Tuesday, August 15, 2023

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF FLIPPER: WHO WILL FLIP FIRST

 

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF FLIPPER

WHO WILL FLIP FIRST

In the latest episode of the Trump legal saga, we have five of his aides charged as co-conspirators in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. The names include Rudy Giuliani, Kenneth Chesebro, John Eastman, and Sydney Powell and Jeffrey Clark. The question on everyone's mind is, who will flip first?

Will it be Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City who has been a loyal Trump ally for years? Or will it be Sydney Powell, the attorney who became famous for her outlandish claims about election fraud? Perhaps it will be Kenneth Chesebro, a little-known Trump aide who has flown under the radar until now. Or maybe John Eastman, a law professor who helped draft a memo outlining how Vice President Pence could overturn the election results.

But in a plot twist, will Trump rat out his own team? Will he say, "on advice of my counsels," and throw Giuliani and Powell under the bus? It's anyone's guess at this point.

The recent indictment of Trump and his associates by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has put pressure on the former president. Legal experts suggest that charging co-defendants or co-conspirators in an indictment puts more pressure on them to flip on the target of the investigation, which in this case is Trump.

However, Trump's best defense is to delay the cases until after the November 2024 election. If he wins and regains control of the White House, he cannot be prosecuted, at least according to the DOJ. Willis' case is different from the federal case brought against Trump by special counsel Jack Smith on charges of trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election, as Trump would be unable to pardon himself at the state level.

Willis' indictment charges almost everyone, hoping that some will flip on the former president. It includes five of the six Trump aides who were believed to be unindicted co-conspirators in the federal indictment. The delay in bringing charges likely puts her case fourth in line and means that it is unlikely to go to trial before 2025.

The federal government's criminal indictment of Donald Trump lists six people who allegedly conspired with him to try to steal the 2020 election. Former prosecutors and other legal analysts told USA TODAY they were struck by the fact that special counsel Jack Smith did not announce charges against any of the six even though the indictment describes them as crucial cogs in a broad Trump-led conspiracy to try to overturn Joe Biden's victory.

In a process known as "flipping," prosecutors often use the implied threat of potential criminal charges to pressure suspected co-conspirators into cooperating against their main target − in this case Trump. If Smith can get even a few to flip, it would help his case tremendously.

Former President Trump's new legal defense fund for aides and employees may act as both an act of kindness and an insurance policy against witness flipping. The superseding indictment unveiled Thursday in Trump's classified documents case ensnared a new defendant, Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira, in addition to longtime Trump valet Walt Nauta.

While the employee may have cooperated, there is no indication that Trump's co-defendants intend to flip. The threat of cooperating witnesses isn't just confined to Trump's classified documents case. It's not unusual for campaigns to pay for their staff's legal costs, but prosecutors appear to see potential conflicts of interest in Trump's dealings with witnesses.

Rudy Giuliani has sought to distance himself from events in Coffee County, GA, where text messages linked the Trump team to a voting system breach. Lawyer Timothy Parlatore, who previously served on Trump's legal team, suggested that Powell went further than Giuliani or Trump, saying her conduct stood in stark contrast to that of the former president and Giuliani, who were looking to make claims backed up by evidence.

The finger-pointing has begun within Donald Trump's team following the indictment of six co-conspirators over the January 6 Capitol insurrection. The indictment did not name or charge the co-conspirators, leading to speculation about which of them might testify for the prosecution. Trump's legal team has previewed an "advice of counsel" defense, leading to accusations being aimed at former lawyer Sidney Powell, identified as Co-Conspirator 3.

It remains to be seen who will flip first in this legal drama. Will it be Giuliani, Powell, Chesebro, Eastman, or Clark? Or will Trump throw them all under the bus? One thing is for sure: this is going to be one wild ride. Stay tuned for more episodes of The New Adventures of Flipper!

Donald Trump Has Reason to Worry About People Flipping on Him https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-worry-people-flipping-1820022 

Donald Trump might welcome the Georgia election charges, but his co-accused might be tempted to 'flip' | US News | Sky News https://news.sky.com/story/trump-might-welcome-the-georgia-election-charges-but-his-co-accused-might-be-tempted-to-flip-12940280 

Finger-pointing begins inside Trump team over Jan. 6 indictment - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/14/finger-pointing-begins-inside-trump-team-over-jan-6-indictment/ 

Fani Willis successfully flipped eight ‘fake electors.’ Why that matters to Trump. https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/trump-indictment-georgia-fani-willis-fake-electors-rcna91202 

New Trump charges evoke years-long fear of witness flipping https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/trump-witnesses-flip-mar-a-lago-employees 

Trump Indictment: Could Co-Conspirators Flip Into Cooperating Witnesses? https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-indictment-co-conspirators-flip-cooperating-witnesses-2023-8 


OKLAHOMA'S MAGA MAD MONK OF EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS GOES AFTER TPS SUP DEBORAH GIST LIKE SHE STOLE HIS LUNCH MONEY

 

OKLAHOMA'S MAGA MAD MONK OF EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS GOES AFTER TPS SUP DEBORAH GIST LIKE SHE STOLE HIS LUNCH MONEY

Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) and Oklahoma's State Superintendent, Ryan Walters, are currently engaged in a heated dispute over the district's accreditation status. Walters has accused TPS of having failing schools, poor reading proficiency, excessive administrative spending, and mismanagement of funds. Meanwhile, TPS has defended its performance and accused Walters of playing politics. The situation has become so absurd that it's hard not to laugh.

