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Friday, April 25, 2025

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 4-25-25

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
4-25-25




Heather Cox Richardson: Trump's "Peace Plan" for Ukraine Is Putin's Plan https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/24/heather-cox-richardson-trumps-peace-plan-for-ukraine-is-putins-plan/ via @dianeravitch 

Heather Cox Richardson critiques Donald Trump's proposed "peace plan" for Ukraine, arguing that it aligns closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin's objectives. The plan involves significant concessions to Russia, including recognizing its occupation of Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine, while offering vague security guarantees to Ukraine. The proposal appears to be a continuation of past efforts, such as the "Mariupol Plan," which aimed to give Russia control over Eastern Ukraine. European leaders and Ukraine's President Zelensky oppose the plan, as it undermines international principles regarding territorial integrity.

### Key Points
- Trump's "peace plan" for Ukraine aligns with Putin's demands, giving Russia significant territorial control and lifting sanctions. 
- The U.S. presented the plan as "just ideas," but Trump pushed for it as a final offer, threatening to "walk away" if Ukraine doesn't accept. 
- The plan includes recognizing Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, while lifting sanctions on Russia. 
- Ukraine would receive vague security guarantees and some territorial concessions, but the agreement lacks clear commitments from the U.S. 
- The plan resembles the "Mariupol Plan," which aimed to establish Russian control over Eastern Ukraine, as previously discussed by Trump associates. 
- European leaders reject the plan, supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and opposing Russian territorial gains. 

Carol Burris: With Religious Charters, the Charter Lobby’s Chickens Have Come Home to Roost https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/24/carol-burris-3/ via @dianeravitch 

Carol Burris discusses a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court case regarding the legality of religious charter schools, specifically focusing on Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. This case challenges the separation of church and state and has drawn unexpected opposition from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS), which typically supports charter schools. NAPCS argues that allowing religious charter schools could create widespread legal and financial chaos, threatening existing funding streams. The core issue is whether charter schools are state actors or contractors, impacting how they are regulated under the First Amendment. Historical legal precedents suggest charter schools operate more as contractors, complicating their classification. The article highlights the charter sector's history of leveraging its status for financial benefits and suggests that a shake-up might lead to a return to more publicly accountable charter schools.

### Key Points
- The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case about whether a charter school can teach a religious curriculum, focusing on Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. 
- The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools opposes the religious charter school, fearing it could disrupt charter laws and funding. 
- The case examines whether charter schools are state actors or contractors, affecting their First Amendment obligations. 
- Legal precedents indicate charter schools are often seen as contractors, not state actors, complicating their regulatory status. 
- The charter sector has historically used its private status to gain financial advantages, which might backfire if the Supreme Court rules against them. 

CNN: The World's Coral Reefs Are Dying https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/24/cnn-the-worlds-coral-reefs-are-dying/ via @dianeravitch 

The article discusses the alarming state of the world's coral reefs, which are experiencing the worst bleaching event in recorded history due to warming oceans. It highlights the political context, noting the Trump administration's climate change denial and rollback of environmental regulations. In contrast, it mentions the Biden administration's efforts through the Inflation Reduction Act to address climate change. The article also references a documentary titled "Reef Builders," which showcases restoration efforts for coral reefs.

### Key Points
- The world's coral reefs are undergoing severe bleaching due to ocean warming, affecting 84% of reefs. 
- Coral reefs are crucial for biodiversity and protecting coastlines. 
- The Trump administration's climate policies are criticized for denying climate change and rolling back environmental protections. 
- The Biden administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act, aiming to significantly reduce emissions and invest in clean energy. 
- A documentary, "Reef Builders," is available on Prime Video, highlighting global coral reef restoration efforts. 

Federal Judge Partially Blocks Trump DEI Ban https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/24/federal-judge-partially-vs-blocks-trump-dei-ban/ via @dianeravitch

The article discusses the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs by making federal funding for schools conditional on the removal of such policies. This has been met with resistance, and a federal judge has partially blocked the ban, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and diversity of ideas. The judge's decision provides relief to entities involved in the lawsuit, such as the National Education Association. The article also critiques the anti-DEI rhetoric as a misunderstanding of what DEI policies aim to achieve.

