Thursday, June 26, 2025

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 6-26-25

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-26-25

The Philosopher Crackpot Who Hates Democracy and Influences Powerful Tech Bros https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/25/the-philosopher-crackpot-who-hates-democracy-and-influences-powerful-tech-bros/ via @dianeravitch 

The article discusses Curtis Yarvin, a controversial philosopher who opposes democracy and advocates for a society led by a strongman or autocrat. Yarvin's ideas have influenced prominent figures in the tech industry and politics, including Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and members of the Trump administration. His philosophy, known as neoreaction, calls for dismantling democratic institutions and replacing them with a corporate-like governance structure. Yarvin's extreme views, such as converting underclasses into biodiesel, are seen as provocations but have found resonance among some right-wing elites.

### Key Points

- Curtis Yarvin is a philosopher who opposes democracy and supports autocratic rule, influencing tech and political elites. 

- Yarvin's ideas, known as neoreaction, advocate for dismantling democratic institutions in favor of a corporate governance model. 

- His extreme views include controversial solutions like converting underclasses into biodiesel, reflecting his provocative nature. 

- Yarvin's influence is notable among Trump's inner circle, with his ideas impacting policy suggestions and political strategies. 

Florida: Rare Public Protest Kills GOP Plan to Cut Funding for AP CLASSES https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/25/florida-rare-public-protest-kills-gop-plan-to-cut-funding-for-ap-classes/ via @dianeravitch 

Florida's GOP lawmakers faced rare public opposition when they proposed cutting funding for AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs in public schools. This plan, seen as an attack on successful educational initiatives benefiting over 110,000 students, was met with widespread resistance from parents, educators, and even conservative voters. The backlash forced lawmakers to quietly abandon the proposal. The incident highlights the power of public advocacy in preserving valuable educational programs.

### Key Points

- Florida GOP lawmakers proposed cutting funding for AP, IB, and dual enrollment programs, sparking public outrage. 

- The plan would have negatively impacted over 110,000 students and undermined one of Florida's most successful public school initiatives. 

- Parents, educators, and bipartisan groups united in opposition, flooding lawmakers with emails and protests. 

- The public pressure led to the quiet withdrawal of the funding cut proposal, showcasing the effectiveness of collective advocacy. 

Heather Cox Richardson Questions Trump's Mental Health After His Frenzied Tweets https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/25/heather-cox-richardson-questions-trumps-mental-health-after-his-frenzied-tweets/ via @dianeravitch

The article discusses former President Donald Trump's recent social media activity and public statements, which have raised concerns about his mental health. It highlights Trump's claims of achieving a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which were contradicted by subsequent military actions. The article also mentions the skepticism surrounding the effectiveness of U.S. military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the political reactions to these events.

### Key Points

- Heather Cox Richardson questions Trump's mental health following a series of frenetic tweets and public outbursts. 

- Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, but it was not confirmed by any official agreement, and hostilities resumed shortly after. 

- Trump's social media posts claimed success in foreign policy and attacked political opponents, while a CNN poll indicated public disapproval of his actions. 

- The Defense Intelligence Agency's assessment suggested the U.S. strikes on Iran were not as effective as claimed, leading to criticism from various political figures. 

- A controversial video posted by Trump further fueled concerns about his approach and mental state. 



Big Education Ape: ZOHRAN MAMDANI WINS NYC DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY: A POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE OR JUST A TREMOR? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/zohran-mamdani-wins-nyc-democratic.html 

Zohran Mamdani, a young democratic socialist, has won the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, defeating political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo. This victory is seen as a potential shift towards progressive politics within the Democratic Party, challenging the traditional centrist approach. Mamdani's campaign focused on issues like rent freezes and taxing the wealthy, resonating with younger and working-class voters. Cuomo's loss reflects a growing appetite for change among NYC voters, and Mamdani's win may signal a broader shift in American politics.

### Key Points

- Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, defeating Andrew Cuomo. 

- Mamdani's campaign focused on progressive issues like rent freezes and taxing the wealthy, appealing to younger voters. 