In response to Walters' criticism, TPS Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist expressed confusion over a video released by the Oklahoma State Department of Education that targeted the district's literacy and test scores. Gist said that the district has a plan in place to improve scores and that her focus is on the start of the new school year. Meanwhile, Walters called for a change in leadership for the district, claiming that TPS leaders do not want to face the facts of their failure. It's like watching two kids argue over who gets to sit in the front seat of the car.

The dispute has also led to accusations of financial mismanagement and a lack of specificity around academic programming. If TPS is downgraded, students could be reassigned to the nearest accredited school. This has led to anxiety among parents and students, with some seeking counseling services to help them cope with the uncertainty. It's like watching a soap opera where everyone is overreacting to everything.

But perhaps the most amusing aspect of this whole situation is the personalities involved. Walters is a Republican politician who was elected as the state superintendent of public instruction in 2022. He is a former teacher and a vocal critic of critical race theory and teacher's unions in Oklahoma. Meanwhile, Gist is a former teacher and an education leader who has been the superintendent of TPS since 2015. She is a proud graduate of TPS and has led the district to improve graduation rates, teacher retention, student growth, and curriculum diversity. It's like watching two characters from a sitcom who are complete opposites but have to work together.

In August 2023, Walters held a press conference at the Tulsa GOP headquarters where he singled out TPS for poor student test scores and alleged financial mismanagement. He also called for the dismissal of Gist and threatened to revoke the district's accreditation, which would force the students to enroll in other districts. Gist responded by holding a meeting with the TPS Board of Education where she defended the district's performance and refuted Walters' claims as inaccurate and false. She also received support from many board members, city leaders, teachers, parents, and students who rallied behind her.

In conclusion, the situation between Tulsa Public Schools and Oklahoma's State Superintendent Ryan Walters is nothing short of absurd. The dispute over accreditation status has led to accusations of financial mismanagement, poor reading proficiency, and excessive administrative spending. But at the end of the day, it's all just politics as usual. Let's hope that everyone involved can take a step back, have a good laugh, and work together to improve public education in Oklahoma.

'We Don't Understand It': Superintendent Gist Responds To Criticism Against Tulsa School District https://www.newson6.com/story/64da2dfb4809c0072d71709a/we-dont-understand-it:-superintendent-gist-responds-to-criticism-against-tulsa-school-district 

'Where's the accountability': TPS board member says Walters financial attack is a misdirect | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/wheres-the-accountability-tps-board-member-says-walters-financial-attack-is-a-misdirect 

'We need you here': Tulsa Public Schools offers families reassurance amid accreditation debate | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/we-need-you-here-tulsa-public-schools-offers-families-reassurance-amid-accreditation-debate

State Superintendent sparring with Tulsa Public Schools over accreditation https://kfor.com/news/local/state-superintendent-sparring-with-tulsa-public-schools-over-accreditation/ 


THE DEFT DIVE 

FROM BARD AI

I do not have enough information about that person to help with your request. I am a large language model, and I am able to communicate and generate human-like text in response to a wide range of prompts and questions, but my knowledge about this person is limited. Is there anything else I can do to help you with this request?

FROM BING AI

Situation between Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters and Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist. Here are some of the main points:

  • - Ryan Walters is a Republican politician who was elected as the state superintendent of public instruction in 2022. He also serves as the secretary of education for Governor Kevin Stitt. He is a former teacher and a vocal critic of critical race theory and teacher's unions in Oklahoma⁶⁸ [^10^].
  • - Deborah Gist is a former teacher and an education leader who has been the superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools since 2015. She is a proud graduate of Tulsa Public Schools and has led the district to improve graduation rates, teacher retention, student growth, and curriculum diversity¹¹¹².
  • - In August 2023, Walters held a press conference at the Tulsa GOP headquarters where he singled out Tulsa Public Schools for poor student test scores and alleged financial mismanagement. He also called for the dismissal of Gist and threatened to revoke the district's accreditation, which would force the students to enroll in other districts¹².
  • - Gist responded by holding a meeting with the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education where she defended the district's performance and refuted Walters' claims as inaccurate and false. She also received support from many board members, city leaders, teachers, parents, and students who rallied behind her¹²³⁴⁵.
  • - The Oklahoma State Board of Education is scheduled to vote on Tulsa Public Schools' accreditation on Aug. 24, 2023. The outcome of the vote could have significant implications for the future of public education in Tulsa and Oklahoma².