### Key Points
- The Trump administration aims to eliminate DEI programs, threatening to cut federal funding for non-compliance. 
- A federal judge partially blocked the DEI ban, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom and diversity. 
- The judge's ruling provides relief to entities involved in the lawsuit, like the NEA. 
- The article critiques the anti-DEI rhetoric as a misunderstanding of DEI's purpose. 




Congress Should Defy the Trump Administration and Save Head Start | janresseger https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/04/24/congress-should-defy-the-trump-administration-and-save-head-start/ 

The article discusses the Trump administration's proposal to eliminate the Head Start program, which provides early education and child care for low-income children. This move would cut services for over half a million children and severely impact families relying on Head Start. The article highlights the consequences of this decision, including increased child care costs and negative long-term effects on children's education and well-being. Advocates argue that Head Start offers significant benefits, such as improved educational outcomes and economic self-sufficiency, and urge Congress to oppose the proposed budget cuts.

### Key Points
- The Trump administration plans to eliminate Head Start funding, affecting over half a million children. 
- Head Start has faced layoffs and funding issues, leading to classroom closures. 
- Regional Head Start offices have been closed, impacting program operations and teacher payments. 
- Head Start serves a crucial role in providing early education and support for low-income families. 
- Eliminating Head Start would increase child care costs and have long-term negative effects on children. 
- Advocates emphasize the program's benefits and urge Congress to maintain funding. 



How Trump Is Using Strategic Chaos to Reengineer Public Education – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/04/24/how-trump-is-using-strategic-chaos-to-reengineer-public-education/ 

Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig's article discusses how Donald Trump uses strategic chaos to influence public education policy in the United States. Trump's approach involves manipulating public discourse and normalizing extremist views through media and political tactics. By employing strategies like shifting the Overton Window and using sales techniques, Trump aims to redefine educational norms and policies, often at the expense of democratic ideals and inclusivity. The article emphasizes the need for educators and advocates to recognize and counter these tactics to protect the integrity of public education.

### Key Points
- Trump uses media spectacle and strategic chaos to manipulate public discourse and normalize extremist policies, particularly in public education. 
- He employs the Overton Window to shift public perception, making extreme education policies seem moderate. 
- Trump's tactics include linking education to national identity and religious values, redefining public education's role, and using it as a political wedge. 
- Through the "door-in-the-face" technique, Trump makes extreme proposals to make significant policy shifts appear moderate. 
- Media manipulation allows Trump to control narratives, minimize scrutiny, and advance his agenda with reduced resistance. 
- Trump's strategy represents an ideological war on public education, threatening democratic learning spaces and academic freedom. 
- The article calls for strategic resistance to counter these tactics and uphold the public purpose of education. 



Get Moose, Squirrel, and Arundell https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/get-moose-squirrel-and-arundell?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article criticizes the leadership of the Unity Caucus within the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), particularly targeting Michael Mulgrew. It argues that Unity's actions have undermined efforts to protect health care for retirees and active members, while also failing to secure adequate compensation and benefits. The author advocates for a change in leadership to the ABC slate, which promises to focus on member needs and improve working conditions. The article also highlights the withdrawal of support for beneficial health care legislation due to Unity's influence and calls for new leadership that prioritizes the interests of union members.

### Key Points
- Unity Caucus is accused of intimidating politicians and failing to protect members' health insurance. 
- Unity's leadership is criticized for focusing on national issues and neglecting local health care battles. 
- Unity's negotiating techniques have failed to secure adequate health care and compensation. 
- Mulgrew's actions have led to statewide cuts in retiree benefits, opposing beneficial bills. 
- Unity's opposition to beneficial health care legislation is seen as supporting corrupt union bosses. 
- ABC slate is proposed as a better alternative focused on member needs and improving conditions. 
- The article calls for a change in leadership to secure better contracts and union representation. 


Education Research Report: Kids struggle with school attendance: System rife with blame’ https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/04/kids-struggle-with-school-attendance.html 

Education Research Report Thursday, April 24, 2025

### Key Points
- A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that school attendance issues significantly impact parents, with many developing new mental health conditions. 
- The study involved over 1,100 parents and highlighted that the experience of supporting a child with school distress is overwhelmingly negative for parents. 
- Parents reported that school distress is one of the most threatening life events, affecting their mental and physical health, careers, and family dynamics. 
- There is a widespread perception of blame among parents, with many feeling doubted by school professionals, leading to a loss of trust and parental disempowerment. 
- The research calls for recognition of the systemic issues in the UK education system and the need for better support and training for educational professionals. 
- Parents find support from peer groups, family, friends, and organizations like Not Fine in School and Team Square Peg. 
- The study acknowledges potential bias due to the overrepresentation of White families and the underrepresentation of the most affected families. 