- Cuomo's defeat is seen as a sign of a shift towards progressive politics within the Democratic Party. 

- Mamdani's victory challenges the centrist narrative that moving too far left would alienate moderate voters. 

- The general election will be competitive, with Mamdani facing Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. 

Big Education Ape: ZOHRAN MAMDANI WINS BIG WITH NEW BOLD IDEAS FOR SERVICES IN NYC: WHAT NEW PUBLIC SERVICES ARE YOU CRAVING? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/zohran-mamdani-wins-big-with-new-bold.html 

Big Education Ape's article discusses the impact of Zohran Mamdani's victory in the NYC Democratic primary, highlighting his bold proposals for public services. The article explores various public service ideas that could improve life in the U.S., emphasizing the need for political will and public support to implement these changes.

### Key Points

- Zohran Mamdani's win in the NYC Democratic primary is attributed to his advocacy for bold public service ideas like rent freezes, free public buses, and taxing the ultra-wealthy. 

- The article proposes a wishlist of public services, including universal healthcare, free public transportation, and publicly-owned grocery stores, aiming to make life in the U.S. more equitable. 

- Additional suggestions include rent control, affordable housing, subsidized utilities, job creation programs, free education, cultural services, food security programs, and climate action services. 

- The article encourages readers to express their priorities for government services and engage with elected representatives to advocate for these changes. 



Integrating Film into Classroom Lessons: Observing Three Teachers https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/06/25/integrating-film-into-classroom-lessons-observing-three-teachers/ via @CubanLarry

Larry Cuban examines how three teachers integrate films into their lessons to aid student learning. Observations reveal varying levels of planning and engagement during film-based lessons in social studies and English classrooms. While films can be valuable teaching tools, Cuban emphasizes that their effective use requires careful preparation, thoughtful questioning, and active facilitation.

### Key Points

- Observations of Mr. Lesser's U.S. history class reveal a mix of Q&A and documentary viewing, with limited teacher engagement during the film. 

- Mrs. Munoz's English class uses "Hotel Rwanda" to explore genocide and imperialism, fostering active student participation and evidence-based discussions. 

- Mr. Roth's history class at Mission High School showcases "Walkout," sparking emotional responses, personal reflections, and discussions on stereotypes and identity. 

- Cuban argues that integrating films into lessons demands more planning and effort, rather than serving as a break from teaching. 


A $1.3 Billion School Funding Shortfall in Kentucky, by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/a-13-billion-school-funding-shortfall?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

A $1.3 Billion School Funding Shortfall in Kentucky highlights the state's failure to maintain adequate education funding, with a $1.3 billion annual shortfall. Inflation has eroded the purchasing power of school funds, and transportation is underfunded. The teacher shortage is exacerbated by low salaries and reduced pensions. Efforts to improve funding, including Governor Beshear's proposals, have faced resistance from the legislature, despite voters rejecting school vouchers. The report calls for significant per-pupil funding increases to address these issues.

### Key Points

- Kentucky faces a $1.3 billion annual school funding shortfall, with inflation reducing the purchasing power of school funds. 

- Transportation funding is inadequate, covering only 74% of calculated costs, and the state needs to raise per-pupil funding by over $2,000 to restore adequacy. 

- Teacher shortages are worsening due to low salaries and diminished pension value, with Kentucky ranking 42nd in teacher pay. 

- The Kentucky Student Voice Team reports schools are funded 24% below the proper level, and inflation has worsened the gap. 

- Governor Beshear has proposed increased school funding, but the legislature has resisted, focusing instead on school voucher policies, which voters rejected. 


Teacher Tom: Humans in Motion, Thinking, and Learning at Full Capacity https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/humans-in-motion-thinking-and-learning.html 

Humans in Motion, Thinking, and Learning at Full Capacity

### Key Points

- Movement in preschool environments, such as play-based classrooms, enhances children's learning, concentration, and information retention. 

- Studies support the idea that physical activity sharpens senses, improves self-regulation, and can even unconsciously generate ideas. 

- Philosophers like Nietzsche and psychologists like William James emphasize the connection between physical movement and mental well-being. 

