Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-17-25

Steve Ruis: A DEI Abomination! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/16/steve-ruis-a-dei-abomination/ via @dianeravitch 

Diane Ravitch's blog post critiques Donald Trump's opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, highlighting their historical and ongoing importance. The article discusses Grace Hopper's pioneering work in computer programming with a diverse team, the military's role in promoting DEI, and the broader societal benefits of inclusion. It also addresses partisan attacks on DEI, equating them with efforts to undermine merit and factual discourse.

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch highlights the historical significance of Grace Hopper's diverse programming team and its relevance to modern DEI discussions. 

- Criticism of Trump's opposition to DEI policies, arguing it stems from a desire to maintain privilege and exclusion. 

- Examples of DEI successes in the military and public service, demonstrating its positive impact on individuals and society. 

- Commentary on the political manipulation of terms like "DEI" and "woke" to foster division and undermine inclusion. 

- Discussion of hypocrisy in merit-based arguments, contrasting DEI with legacy admissions and unqualified political appointments. 

Study: In States with Lax Gun Laws, More Children Are Killed by Guns https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/16/study-states-with-lax-gun-laws-have-more-children-killed-by-guns/ via @dianeravitch 

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that firearm deaths among children and teenagers have risen significantly in states with permissive gun laws since a 2010 Supreme Court ruling limited local governments' ability to regulate firearms. The research highlights that states with stricter gun laws experienced stable or declining firearm deaths among youth. Guns are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 1-17, with most deaths resulting from homicides and suicides. Advocates for stricter gun laws argue that such measures save lives by reducing gun violence, accidental shootings, and youth suicides.

### Key Points

- States with permissive gun laws have higher firearm-related deaths among children, while stricter states saw stable or declining rates. 

- The 2010 Supreme Court ruling limited local governments' ability to regulate firearms, contributing to increased deaths in permissive states. 

- Guns are the leading cause of death for children aged 1-17, with most deaths being homicides and suicides rather than accidents. 

- Advocates argue that stricter gun laws reduce gun violence, accidental shootings, and suicides, with evidence showing their effectiveness. 

- Safe storage of firearms and rational discussions on gun safety are key recommendations to protect children and reduce gun-related deaths. 

Jennifer Rubin: Trump's Ugly Bill Will Hurt His Supporters https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/16/jennifer-rubin-trumps-ugly-bill-will-hurt-his-supporters/ via @dianeravitch 

Jennifer Rubin, a former conservative columnist for The Washington Post, critiques a controversial bill backed by MAGA Republicans in her blog "The Contrarian." The bill proposes drastic budget cuts targeting healthcare, welfare, and other vital programs, disproportionately harming low-income Americans while benefiting the wealthy. Key measures include removing millions from Medicaid and SNAP, slashing child tax credits, and cutting energy subsidies. These cuts would devastate rural communities, increase uninsured rates, and lead to thousands of preventable deaths annually. The bill would also significantly increase national debt, raising borrowing costs for individuals and businesses, further exacerbating economic inequalities.

### Key Points

- Jennifer Rubin resigned from The Washington Post due to editorial interference and now critiques Trump and MAGA policies on her blog. 

- A proposed MAGA-backed bill includes major wealth transfers from the poor and middle class to the wealthy, slashing healthcare and welfare programs. 

- The bill would remove millions from Medicaid, SNAP, and ACA exchanges, cut child tax credits, and increase energy costs, disproportionately harming rural and red-state residents. 

- Hospitals and healthcare providers in rural areas would face closures, leaving many without access to essential services and jobs. 

- The bill would lead to higher national debt, inflation, and borrowing costs, creating long-term financial burdens for American families. 

- Public opposition to the bill is strong, with polls showing widespread concern about its impact on healthcare and economic stability.  

Anand Girihadaras: Why Trump's Birthday Parade Failed https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/16/anand-girihadaras-why-trumps-birthday-parade-failed/ via @dianeravitch 

Home About Follow Diane’s Posts NPE Blog Posts Of The Day Blog Topics DeSantis Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss education and democracy

### Key Points

- Donald Trump’s attempt at a military parade for his 79th birthday was poorly executed and widely criticized for its lack of discipline and organization, contrasting with parades in authoritarian countries like North Korea and China. 

- Anand Giridharadas reflects on how America’s improvisational and diverse spirit, exemplified by jazz and multicultural cuisine, is fundamentally at odds with the uniformity Trump desired in his parade. 

- The article critiques Trump’s broader efforts to impose uniformity and discipline on a nation defined by its diversity, creativity, and freedom, emphasizing how these traits resist authoritarianism. 