The Lines Furman Must Not Cross https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/04/24/the-lines-furman-must-not-cross/ via @plthomasEdD 

The faculty of Furman University express concern over political pressures threatening academic freedom and institutional autonomy. They reaffirm their commitment to Furman's mission of supporting free inquiry and expression, emphasizing that academic freedom is nonpartisan and nonnegotiable. The faculty pledge to protect diverse views, uphold human dignity, and ensure inclusive dialogue, while resisting external pressures that compromise these values.

### Key Points
- Furman University faculty are concerned about political pressures threatening academic freedom and institutional autonomy. 
- The faculty reaffirm Furman's mission to support free inquiry and expression, emphasizing the importance of diverse views. 
- Academic freedom is considered nonpartisan and nonnegotiable, and the faculty pledge to protect this principle. 
- The faculty stress the importance of dignity, respect, and inclusion in enhancing freedom of thought. 
- They commit to advocating for vulnerable community members and maintaining an environment of open inquiry. 




Teacher Tom: What "Disrespectful" and "Destructive" Children are Telling Us https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/04/what-disrespectful-and-destructive.html 

The article discusses the concerning behavior of middle school students, described as disrespectful and destructive, and explores potential underlying causes. It suggests that these behaviors may be a form of communication, similar to how preschoolers express themselves when they are upset or overwhelmed. The author emphasizes the importance of listening to children to understand their needs and stresses that societal issues might be reflected in these behaviors. The piece also highlights the role of family dynamics and societal changes in shaping children's behavior.

### Key Points
- Teachers report middle school students as disrespectful and destructive, blaming parents, the pandemic, and societal changes. 
- The author relates teenagers' behavior to preschoolers, suggesting it communicates underlying issues. 
- Family dynamics, such as job loss or new siblings, can influence children's behavior, but blaming parents is not productive. 
- The article suggests that societal behavior mirrors the disrespect and destructiveness seen in children, emphasizing the need for listening and understanding. 




April’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School… https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2025/04/24/aprils-parent-engagement-resources-2/ 

Engaging Parents In School emphasizes the importance of involving parents in educational activities beyond traditional means. The article highlights resources for parent engagement and discusses the benefits of communication, such as making phone calls home. Additionally, it mentions various books authored by Larry Ferlazzo, focusing on student motivation and teaching strategies for English language learners.

### Key Points
- The importance of engaging parents in education beyond traditional involvement is discussed. 
- Resources for parent engagement, such as making phone calls home, are highlighted. 
- Larry Ferlazzo has authored books on student motivation and teaching English language learners. 




10th Period: Mission (Almost) Accomplished | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/mission 

The article discusses the significant shift in Ohio's education funding, highlighting how a large proportion of private school students are receiving publicly subsidized tuition. This has resulted in a disproportionate allocation of state K-12 funding, favoring private and charter schools at the expense of public schools. Despite public school students comprising the majority of the student population, they receive a smaller share of the funding. This funding imbalance has led to increased property taxes for public school parents to compensate for the shortfall.

### Key Points
- Ohio's education funding heavily subsidizes private school tuition, with 91% of private school students receiving public funds. 
- The shift in funding has reduced the share allocated to public schools, which serve 84% of Ohio's student population but receive only 77.3% of state funding. 
- Charter and private schools receive a larger share of funding relative to their student population, affecting public school finances and leading to higher property taxes. 
- The funding imbalance is exacerbated by additional financial support for charter school facilities and private school services. 




glen brown: Breathing Is Now a Political Act: The GOP Has Made Clean Air a Partisan Weapon. If you want your children to grow up with lungs that work, you better start voting like your life—and theirs—depends on it… https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/04/breathing-is-now-political-act-gop-has.html 

The article discusses the politicization of environmental issues in the United States, particularly focusing on the actions of the Trump administration and the Republican Party in dismantling environmental protections. It highlights how clean air has become a partisan issue, with significant rollbacks on policies meant to combat climate change and protect public health. The article criticizes these actions as prioritizing profit over the well-being of current and future generations, and it encourages public action and political engagement to counter these measures.

