Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
4-27-25
Why is Trump Going to the Funeral of a Pope He Didn't Like? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/26/why-is-trump-going-to-the-funeral-of-a-pope-he-didnt-like/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis despite their past disagreements, possibly to console his Catholic base.
- The article compares Trump's attendance to a scene from "The Godfather," implying opportunistic motives.
- Trump had previously criticized the Pope's views on immigration and building walls.
- The article suggests Trump's attendance might aim to influence the election of a new, more conservative pope.
- Trump’s support from conservative Catholics is noted, despite the Pope's criticisms of his policies.
- Trump's transactional approach to religion and politics is highlighted, questioning the sincerity of his actions.
- The article includes comments from readers criticizing Trump's motives and actions.
KIPP Charter Chain Can't Account for $52 Million https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/26/kipp-charter-chain-cant-account-for-52-million/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- KIPP charter schools reported over $52 million in unexplained spending, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
- KIPP has been criticized for high teacher turnover, closing schools due to poor performance, and exaggerating graduation rates.
- KIPP's financial practices, including lumping large expenditures under "all other expenses," obscure how taxpayer money is spent.
- Past investigations revealed KIPP spending on luxury trips and high salaries, with instances of embezzlement by officials.
- The IRS requires itemization of expenses exceeding 10% of total costs, but KIPP's expenses often fall just below this threshold, complicating accountability.
Robert Reich: Trump Is Following Viktor Orban's Model https://dianeravitch.net/2025/04/26/robert-reich-trump-is-following-viktor-orbans-model/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Robert Reich discusses Trump’s emulation of Viktor Orbán’s authoritarian tactics.
- Orbán’s playbook involves ten steps to consolidate power and suppress democracy.
- The article highlights the importance of building coalitions for economic populism to resist authoritarianism.
- The U.S. is considered better equipped than Hungary to resist authoritarianism due to its diverse society and independent institutions.
- There is a call for immediate action against authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing the importance of defending democracy.
Cartoons on AI https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/04/26/cartoons-on-ai/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- ChatGPT, a form of AI, has quickly become a ubiquitous tool for users worldwide, particularly in education.
- The blog features cartoons emphasizing AI's impact on society.
- The article mentions topics like school reform, classroom practices, and the role of technology in teaching.
Big Education Ape: THE TWO-HEADED DEMOCRATIC DONKEY: THE MERGING OF THE CENTRIST PROGRESSIVE SPLIT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-two-headed-democratic-donkey.html
### Key Points
- The Democratic Party is experiencing a split between centrists who favor the status quo and progressives who push for change.
- Despite differences, there is significant agreement on values within the party, and efforts are being made to challenge the status quo, notably by figures like David Hogg.
- The article emphasizes the need for unity against Trump and his supporters, suggesting that the party must reconcile differences to avoid long-term minority status.
- Movements like May Day are advocating for social justice, focusing on public schools, healthcare, and prosperity over corporate interests.
- The article also touches on broader themes such as Trump's impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and discussions on capitalism, socialism, and AI.
DeSantis v. Canady, part 1: the angels root for carnage, by @BillyTownsendEd https://open.substack.com/pub/billytownsend/p/desantis-v-canady-part-1-the-angels?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- The Hope Florida Medicaid scandal involves allegations of money laundering and misuse of funds by DeSantis' allies.
- Jennifer Canady's political alignment has shifted, causing tension with DeSantis, as she supports anti-corruption efforts.
- The article criticizes the lack of public accountability and the electorate's role in empowering corrupt politicians.
CURMUDGUCATION: God Loves A Sucker https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/04/god-loves-sucker.html
### Key Points
- Lifewise exploits an Ohio law to recruit students for church lessons using candy and toys as incentives.
- Schools are prohibiting these incentives, leading to claims of restricting free speech and religious liberty.
- Legal threats are made by Lifewise's attorney over these prohibitions.
- Criticism of Lifewise's recruitment tactics, suggesting reliance on incentives undermines their message's power.
In late February, I wrote about the risks to democracy when a president comes after judges https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- The Trump administration is undermining the judiciary, posing risks to democracy.
- A Wisconsin judge was arrested, signaling growing authoritarianism.
- Historical warnings about complacency in the face of oppression are relevant today.
- The article calls for collective action to protect democratic institutions.
- Various political and social issues are discussed, including pension reform and public protests.
glen brown: Russia's War Against Ukraine https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/04/russias-war-against-ukraine.html
### Key Points
- Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus emphasize the writer's role in resisting oppression and remaining conscious of a deceitful world.
- Ukraine is willing to negotiate with Russia following a ceasefire, marking a significant compromise according to Zelensky.
- Donald Trump comments on Russia's attack on Kyiv and suggests both Russia and Ukraine desire peace, setting a deadline for negotiations.
- The article discusses the implications of North Korean missiles used in Russian strikes and the geopolitical alliance between Russia and Pyongyang.
- Various domestic issues in the U.S. are highlighted, including Trump's administration's impact on democracy, public pensions, and social justice.
Education Research Report: Computer science teachers may be better qualified than their peers https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/04/computer-science-teachers-may-be-better.html
### Key Points
- Computer science teachers in North Carolina may be better qualified than their peers teaching other subjects.
- Teachers' experience in general and specifically in computer science positively impacts student learning.
- The study suggests that licensing in computer science is less significant for student achievement compared to teaching experience.
- Computer science courses rely heavily on career technical/vocational education teachers and those with math licenses.
- Experienced teachers tend to stay in computer science courses, benefiting student learning.
- The study raises concerns about the supply of teachers for other subjects like math and career technical education.
- Teacher racial and gender diversity effects were less clear, but male teachers slightly benefitted boys' exam scores.
Big Education Ape: Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights: A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 4-26-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/04/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_26.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of various educational, political, and social issues in the United States, focusing on recent events and controversies. It covers topics such as charter school legislation, court rulings affecting transgender military members, diversity and inclusion in education, and challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals and educators. Additionally, it highlights the role of activism, media, and policy changes in shaping education and social justice.
### Key Points
- Federal judges block Trump's executive order banning transgender troops from military service and receiving gender-affirming care.
- North Dakota became the 47th state to authorize charter schools, with historical evidence showing mixed results from such schools.
- Wisconsin's State Superintendent supports court rulings against Trump's DEI funding threats, emphasizing the role of schools and families.
- Alex Kuhn, a choir director in Ohio, faced non-renewal of his contract amid controversy over his sexual orientation.
- Darya Kozyreva was sentenced in Russia for quoting a poem against Putin’s war, highlighting the suppression of free speech.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the importance of happiness and a love for learning as goals for children.
- The federal government threatened to cut funding for schools addressing human rights and history, affecting music education.
- RFK Jr.'s comments on autism are controversial, with concerns about policy changes affecting the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- TC Weber critiques Metro Nashville Public Schools' denial of charter school applications, highlighting the need for more inclusive education strategies.
- School Lunch Hero Day 2025 celebrates nutrition professionals for their commitment to providing healthy meals.
- Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses enrollment planning issues, criticizing the district's lack of transparency.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 4-26-25 AI-generated podcast
Navigating Controversies: Key Insights on Education, Politics, and Social Issues in the U.S.
May Day 2025
https://www.mobilize.us/mayday/event/779515/
50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement.
Join us in the fight to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach.
50501 is a peaceful movement.
Violence of any kind will not be tolerated.