- Modern research, such as Katherine Isbister's work on embodied self-regulation, highlights how changing body posture and movement can influence emotions and thoughts. 

- The traditional schooling approach of limiting movement to focus on learning is counterproductive; children think and learn better when they can move freely. 

- Play-based learning allows children to function at their full mental and physical potential, unlike traditional classrooms that restrict movement. 



### Key Points
- The article emphasizes the need for Democrats to focus on a pro-democracy agenda to counteract the damage caused by Donald Trump and prevent future autocratic tendencies. 
- Suggestions include reforms like restoring voting rights, limiting presidential powers, expanding the Supreme Court, and promoting civil rights to strengthen democracy. 
- The article advocates for a long-term strategy, similar to Republican efforts, to engage the Democratic base around principles of reform and democracy restoration. 
- Specific proposals include statutory protection for abortion rights, enhanced workers' rights, nonpartisan redistricting, and stricter War Powers Resolutions to prevent unilateral military actions. 
- The piece calls for unity among Democrats, urging them to rally behind shared principles while debating specific policies, to build a cohesive identity as the party of democracy and reform. 




Education Research Report: Most gifted students feel supported, but one in three feel stigmatized https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/most-gifted-students-feel-supported-but.html 

Most gifted students feel supported in school, but about one-third report feeling stigmatized due to their giftedness, leading to struggles with peer interactions and belonging. While gifted students often excel academically and enjoy unique opportunities, they may face higher expectations and pressure to perform. Emotional and social challenges are not exclusive to gifted students, but addressing these needs is critical for their overall well-being. Teachers should be trained to support students holistically, beyond academics.

### Key Points
- About one-third of gifted students report feeling stigmatized, struggling with peer interactions and belonging. 
- Most gifted and non-gifted students share similar school experiences, but gifted students face higher expectations and pressure to perform. 
- Concerns about workload and judgment in gifted programs can create anxiety, but proper support helps students thrive. 
- Teachers should address emotional and social needs, not just academic ones, to support all students effectively. 





### Key Points
- The article describes a family gathering to watch election results, with a detailed account of their meal preparations and the anticipation of the results.   
- Zohran Mamdani achieved a significant victory over Andrew Cuomo in the election, with strong support across New York’s boroughs, particularly in Brooklyn.   
- The author reflects on the factors behind Mamdani’s victory, comparing it to Harold Washington’s historic campaign in Chicago, and concludes that Mamdani’s success was due to a combination of his personality, timing, and movement.   
- Cuomo’s campaign strategy shifted in the final weeks, resorting to negative and divisive tactics, including misleading ads and racial undertones, which may have alienated voters. 



Seattle Schools Community Forum: Free Summer Meals for Kids https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/free-summer-meals-for-kids.html?spref=tw 

Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses issues affecting Seattle Public Schools, including updates on free summer meals for kids, nepotism concerns, and potential school closures. The forum emphasizes community engagement and transparency in decision-making.

### Key Points
- Free summer meals for kids and teens aged 1-18 are available at 40+ sites in Seattle from June 25 to August 22, 2025. 
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Public Schools, highlighting the promotion of personnel based on personal connections rather than merit. 
- Discussion on potential school closures, questioning the district's lack of transparency and the impact of such decisions on communities. 




The personal essay by Hoda Katebi discusses the challenges and opportunities for progressive movements in the United States. It emphasizes the need for breaking out of silos, building power rather than chasing it, fostering imagination, strategizing effectively, and moving beyond the constraints of nonprofit organizations. The essay argues for a more interconnected, strategic, and imaginative approach to activism that transcends traditional barriers and focuses on long-term, sustainable change.

### Key Points
- The need to break free from silos and echo chambers to build a more interconnected movement. 
- The importance of building power rather than merely chasing it, by focusing on local communities and bypassing traditional power structures. 
- Encouraging the cultivation of imagination and articulation of what activists truly want, moving beyond crisis management. 
- The necessity of strategizing rather than simply acting, adapting tactics to remain effective against evolving state mechanisms. 
- Critique of the nonprofit industrial complex and its limitations on revolutionary movements, advocating for independence from funder-driven priorities. 