Bing, 8/15/2023

  • (1) Ryan Walters (politician) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Walters_%28politician%29.
  • (2) Oklahoma’s top education official embraces culture wars. https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-education-teachers-superintendent-walters-c5c55e473eaeb0c94545c8ae5753149a.
  • (3) Top Oklahoma official alleges teachers unions, China are cheerleading .... https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/education/fri-oklahoma-state-superintendent-says-teachers-unions-are-cheerleading.
  • (4) Superintendent - Tulsa Public Schools. https://www.tulsaschools.org/about/superintendent.
  • (5) DEBORAH GIST - Chiefs for Change. https://www.chiefsforchange.org/members/deborah-gist/.
  • (6) State Superintendent Walters Continues Attack on Tulsa Public Schools .... https://theokeagle.com/2023/08/08/state-superintendent-walters-continues-attack-on-tulsa-public-schools/.
  • (7) Tulsa leaders speak up about school district's accreditation fight with .... https://www.kosu.org/education/2023-08-10/tulsa-leaders-speak-up-about-school-districts-accreditation-fight-with-oklahoma-superintendent-ryan-walters.
  • (8) Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist Responds To Walters .... https://www.news9.com/story/64d21fec33a09209cc76524e/tulsa-public-schools-superintendent-deborah-gist-responds-to-walters-improvement-plan.
  • (9) 2 News interviews State Supt. Ryan Walters, TPS Supt. Deborah Gist. https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/2-news-back-to-back-interviews-with-state-supt-ryan-walters-tps-supt-deborah-gist.
  • (10) Walters Announces Guidelines For Tulsa Public School District; Calls .... https://www.newson6.com/story/64d1731813ee03072ad7e8ab/walters-announces-guidelines-for-tulsa-public-schools-this-year-calls-for-new-leadership.
  • (11) Why Oklahoma is Paying its Education Superintendent More Than the .... https://oklahomawatch.org/newsletter/education-watch-why-oklahoma-is-paying-its-education-superintendent-more-than-the-governor/.
  • (12) Billionaire philanthropists pushing charter schools and school vouchers .... https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/billionaire-philanthropists-pushing-charter-schools-and-school-vouchers-also-fund-oklahomas-secretary-of-educations-six-figure-salary/.
  • (13) Deborah Gist - Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Deborah_Gist.
  • (14) DEBORAH A. GIST - SUPERINTENDENT - Cloudinary. https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1530382043/tulsaschoolsorg/chi2qxljz86v6jiyw9az/deborah_gist.pdf.


THE SCIENCE OF READING BATTLE IS OVER BUT NOT THE READING WARS


THE SCIENCE OF READING BATTLE IS OVER BUT NOT THE READING WARS

The Reading Wars have been raging for over a century, with the phonics camp and the word recognition camp battling it out like a literary version of West Side Story. But now, it seems like the science of reading movement has emerged victorious, at least for the time being. 

Forty-five states and Washington, DC have passed laws related to reading instruction in the past five years, with changes to school curriculum, teacher training, screenings for dyslexia, and testing requirements. It's like the Wild West of reading reform out there. 

But is this really the end of the Reading Wars? Or are we just seeing a temporary ceasefire before the next battle breaks out? 

One thing's for sure: the science of reading movement has some serious swagger. They're all like, "Phonics, schmonics. We've got science on our side." And who can argue with science? Well, some experts can, apparently. They caution that we shouldn't overemphasize phonics at the expense of other literacy skills. 

But let's be real here. Phonics is like the avocado toast of reading instruction. It's trendy, it's hip, and everyone's talking about it. And just like avocado toast, it might not be the magic solution to all our problems, but it's definitely not hurting anyone. 

And speaking of trendy things, have you heard about the commercially available materials claiming to adhere to the science of reading approach? It's like the reading version of those detox teas you see all over Instagram. Do they actually work? Who knows. But they sure do look pretty in their Instagram-worthy packaging. 

But let's not forget about the other side of the Reading Wars. The word recognition camp might be feeling a little left out right now, but they'll be back. They're like that friend who always gets left behind when everyone else is going out to brunch, but then they show up at the last minute and order a mimosa like nothing ever happened. 

So what can we expect from the future of reading instruction? Will phonics continue to reign supreme? Will word recognition make a comeback? Will we all just give up and become illiterate hermits living in caves? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the Reading Wars are far from over.