- The author connects the failure of the parade to larger issues of Trump’s leadership, describing his actions as corroding the nation’s values while highlighting the resilience of the American spirit. 

The Uppity Minority: When the Betrayal Comes From Inside the House https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/16/the-uppity-minority-the-colluders-in-the-house/

The article explores the concept of betrayal within movements for equity and justice, particularly focusing on individuals who collude with oppressive systems against their own communities. Using the metaphor of Stephen from "Django Unchained," it examines how such colluders protect institutional power, betray courageous leaders, and hinder progress. It highlights a real-life example involving Rema Vassar at Michigan State University, discussing the systemic and personal impacts of collusion, and offers strategies for confronting these dynamics and fostering liberation

### Key Points  

- The article uses the character Stephen from "Django Unchained" as a metaphor for colluders who protect oppressive systems rather than challenge them.   

- Collusion is an institutional strategy, where individuals appear supportive of equity but work against authentic leadership behind closed doors.   

- Betrayal from within a community—by those who share the same identity—can be uniquely painful and damaging.   

- Rema Vassar, a Black woman leader at Michigan State University, faced institutional backlash and betrayal from another Black trustee due to her unapologetic leadership.   

- Colluders often act out of fear, ambition, internalized racism, or a desire to preserve their position, prioritizing proximity to power over progress.   

- Colluders use tactics such as institutional jargon, bureaucracy, silence, performance, and deflection to undermine courageous leaders.   

- Institutions reward collusion to maintain the status quo, elevating individuals who advance superficial equity without threatening real power.   

- Historical examples of collusion include betrayals faced by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Cesar Chavez, and James Baldwin.   

- Collusion erodes trust, divides movements, and slows justice, teaching young leaders of color that betrayal is often the price of success.   

- Leadership by people of color serves as a mirror, inspiring others but threatening colluders who feel exposed by their courage.   

- The article calls for confronting systemic conditions that create colluders, organizing community support, and prioritizing liberation over survival.   

- Colluders are invited to reclaim their voice and purpose, recognizing the harm caused by prioritizing comfort over community.   

- History vindicates courageous leaders who resist oppression, while colluders are forgotten for choosing titles over truth. 

Education Research Report: Gender Bias in Evidence from Student Evaluations of College Teaching https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/gender-bias-in-evidence-from-student.html 

### Key Points

- The study estimates gender bias and evaluation generosity at the student level by analyzing the gap in ratings between male and female instructors, controlling for professor fixed effects. 

- Significant variation in gender bias and generosity is observed across students, with bias systematically varying by gender and field of study. 

- Patterns of student sorting into certain fields, courses, and instructor sections create substantive disadvantages for female faculty in some fields and male faculty in others. 

- Sexist attitudes among students are predictive of gender-based sorting, and the study proposes Empirical Bayes-inspired measures to address instructor-specific advantages and disadvantages caused by this sorting. 

Teacher Tom: Motor Plans https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/motor-plans.html 

Teacher Tom's blog post discusses the significance of motor plans in child development, using the example of a two-year-old mastering a water pump through self-directed play. He emphasizes how repetitive practice helps develop motor plans, which are closely linked to cognitive processes like decision-making and problem-solving. The article advocates for play-based learning, highlighting the importance of movement in fostering both physical and mental growth in children.

### Key Points

- A two-year-old developed mastery over a water pump through self-guided practice, demonstrating the concept of motor plans. 

- Motor plans, formed through repetitive practice, enable automatic actions and allow for fine-tuning, linking movement with cognitive skills like decision-making. 

- Movement and thinking are interconnected, and young children learn best when allowed to move and engage actively with their environment. 

- Play-based learning, which embraces movement, aligns with human evolution and supports holistic development, unlike traditional schooling's sedentary approach. 

Schools Matter: Bill Lee Sits on $2 Billion Rainy Day Fund As Children Lose Summer Food Support http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/06/bill-lee-sits-on-2-billion-rainy-day.html 

### Key Points

- Tennessee significantly reduced its summer food benefits program for low-income students, serving only 25,000 students in 15 counties with one-time $120 payments, compared to 700,000 students previously. 

- The largest counties in Tennessee, such as Shelby and Davidson, are excluded from the summer food benefits program, marking a rollback from previous initiatives supported by federal funding. 

- Tennessee declined $84 million in federal funding for summer food assistance for 2025, despite accepting similar funding in prior years to support low-income families. 

- Critics highlight Governor Bill Lee's decision as neglecting vulnerable populations, including poor children and children of color, and question the alignment of his policies with his declared Christian values. 

- Tennessee ranks poorly in school funding compared to neighboring states and the national average, further exacerbating challenges for low-income families and schools. 

CURMUDGUCATION: What Do We Do Now? https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/06/what-do-we-do-now.html 

What Do We Do Now?