### Key Points
- The politicization of clean air and environmental protection has made breathing a political act in the U.S. 
- The Trump administration and Republicans are dismantling environmental protections, prioritizing profit over public health. 
- Significant rollbacks include cutting funding for climate research, reversing emissions standards, and reducing public land protections. 
- These actions are influenced by fossil fuel industry interests, supported by substantial political contributions. 
- The article calls for public action and political engagement to protect the environment and democracy. 


The article discusses various themes and events, focusing heavily on the political climate surrounding former President Donald Trump. It highlights the courageous journalism of CBS's "60 Minutes" as they confront Trump's administration on controversial policies and actions, despite legal threats and attempts to silence them. The narrative also touches on broader issues such as public pensions, social justice, and the influence of political figures on democracy. The article underscores the importance of media in safeguarding democracy and resisting authoritarian tendencies.

### Key Points
- CBS's "60 Minutes" confronts Trump's administration on controversial policies, facing legal threats. 
- Trump's attempts to silence dissent through government power highlight authoritarian tactics. 
- The importance of media courage in defending democracy and the First Amendment. 
- Discussion on various socio-political issues including public pensions, social justice, and political figures. 




Big Education Ape: CAPITALISM, SOCIALISM AND AI: THE UNLIKELY TRIO IN AMERICA'S NEW AGE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/04/capitalism-socialism-and-ai-unlikely.html 

This article discusses various topics related to education, politics, and societal changes in America. It highlights the ongoing issues within the NYC public school system regarding class size funding and the broader political climate influenced by the Trump administration's policies. The article also delves into the interplay between capitalism, socialism, and AI, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure equitable benefits from technological advancements. Additionally, it touches on the influence of Christian nationalism in schools and the impact of political figures like Bernie Sanders and Franklin D. Roosevelt on American socio-economic policies.

### Key Points
- NYC public schools are awaiting information on class size funding, with concerns about transparency from the DOE. 
- A federal judge has partially blocked a Trump administration ban on DEI initiatives, highlighting contradictions in its stance on federal intervention. 
- Christian nationalism poses challenges in educational settings, requiring schools to address its influence. 
- The article explores the dynamic between capitalism, socialism, and AI in America, advocating for a balanced approach to harness AI's benefits while ensuring social equity. 
- Bernie Sanders and Franklin D. Roosevelt are noted for their roles in promoting democratic socialism and social welfare policies. 
- The potential of AI to disrupt the job market underscores the need to rethink wealth distribution and social safety nets. 
- The Nordic model is cited as an example of successfully integrating capitalism and socialism to benefit society. 



Christina Showdown: Manley V. Baqir https://exceptionaldelaware.com/2025/04/24/christina-showdown-manley-v-baqir/ via @ExcptlDelaware 

Christina School District board member Doug Manley has filed a complaint against Dr. Naveed Baqir, who has been living in Pakistan since January 2024, yet remains on the Christina Board of Education. Manley seeks a judgment to declare Baqir no longer a Delaware resident, thus removing him from the board, and initiating a special election to fill his seat. The complaint highlights frustration over the inaction of the Delaware General Assembly on this issue.

### Key Points
- Doug Manley filed a complaint against Dr. Naveed Baqir and the Christina School District. 
- Dr. Naveed Baqir has been living in Pakistan since January 2024 but remains on the Christina Board of Education. 
- Manley requests a judgment to remove Baqir from the board due to his residency status. 
- The complaint calls for a special election to fill Baqir's seat. 
- Frustration is expressed over the Delaware General Assembly's inaction on this issue. 



CURMUDGUCATION: How Schools Can Push Back Against Christian Nationalism https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/04/how-schools-can-push-back-against.html 

The article discusses how schools can counteract the influence of Christian Nationalism, which is described as a mindset rather than a specific set of policy goals. This mindset is characterized by beliefs that the country is deteriorating, a persecution complex, a sense of unique entitlement to the land, and a worldview that endorses cruelty as a survival mechanism. The author suggests that schools should cultivate a culture of genuine patriotism, respect, and inclusivity, challenging the divisive and paranoid narratives promoted by Christian Nationalism. Schools should focus on creating an environment based on trust and support, rather than fear and punishment, to provide a strong counter-narrative to the harsh worldview of Christian Nationalism.