The push for phonics and “science of reading,” explained - Vox https://www.vox.com/23815311/science-of-reading-movement-literacy-learning-loss

Big Education Ape: “A case for why both sides in the ‘reading wars’ debate are wrong — and a proposed solution” Is 50% Wrong | radical eyes for equity http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-case-for-why-both-sides-in-reading.html 

Big Education Ape: Four things you need to know about the new reading wars http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2020/03/four-things-you-need-to-know-about-new.html 

Big Education Ape: The Reading Wars? Who’s Talking About Reading and Class Size? http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-reading-wars-whos-talking-about.html 

Big Education Ape: DR PAUL THOMAS VS NYC DEPT. OF ED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/dr-paul-thomas-vs-nyc-dept-of-ed.html 

TWIT-X LEADER NAPOLEON MUSK CONSIDERS MOVING HEADQUARTERS TO ST. HELENA

TWIT-X LEADER NAPOLEON MUSK CONSIDERS MOVING HEADQUARTERS TO  ST. HELENA

Elon Musk, the man with the plan, the genius behind Tesla and SpaceX, has been in the news lately for his leadership tactics. And it seems that he has a bit of a Napoleon complex, if you know what I mean.

For those of you who don't know, the Napoleon complex is a term used to describe people of short stature who exhibit overly aggressive or domineering behavior. It's often seen as compensatory for their physical or social shortcomings. And it seems that Elon Musk is no exception.

According to biographer Walter Isaacson, Musk has studied the leadership tactics of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte for insights into corporate life. Musk believes that wherever Napoleon was, that's where his armies would do best. So, he likes to show up late at night on the assembly lines at Tesla and SpaceX, just like Napoleon would show up on the battlefield.

But it's not just about showing up. Musk also believes that if workers see their leader on the factory floor, they will be more motivated. And what better way to motivate them than to compare the factories to battlefields? That's right, Musk has likened the factories to “battlefields”. I mean, who wouldn't want to work in a warzone?

But it's not just the Napoleon complex that Musk has in common with another notable figure. It seems that he is also about as stable a genius as Trump. Yes, you read that right. Elon Musk is about as stable a genius as Trump. I mean, have you seen his tweets lately?

In fact, Musk's tweets have been so erratic that they have caused quite a stir on social media. One tweet in particular caught everyone's attention. It was a reply to X, who had marked his spot on Twitter. Musk replied with a simple "Definitely". I mean, what does that even mean? Did he agree with X? Did he think X was crazy? We may never know.

But that's not all. Musk also claimed that he was able to kiss his own ask. Yes, you read that right too. He claimed that he was able to kiss his own ask. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think that's physically possible. And even if it were, why would you want to?

So, there you have it folks. Elon Musk, the man with the plan, the Napoleon complex, and the ability to kiss his own ask. Who knows what he'll come up with next? Maybe he'll start wearing a hat like Napoleon. Or maybe he'll start calling himself Emperor Elon. Whatever it is, you can be sure that it will be entertaining.

Walter Isaacson interview: Elon Musk's Napoleon complex https://www.axios.com/2023/08/14/elon-musk-napoleon-fight 

Musk Studied Napoleon to Take 'Battlefield' Lessons: Biographer https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-studied-napoleon-tesla-spacex-factory-battlefield-biographer-2023-8 


RED STATE EDUCATION REVOLT: BAN EVERYTHING EXCEPT PATRIOTIC PROPAGANDA

RED STATE EDUCATION REVOLT: BAN EVERYTHING EXCEPT PATRIOTIC PROPAGANDA

The red state education revolt continues to rage on, with more states sticking their heads in the sands of ignorance and hate. It's like a game of whack-a-mole, but instead of moles, it's common sense and decency that keep popping up.

Conservative parents and lawmakers are leading the charge, fueled by their fear of critical race theory, gender identity, sexual orientation, and teachers' unions. They're like the Scooby-Doo gang, but instead of unmasking villains, they're trying to unmask the truth.

Critical race theory is their biggest boogeyman, even though it's not even taught in K-12 schools. It's like being afraid of ghosts when you don't even believe in them. But these parents and lawmakers are convinced that CRT is lurking in the shadows, waiting to brainwash their children into thinking that racism is bad.

Gender identity and sexual orientation are also on their hit list. They're convinced that schools are teaching their children about these topics in ways that they disagree with. It's like they think that learning about different perspectives will turn their children into gender-fluid unicorns who only listen to Lady Gaga.

School choice is their solution to everything. They think that parents should have the option to send their children to public, private, or charter schools. It's like they want to turn education into a reality TV show where parents get to vote off the bad teachers.

Curriculum is another thorn in their side. They're convinced that schools are teaching their children things that they disagree with, like evolution or climate change. It's like they want to live in a world where science is just a suggestion.

And don't even get them started on teachers' unions. They think they're liberal organizations that are brainwashing their children into being socialist hippies. It's like they think that teachers are secretly plotting to take over the world with their red pens and lesson plans.