### Key Points

- Teachers face challenges in navigating contentious societal times while aiming to guide students toward becoming their best selves. 

- The current media and political landscape, filled with misinformation and alarmism, exacerbates distrust and hinders constructive discourse. 

- Trust is a foundational principle, but it must be earned and maintained through honesty, integrity, and respect. 

- Organizations and classrooms thrive on trust, and sacrificing principles for short-term goals undermines long-term success. 

- Teachers play a crucial role in fostering trust and providing stability for students amid societal chaos. 

The Puzzle of Similar Teaching in Universities and High Schools: Using High-Tech Devices | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/06/16/the-puzzle-of-similar-teaching-in-universities-and-high-schools-using-high-tech-devices/ 

Larry Cuban’s article explores the persistent similarities in teaching practices in K-12 schools and universities, despite incremental changes and increased use of technology over the years. It examines the reasons behind these patterns, highlighting differences in institutional goals, organizational structures, and teaching incentives.

### Key Points

- Despite incremental changes like increased group work, guided discussions, and use of technology, teaching methods in K-12 and universities have remained largely similar over time. 

- Universities and K-12 schools differ in governance, curriculum, and attendance policies, yet show comparable instructional methods and technology use. 

- Professors in universities use technology extensively for administrative tasks and research, but its impact on classroom teaching and learning remains minimal, with lectures still being central. 

- In K-12 schools, technology integration in daily lessons is increasing, though a fraction of teachers still use it minimally. 

- Institutional goals and structures in universities prioritize research productivity over effective teaching, influencing how classes are organized and taught. 

Cyber Charters in PA, Budget Games in AZ, by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/cyber-charters-in-pa-budget-games?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- Pennsylvania spends the most on cyber charters among 27 states but has the weakest systems to ensure effectiveness, with cyber charters underperforming and having low graduation rates.   

- In Arizona, public schools face financial strain due to a $1 billion voucher program and tax cuts, leaving no new funding for schools and requiring budget backfills.   

- School privatization efforts in both Pennsylvania and Arizona highlight the negative impacts on state budgets and public education. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Candidate Updates - District 5 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/seattle-school-board-candidate-updates_16.html?spref=tw

Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses the Seattle School Board District 5 race, highlighting candidates and their platforms. The article provides detailed profiles, priorities, and qualifications of candidates, including Allycea Weil, Janis White, Landon Labosky, Vivian van Gelder, Vivian Song, and Julissa Sanchez, emphasizing their visions for budget transparency, equity, community engagement, and educational reform.

### Key Points

- Allycea Weil prioritizes evaluating the superintendent, rebuilding trust, and empowering youth, focusing on social justice and equity. 

- Janis White champions transparent budgeting, high achievement, and inclusive learning, with a strong background in special education advocacy. 

- Landon Labosky focuses on collaboration, public budgeting, and statewide advocacy for equitable education, addressing concerns about school voucher programs. 

- Vivian van Gelder emphasizes equity, community voice in education policy, and PTA fund pooling, but lacks clarity on her background. 

- Vivian Song highlights equity, financial stability, diverse schools, and student safety, with extensive professional and personal involvement in education. 

- Julissa Sanchez advocates for centering marginalized voices, transformative justice, and cultural affirmation, with a focus on immigrant and refugee students. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Candidate Updates - District 2 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/seattle-school-board-candidate-updates.html?spref=tw 

Seattle Schools Community Forum provides updates on Seattle Public Schools, particularly focusing on District 2 School Board candidates and broader district issues such as equity, transparency, and nepotism. The article reviews the campaigns of Sarah Clark, Eric Feeny, and Kathleen Smith, noting their platforms and potential impact. It also touches on broader topics like nepotism within the district and historical discussions on advanced learning.

### Key Points

- Sarah Clark's campaign emphasizes increasing social workers, restoring arts programs, and advocating for a broader definition of equity beyond race. 

- Eric Feeny proposes ideas like bringing back "Walk to Math," creating a public escalation board, and ensuring responsiveness to school community needs. 

- Kathleen Smith focuses on data-driven decisions, partnerships with student and community groups, and fostering safe and thriving schools. 

- Nepotism appears to be an ongoing issue within Seattle Public Schools, with promotions seemingly influenced by personal connections. 

- Historical discussions and opinions on advanced learning services and district policies have been highlighted in previous posts. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Candidate Updates - District 4 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/seattle-school-board-candidates-updates.html?spref=tw 

Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses updates on Seattle School Board candidates, nepotism issues in the district, and past discussions on advanced learning. The article highlights two key contenders for the District 4 race, Laura Marie Rivera and Joe Mizrahi, and mentions broader concerns about district leadership and transparency.