Curmudgucation: AI Does Not Know The Truth | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/ai-does-not-know

### Key Points
- The article emphasizes the concept of "Garbage In, Garbage Out" (GIGO) in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting that AI output is entirely dependent on the quality and biases of the data it is trained on. 
- It critiques the myth that AI possesses supreme intellect or can deliver objective truth, explaining that AI lacks comprehension and merely produces outputs based on probabilities and pre-fed data. 
- The article discusses specific instances of AI errors, such as biased or racist outputs, attributing these to the data and instructions provided during training. 
- It warns against the manipulation of AI by its creators or managers, who can control the "truth" AI presents, potentially influencing social perceptions and behaviors. 
- The writer cautions against trusting AI as unbiased or reliable, especially when exposing young individuals to it, as this could lead to harmful consequences. 



They Want to Trigger You. I Choose Action Instead. – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/25/they-want-to-trigger-you-i-choose-action-instead/ 

They Want to Trigger You. I Choose Action Instead.

### Key Points

- The far-right thrives on provoking outrage, using hate and grievance as tools to fuel their political identity and distract from justice. 

- Their tactics include gaslighting, deflection, and framing resistance as radical, while portraying themselves as victims. 

- The author emphasizes the importance of strategic, organized, and disciplined responses rather than reactive anger, focusing on building coalitions and community power. 

- Historical examples and current events, such as Project 2025, highlight the dangers of authoritarian rollback and the need for collective action. 

- The movement aims to counter lies with truth, preserve history, and strengthen diversity, all while rejecting hate and staying focused on justice and democracy. 

- The author stresses patience, persistence, and determination, advocating for long-term change and a collective effort to build a better future. 

- The article concludes with a message of hope and action, emphasizing that the future belongs to those who build, not those who troll or destroy. 



Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-25-25 

The article is a compilation of various educational, political, and societal issues, including censorship in higher education, federal policies affecting schools, environmental conservation rollbacks, disinformation in media, challenges in public education, and global child welfare. It highlights key developments, critiques, and proposals to address systemic challenges in these areas.

### Key Points  

- Republican-led states are enacting laws restricting discussions on race and DEI in higher education, threatening academic freedom and sparking First Amendment lawsuits.   

- A federal judge blocked President Trump’s attempt to ban international students, citing constitutional rights and the critical role of international students in U.S. higher education.   

- The Trump administration removed protections from 58 million acres of wilderness, prioritizing commercial interests over environmental conservation.   

- Policies under leaders like Trump are criticized for harming children by cutting essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP, while global malnutrition issues remain solvable with affordable solutions.   

- Disinformation campaigns spread through social media, undermining trust in credible institutions and weakening democratic structures.   

- Federal mismanagement and proposed funding cuts under Trump threaten public school programming, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.   

- Mississippi advocates oppose school voucher programs, emphasizing the need to support public schools to ensure equity and accountability.   

- Trusting children with autonomy and promoting play-based learning are emphasized as ways to foster responsibility and curiosity in education.   

- Concerns about AI in classrooms focus on protecting student privacy, while issues of nepotism and potential school closures highlight challenges in Seattle Public Schools.   

- A lawsuit alleges antisemitic harassment at Nathan Hale High School, raising concerns about safety and administrative oversight in Seattle Public Schools.   

- Mentoring for first-year teachers in Missouri shows variation in practices, raising questions about effectiveness and resource availability.   

- A report highlights a shortage of middle-skills credentials in high-paying occupations, emphasizing the need for equitable pathways to address workforce gaps.   

- The community schools model, as seen in Hamilton Elementary, aims to rebuild trust in public education by addressing broader community needs, though its academic impact remains unclear.   

- The School Food Best Practices program supports school nutrition initiatives, with updates on related resources and deadlines.   

- Critiques of Trump’s policies highlight their negative impact on democracy, education, and public welfare, while emphasizing the importance of resisting privatization. 







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