But it's not just these issues that have them up in arms. They're also concerned about standardized testing, American history, and religion in schools. It's like they want to live in a world where everyone thinks the same way and believes the same things.

The conservative red state education initiatives are their attempt to put an end to all of this. They want to ban DEI programs and critical race theory in public colleges and universities. They want to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion because they think it's divisive and anti-American. It's like they're trying to make America great again by making it less diverse.

Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Arizona are at the forefront of this movement. They're like the Avengers of ignorance, fighting against anything that challenges their narrow worldview.

But there's hope yet. Not all Republicans agree with these changes, and there's a growing movement of parents and educators who are fighting back against the conservative agenda. It's like a rebellion against the Empire, but instead of lightsabers, they have textbooks.

The future of education in red states is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: it's going to be a bumpy ride. It's like a rollercoaster that only goes down, but with more angry parents and politicians.

In the end, we can only hope that reason and common sense prevail. It's like trying to convince a Flat Earther that the world is round, but with more screaming and less logic.

So let's buckle up, folks. The red state education revolt is far from over. It's like a bad sequel that just won't die. But with enough laughter and ridicule, maybe we can make it go away for good.

New College group alleges a Florida law 'censors' courses | WUSF Public Media https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/education/2023-08-15/new-college-group-alleges-florida-law-censors-courses 

Arkansas Education Department won’t allow credit for AP African American Studies course https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/arkansas-education-department-wont-allow-credit-ap-african-american-st-rcna99791 

Idaho law hands parents more power in choosing school curriculums. It’s led to major changes | Idaho | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/14/idaho-parents-teachers-curriculum-selection 

Big Education Ape: MEATAXE MIKE MILES GETS EARFUL FROM OUTRAGED STUDENTS PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS #KidsNeedLibraries #EvenPrisonsHaveLibraries #TakeoversFail #HISD #HoustonISD @TexasAFT @AFTunion https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/meataxe-mike-miles-gets-earful-from.html 

Big Education Ape: GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF BS EDUCATION AT PRAGERU https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/get-your-daily-dose-of-bs-education-at.html 

Big Education Ape: FOUNDING FATHERS WTF: A STATE SPONSORED CATHOLIC PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/founding-father-wtf-state-sponsored.html

Big Education Ape: CITIZENS OF ARKANSAS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND STUDENTS (CAPES) SAYS NO TO MAGA LEARNS NOTHING ACT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/citizens-of-arkansas-for-public.html 



THE DEFT DIVE


FROM BARD AI

The red state education revolt:

The red state education revolt is a movement by conservative parents and lawmakers to exert more control over the public school curriculum and teaching methods. The movement is fueled by concerns about critical race theory (CRT), gender identity and sexual orientation, school choice, curriculum, and teachers' unions.

  • **Critical race theory (CRT)** is an academic movement that examines the intersection of race, law, and society. It is often controversial because it challenges the dominant narrative of American history and culture. CRT is not taught in K-12 schools, but some conservative parents and lawmakers are concerned that it is being taught, or that it could be taught in the future.
  • **Gender identity and sexual orientation** are also controversial topics in red states. Some parents and lawmakers are concerned that schools are teaching their children about gender identity and sexual orientation in ways that they disagree with. Some states have passed laws that restrict how teachers can discuss these topics.
  • **School choice** is the idea that parents should have the option to send their children to public, private, or charter schools. It is a popular policy among Republicans, and many red states have expanded school choice options in recent years. School choice is often seen as a way to give parents more control over their children's education.
  • **Curriculum** is the content that is taught in schools. There is a growing debate in red states about the content of school textbooks and curriculum. Some parents and lawmakers are concerned that schools are teaching their children things that they disagree with, such as evolution or climate change.
  • **Teachers' unions** are organizations that represent teachers and negotiate on their behalf. They are often seen as liberal organizations, and they have been the target of criticism from some Republicans. Some red states have passed laws that make it more difficult for teachers to unionize.

The red state education revolt has led to a number of policy changes in recent years. Some states have banned the teaching of critical race theory, while others have restricted how teachers can discuss gender identity and sexual orientation. Many states have also expanded school choice options, and some have overridden decisions made by local school boards.

The red state education revolt is a complex issue with no easy answers. It is important to note that not all Republicans agree with the changes that have been made, and there is a growing movement of parents and educators who are fighting back against the conservative agenda.

The future of education in red states is uncertain. It is possible that the changes that have been made will be reversed, or that they will be further expanded. It is also possible that the education system in red states will become increasingly polarized, with parents and educators on opposite sides of the issue. Only time will tell what the ultimate outcome will be.

In addition to the issues mentioned above, the red state education revolt is also concerned with the following:

  • * **The use of standardized testing:** Some parents and lawmakers are concerned that standardized testing is too focused on memorization and does not adequately measure critical thinking skills.
  • * **The teaching of American history:** Some parents and lawmakers are concerned that schools are not teaching American history accurately, or that they are teaching a "revisionist" view of history.
  • * **The role of religion in schools:** Some parents and lawmakers want schools to be more accommodating to religious beliefs, while others want to keep religion out of schools altogether.

