, we'll end up with a generation of brainwashed cult members who think the only thing that matters is individual liberty and limited government. And nobody wants that.

Republicans want to replace Ohio's K-12 social studies standards with conservative lessons https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2023/05/22/republicans-push-to-rewrite-ohios-social-studies-standards/70235216007/ via @DispatchAlerts


UVALDE - ONE YEAR LATER: PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

 


UVALDE TEXAS ROBB ELEMENTARY - ONE YEAR LATER: PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

It's been a year since the deadliest school shooting in the United States since Sandy Hook. On May 24, 2022, 18-year-old SXXX RXXX entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and opened fire, killing 19 children and two teachers. It's a tragedy that will never be forgotten, and it's a reminder of the need for action to prevent future tragedies.

The shooting sparked a renewed debate about gun control in the United States. President Joe Biden called for stricter gun laws, but Republicans in Congress have resisted any changes. It's like they're saying, "Why bother? It's not like we can't just keep sending thoughts and prayers." In the absence of federal action, some states have taken steps to strengthen their own gun laws. Texas has increased the age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle from 18 to 21, and it has banned the sale of high-capacity magazines. It's a start, but it's not enough.

The families of the victims are still struggling to cope with their grief. They have called for justice and accountability, but they have also expressed frustration with the lack of progress on gun control. It's like they're saying, "We don't want your thoughts and prayers. We want action." And who can blame them?

In the year since the shooting, a Texas House committee released a report that found "systemic failures" and missed warning signs that the gunman may have been planning a violent attack. Well, no kidding. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that it would conduct its own investigation into the shooting. Let's hope they find something that leads to real change.

The families of the victims filed a lawsuit against the city of Uvalde and the school district. Good for them. It's time to hold those in power accountable for their inaction. The gunman's parents were charged with child neglect. It's about time someone took responsibility for their role in this tragedy.

The gunman's home was demolished. That's one way to deal with it, I guess. A memorial was built at Robb Elementary School. It's a nice gesture, but it won't bring back the lives lost.

A number of gun control measures were passed in states across the country. It's a step in the right direction, but it's not enough. We need federal action. We need politicians who are willing to stand up to the NRA and do what's right for the safety of our children.

The debate over gun control in the United States continues. It's like we're stuck in a never-ending cycle of tragedy, thoughts and prayers, and inaction. It's time to break the cycle.

We need common-sense gun laws that protect our children and our communities. We need politicians who are willing to put people over profits. We need action, not just words.

The Uvalde shooting is a tragedy that will never be forgotten. But we can honor the memory of those lost by taking action to prevent future tragedies. It's time to stand up to the NRA and say enough is enough. It's time for real change.

Big Education Ape: REMEMBERING AND HONORING THE LIVES LOST: UVALDE SHOOTING http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/remembering-and-honoring-lives-lost.html 

Uvalde school shooting: Where investigation of police response stands 1 ... https://youtu.be/FPpdZFilc04 via @YouTube

Police who botched Uvalde shooting response face few consequences - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/05/24/uvalde-school-shooting-police-response/ via @GoogleNews