### Key Points
- Christian Nationalism is more about a mindset than specific policies, involving beliefs about the country's decline, persecution, entitlement, and cruelty. 
- Schools can counteract this by promoting an honest, inclusive patriotism and a culture of respect and dignity for all students. 
- Education should focus on helping students become fully human and resist the dark, divisive narratives. 



NYC Public School Parents: Did your school receive class size funding for next year, or was it rejected? Please let us know! https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/04/did-your-school-receive-class-size.html 

The article discusses the NYC Department of Education's lack of transparency regarding class size funding for the upcoming school year. Parents, teachers, and school administrators are encouraged to fill out a survey to report if their schools applied for and received such funding. The article also highlights celebrations at Brooklyn Arbor for receiving additional teachers and encourages sharing reactions or disappointments related to the funding. It provides contact information for key education policymakers and promotes various initiatives by Class Size Matters, including petitions, podcasts, and donation opportunities.

### Key Points
- The DOE has not released information about schools receiving class size funding; a survey is available for feedback. 
- Brooklyn Arbor celebrated receiving additional teachers, and reactions to funding news are encouraged. 
- Class Size Matters promotes initiatives like petitions, podcasts, and donations. 
- Contact information for key education policymakers is provided. 
- The blog is edited by Leonie Haimson, who invites contributions and provides an archive of posts. 


Nondiscrimination Statement - Policy Update - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/nondiscrimination2025.asp 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated its nondiscrimination statement (NDS) on April 10, 2025. The updated statement is available online, and all Child Nutrition Program (CNP) materials should be updated accordingly. The new "And Justice For All" poster is available electronically, and state agencies will be informed about ordering hard copies. Contact information is provided for further inquiries. The USDA emphasizes equal opportunity in its programs.

### Key Points
- The USDA updated the nondiscrimination statement on April 10, 2025, which is available online. 
- Child Nutrition Program materials need to be updated with the new NDS. 
- The "And Justice For All" poster is available electronically, with guidelines for printing. 
- Contact information is provided for questions about the NDS and posters. 
- The USDA promotes equal opportunity in child nutrition and food distribution programs. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
 4-24-25

Big Education Ape: Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 4-24-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/04/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_24.html

The article presents a collection of blog posts discussing various political, educational, and social issues in the United States. Key topics include concerns over President Trump's policies, the impact of AI in education, the failure of educational reforms like Race to the Top, and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It also highlights the ongoing challenges in public education, protests against changes to Social Security, and the role of sleep in adolescent cognitive performance.

### Key Points
- Thomas Friedman expresses fear for America's future due to President Trump's erratic behavior and policies. 
- The U.S. Navy canceled a lecture by Ryan Holiday, who planned to discuss book bans at the Naval Academy. 
- Randi Weingarten criticizes Trump's actions against higher education as a war on knowledge and unconstitutional. 
- Tennessee's Achievement School District failed to improve low-performing schools despite significant funding. 
- Educators are concerned about student use of A.I. for cheating but use it themselves for efficiency. 
- Charlotte attempts to build a ship with blocks, facing interruptions from classmates. 
- The Trump administration has dramatically cut programs and funding that support vulnerable children. 
- Utah's taxpayer-funded school voucher program was struck down as unconstitutional. 
- The Seattle School Board selected Hazard Young Attea Associates (HYA) as the superintendent search firm due to their high scores. 
- Adolescents who sleep longer and go to bed earlier show improved brain function and perform better on cognitive tasks. 
- Trump's opposition to DEI initiatives is seen as a defiance against American progress and diversity. 
- The article critiques President Trump's second term as chaotic, marked by unpredictability and economic instability due to tariffs and trade wars. 
- Tony Thurmond celebrates the return to in-person instruction at Palisades Charter High School after wildfires. 
- The Cleveland Board of Education building symbolizes past investments in public education, contrasting with current attitudes toward public schools. 
- Utah Judge Rejects School Voucher Scheme due to its unconstitutionality and exclusionary practices. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 4-24-25 AI-generated podcast

Navigating Challenges in American Education and Politics

This podcast episode delves into critical discussions surrounding political, educational, and social issues in the U.S., including concerns over leadership under Trump, the impact of book bans and educational policies, the struggles of low-performing schools, the ethical implications of AI in education, and recent developments in school governance and student performance.     🔗 Listen here: https://monica.im/ai-podcast/share?id=dfca944f-ead1-40


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