The red state education revolt is a significant development in American education. It is a reflection of the broader culture war that is taking place in the United States, and it is likely to have a lasting impact on the education system in red states.


FROM BING AI

Conservative red state education initiatives. I will try to provide you with some information and insights based on the web search results.

Conservative red state education initiatives are a set of policies and proposals that aim to limit or eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and critical race theory (CRT) in public colleges and universities. These initiatives are motivated by the belief that DEI and CRT promote a divisive and anti-American worldview that undermines the values of freedom, merit, and patriotism. Some of the common features of these initiatives are:

  • - Banning or defunding DEI offices, staff, trainings, and activities that address issues of race, gender, sexuality, and identity.
  • - Prohibiting or restricting the use of DEI statements or commitments in hiring, promotion, tenure, or grant decisions.
  • - Eliminating or reducing majors, minors, courses, or research that focus on DEI topics or CRT perspectives.
  • - Requiring or encouraging patriotic education that emphasizes the positive aspects of American history and culture.
  • - Mandating or allowing academic freedom surveys or intellectual diversity reports that monitor the ideological balance and viewpoint diversity of faculty and students.

Five specific states: Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Arizona. I will briefly summarize some of the conservative red state education initiatives that have occurred or are being proposed in each of these states.

  • - Florida: Florida has a Republican-controlled state government that has advanced a bill that would prohibit public universities from funding DEI programs and requiring commitments to diversity in statements during hiring¹. The bill would also eliminate majors or minors that touch on critical race theory and “radical” feminist or gender theories¹. Governor Ron DeSantis has said that he wants to “expose the scams” of DEI and CRT and ensure that Florida students receive an education, not a political indoctrination¹.
  • - Texas: Texas also has a Republican-dominated state government that has enacted several conservative education reforms in recent years. Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive last month instructing public universities across the state to stop considering DEI statements in their hiring practices². The state legislature has also passed a bill that would ban the teaching of critical race theory in K-12 schools and require teachers to present multiple perspectives on controversial issues³. The bill would also limit the use of certain books and materials that address racism and oppression in American history³.
  • - Oklahoma: Oklahoma was one of the epicenters of the red state education revolt in 2018, when teachers staged a two-week walkout that shut down most public schools in the state. The teachers demanded more funding for education after years of budget cuts and teacher shortages. The walkout resulted in a $6,100 pay raise for teachers and a $50 million increase in school funding. However, the teachers said that these gains were not enough to meet their needs and expectations. In 2019, Oklahoma passed a law that expanded its charter school system to allow more rural districts to authorize charter schools. In 2020, Oklahoma voters rejected a ballot measure that would have increased funding for public schools by increasing the gross production tax on oil and gas companies.
  • - Arkansas: Arkansas has a Republican-led state government that has pursued various conservative education policies in recent years. In 2019, Arkansas passed a law that raised the minimum teacher salary by $4,000 over four years, from $31,800 to $36,000. The law also created a fund to help low-wealth districts pay for teacher salary increases. In 2020, Arkansas adopted new academic standards for computer science education that require all high school students to take at least one computer science course before graduation. Arkansas also launched a new initiative called Reading Initiative for Student Excellence (RISE), which aims to improve literacy skills among students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12.
  • - Arizona: Arizona was another focal point of the red state education revolt in 2018, when teachers held a six-day strike that closed most public schools in the state. The teachers demanded more funding for education after a decade of budget cuts and teacher shortages. The strike resulted in a 20 percent pay raise for teachers by 2020 and a $400 million increase in school funding. However, the teachers said that these gains were not enough to restore the funding levels that were lost since the Great Recession. In 2020, Arizona voters approved a ballot measure that imposed a 3.5 percent income tax surcharge on individuals earning more than $250,000 and couples earning more than $500,000. The revenue from the tax will be dedicated to education spending.

Bing, 8/15/2023

  • (1) Anti-DEI bills in these red states are targeting diversity in colleges. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/03/23/dei-diversity-in-colleges-targeted-by-conservative-red-states/11515522002/.
  • (2) The new Red Scare for red states: Diversity programs - POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/19/gop-culture-war-college-dei-florida-texas-00087697.
  • (3) Red State Gov Signs Bill Banning Diversity Offices, Initiatives At .... https://www.conservativereview.com/red-state-gov-signs-bill-banning-diversity-offices-initiatives-at-higher-education-institutions-2661329420.html.



GOAL OF THE SUCCESS-READY STUDENTS NETWORK (SRSN): DUMP STANDARDIZED TESTING

 

GOAL OF THE SUCCESS-READY STUDENTS NETWORK (SRSN): DUMP STANDARDIZED TESTING 

THE SUCCESS-READY STUDENTS NETWORK (SRSN): SOUNDS LIKE A NEW PRIVATIZER FRONT GROUP BUT IS IT?

In a move that has left educators and students alike cheering, a network of 20 Missouri school districts has decided to dump standardized testing and embrace innovation. Yes, you heard it right. The days of filling in bubbles and sweating over multiple-choice questions are finally over. It's time to celebrate!

The districts have requested that the state implement a more responsive assessment system that will personalize student learning. Instead of annual standardized testing, assessments will be administered multiple times a year to access real-time results. This means that students will no longer have to wait months to find out how they've performed, and teachers will be able to adjust their teaching strategies in real-time.

The schools are part of the Success-Ready Students Network, which includes a mix of rural and urban campuses with a wide range of student performance scores and poverty rates. The innovation waivers are intended to boost student performance and benefit educators by giving schools the room to implement unique strategies. The plan is for a new cohort of districts to use the innovation waivers each school year until the entire state is involved.

But let's be real. The best part about this news is that we can finally say goodbye to standardized testing. No more filling in bubbles until our fingers cramp up. No more sweating over multiple-choice questions that seem designed to trick us. No more feeling like our academic worth is reduced to a single test score.

Instead, we can look forward to assessments that are designed to help us learn, not just measure our knowledge. We can look forward to teachers who have the freedom to teach in ways that work best for their students, not just teach to the test. We can look forward to a future where education is about more than just test scores.

And let's not forget the other benefits of this move. Standardized tests have been criticized for sucking up too much time, being culturally biased, and doing little to improve students' academic outcomes. With these new assessments, we can finally put those criticisms to rest.

Of course, there will always be some who cling to the old ways. They'll argue that standardized testing is necessary to ensure accountability, or that it's the only way to measure student achievement. But let's be real. Standardized testing is like a bad ex-boyfriend. Sure, it might seem familiar and comfortable, but it's not good for us. It's time to move on.

So let's raise a glass (of apple juice, of course) to the Missouri school districts who have embraced innovation and said goodbye to standardized testing. Here's hoping that other states will follow suit, and that we can finally create an education system that works for everyone.

20 Missouri school districts seek 'innovation waivers' to move away from state tests • Missouri Independent https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/14/20-missouri-school-districts-seek-innovation-waivers-to-move-away-from-state-tests/ 

Success Ready Students | Home https://www.srsnmo.org/ 


THE DEFT DIVE


FROM BARD AI

The Success-Ready Students Network (SRSN) is a statewide initiative in Missouri that is working to support a long-term transition to competency-based learning (CBL) in public schools. CBL is an approach to education that focuses on mastery of learning objectives, rather than time spent in school.

The SRSN is funded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), as well as by private foundations. The purpose of the SRSN is to help Missouri schools make the transition to CBL by providing them with resources, training, and support.

The SRSN has four main goals:

  • * To support the redesigning and building of reimagined assessment and accreditation systems.
  • * To convene Innovation Zones where public school educators, partners and stakeholders can engage in high-quality professional learning.
  • * To engage the business community to support business-to-education partnerships that create real-world learning opportunities for students.
  • * To establish a Steering Committee to develop and recommend policy changes based on statewide study and research.

The SRSN does not have a specific stance on standardized testing. However, the network believes that assessment should be used to support learning, not to punish students. The SRSN supports the use of formative assessments, which are used to provide feedback to students and teachers on their progress.

The SRSN is a collaborative effort that brings together a variety of stakeholders, including educators, businesses, and policymakers. The network is committed to helping Missouri schools create a more equitable and effective education system for all students.

Here are some of the benefits of competency-based learning:

  • * It allows students to learn at their own pace and focus on the skills they need to master.
  • * It provides more flexibility for students, allowing them to take courses and pursue interests that they are passionate about.
  • * It can help to reduce dropout rates, as students are more likely to stay engaged in school when they are learning at their own pace and working towards mastery of specific skills.
  • * It can help to prepare students for college and the workforce, as it focuses on the skills that are needed in those settings.

However, there are also some challenges associated with competency-based learning, such as:

  • * It can be difficult to implement, as it requires a significant change in the way that schools are structured and operate.
  • * It can be expensive, as it requires new assessments and other resources.
  • * It can be difficult to measure student progress, as mastery of learning objectives can be subjective.

Overall, competency-based learning is a promising approach to education that has the potential to improve student outcomes. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges involved in implementing this approach before making a decision to adopt it.


FROM BING AI

The Success-Ready Schools Network (SRSN) is a collaborative initiative that connects the Missouri public school community. The SRSN’s goal is to build the capacity of these stakeholders to understand and use a competency-based mind-set to personalize learning in ways that ensure every student has the knowledge, skills and dispositions they need to be high school, college, career and workplace ready¹. The SRSN was formed in 2022 by the Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven and supported by various statewide education organizations⁶. The SRSN supports redesigning and building reimagined assessment and accreditation systems, convening innovation zones, engaging the business community, and establishing a steering committee to recommend policy changes⁶.

The SRSN is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program, which supports evidence-based innovation to improve student achievement and access to education opportunities. The grant amount is $12.5 million over five years, starting from 2022. The grant will help the SRSN expand its network of schools and districts, provide professional development and coaching, and evaluate the impact of competency-based learning on student outcomes.

The SRSN is also seeking an innovation waiver from the state Board of Education to change the testing requirements for its participating schools and districts. The SRSN wants to move away from the state’s annual standardized testing to assessments that would be administered multiple times a year, in order to provide more timely and relevant feedback to students and teachers². The SRSN believes that the current testing system does not reflect the competency-based approach that focuses on mastery of skills and knowledge rather than seat time⁶. The state Board of Education is considering the SRSN's proposal at its Aug. 15 meeting².

 Bing, 8/15/2023

  • (1) Success Ready Students | Home. https://www.srsnmo.org/.
  • (2) Our Story | Success Ready Students. https://www.srsnmo.org/page/our-story.
  • (3) Why 20 Missouri School Districts Are Seeking New ‘Innovation Waivers .... https://www.the74million.org/article/why-20-missouri-school-districts-are-seeking-new-innovation-waivers-to-rethink-the-way-they-test-students/.
  • (4) Success Ready Students | Home. https://www.srsnmo.org/.
  • (5) Why 20 Missouri School Districts Are Seeking New ‘Innovation Waivers .... https://www.the74million.org/article/why-20-missouri-school-districts-are-seeking-new-innovation-waivers-to-rethink-the-way-they-test-students/.
  • (6) FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Launches National Effort to .... https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/07/05/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-launches-national-effort-to-support-student-success/.
  • (7) Infrastructure - Office of Educational Technology. https://tech.ed.gov/netp/infrastructure/.
  • (8) CAMPUS NETWORKING - K-12 EDUCATION Making your school network future-ready. https://www.delltechnologies.com/asset/en-us/products/networking/briefs-summaries/dell_education_networking_k12_brochure.pdf.
  • (9) How School Networks Work And Why That’s Important. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/02/14/how-school-networks-work-and-why-thats-important/.
  • (10) 8th graders at NYC Success Academy pass majority of Regents - New York Post. https://nypost.com/2022/07/18/8th-graders-at-nyc-success-academy-pass-majority-of-regents/.
  • (11) Standardized tests aren’t the problem, it’s how we use them. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/standardized-tests-arent-the-problem-its-how-we-use-them/.
  • (12) Examining the Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing - ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/examining-the-pros-and-cons-of-standardized-testing-3194596.
  • (13) Effects of Standardized Testing on Students & Teachers | American .... https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/effects-of-standardized-testing/.
  • (14) Future of Testing in Education: Effective and Equitable Assessment .... https://www.americanprogress.org/article/future-testing-education-effective-equitable-assessment-systems/.

The Success-Ready Schools Network (SRSN) is supported by the following foundations and individuals that provide grants:

  • - The U.S. Department of Education's Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program, which awarded the SRSN a grant of $12.5 million over five years, starting from 2022¹. The EIR program supports evidence-based innovation to improve student achievement and access to education opportunities².
  • - The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which oversees the implementation and evaluation of the SRSN grant and provides guidance and technical assistance to the participating schools and districts¹. The DESE also collaborates with the SRSN to engage stakeholders in redesigning and building reimagined assessment and accreditation systems, convening innovation zones, engaging the business community, and establishing a steering committee to recommend policy changes.
  • - The Missouri School Board Association, Missouri Association of School Administrators, Education Plus, Greater Ozark Cooperating School Districts, and Greater Kansas City Cooperating School Districts, which supported the creation of the Success-Ready Students Work Group (SRSWG) in 2022. The SRSWG was formed by the Missouri Commissioner of Education Dr. Margie Vandeven to explore alternatives that replace the traditional time-based educational system with a competency-based system. These organizations also helped recruit members from various stakeholder groups, including students, parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, business persons and higher education.
  • - The business community, which supports business to education partnerships (B2E) including creation of a B2E Blue Ribbon Commission of business leaders to energize competency-based learning and real world learning opportunities for all Missouri public school students. Some examples of business partners are Boeing, Cerner Corporation, Edward Jones, Emerson Electric Co., Hallmark Cards Inc., Monsanto Company, and Sprint Corporation.

Bing, 8/15/2023

  • (1) Our Story | Success Ready Students. https://www.srsnmo.org/page/our-story.
  • (2) Success Ready Students | Home. https://www.srsnmo.org/.
  • (3) Our Story | Success Ready Students. https://www.srsnmo.org/page/our-story.