### Key Points

- The District 4 School Board race centers on Laura Marie Rivera and Joe Mizrahi, with Rivera being active in her community and Mizrahi focusing on financial vision, enrollment, and community engagement. 

- The article critiques nepotism in Seattle Public Schools, highlighting instances of promotions and job shifts based on personal relationships rather than merit. 

- Historical discussions on advanced learning services and their representation in school plans are briefly mentioned. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Candidate Updates - District 7 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/seattle-school-board-candidate-updates_44.html?spref=tw

Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses updates on Seattle Public Schools, focusing on the District 7 School Board candidates, Jennifer Lavallee and Carol Rava, their priorities, and broader issues like nepotism and governance challenges within the district.

### Key Points

- Jennifer Lavallee, a UX designer at Amazon, is running for District 7 School Board. She emphasizes transparency, community collaboration, and adapting governance to address community needs while using data-driven decisions. 

- Carol Rava, with extensive experience in education operations and policy, focuses on inclusivity in the district's goals, data analysis, and school safety. She has endorsements from former board members. 

- Concerns about nepotism within Seattle Schools highlight the promotion of staff based on personal connections rather than qualifications. 

- Historical discussions, including advanced learning programs and zoning issues, reflect ongoing debates in the district. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: SPS and SEA Reach Tentative Agreement https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/sps-and-sea-reach-tentative-agreement.html?spref=tw 

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) have reached a tentative one-year contract extension, avoiding a potential strike. The agreement reflects financial constraints and broader uncertainties in public education. Additionally, the article touches on nepotism concerns in the district and other updates about Seattle schools.

### Key Points

- SPS and SEA reached a tentative one-year contract extension to avoid a strike, with details to be released soon. 

- Both parties opted for a short-term deal due to financial challenges and uncertainties in public education at multiple levels. 

- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Public Schools were raised, highlighting issues with personnel promotions based on personal connections. 

- Updates on school boundary discussions and leadership changes in Seattle schools were mentioned. 

Diane Ravitch's Blog: What Can the Federal Government Do to Promote Learning? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/promote-learning 

### Key Points

- The article discusses the diminishing focus on education as a national priority in U.S. politics, with neither major political party presenting a comprehensive agenda for learning during recent campaigns. 

- Former President Trump has shifted federal education policy towards ideological goals, cutting federal exams, and emphasizing “patriotic” curricula while neglecting traditional federal roles in primary and secondary education. 

- Democrats, while defending the Department of Education and opposing funding cuts, have not proposed significant learning-focused initiatives, despite declining reading scores and increasing public dissatisfaction with education. 

- Historical federal education policies, such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top, failed to achieve their goals, often emphasizing standardized testing and punitive measures that harmed public education. 

- Charter schools, heavily promoted in past reforms, have been plagued by high closure rates, scandals, and limited success, draining resources from public schools. 

- The article argues that the federal government’s role should focus on ensuring equitable funding, access to nutrition and healthcare, and accurate data collection, rather than dictating teaching methods or curriculum. 

Three ways to help us ensure NYC kids get smaller classes! | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/three-ways-to-help-us-ensure-nyc-kids-get-smaller-classes/ 

### Key Points

- Class Size Matters is hosting the annual Skinny Award dinner on June 18, 2025, honoring Dr. Betty Rosa for her advocacy in preserving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in schools against the Trump administration's attempts to eliminate them. 

- The NYC Department of Education (DOE) has been criticized for lacking a concrete plan to address overcrowding and reduce class sizes, despite a state-mandated initiative. Public hearings and discussions are ongoing. 

- Early voting for a significant NYC election is ongoing, with the final voting day on June 24, 2025. Mayoral candidates’ positions on class size were discussed during a recent debate. 

- Class Size Matters encourages donations to support their efforts and participation in events like the Annual Parent Action Conference and their Skinny Award dinner. 

- There are resources available, such as petitions, newsletters, and a radio show/podcast, to engage the public in advocating for smaller class sizes and better school policies. 

We Marched! He Merched. https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelklonsky/p/we-marched-he-merched?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

Millions of people participated in anti-Trump protests globally, overshadowing Trump's poorly attended military parade meant to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. The article criticizes Trump for politicizing the military, including his controversial speech at Fort Bragg and the sale of pro-Trump merchandise at military events. Domestically, tensions rise as Trump's rhetoric incites violence, with a recent assassination attempt linked to his divisive language. Meanwhile, the Middle East faces escalating conflict following Israel's missile attack on Iran, threatening global oil supplies. On the political front, Democratic leaders face internal divisions, with key figures like Randi Weingarten resigning from the DNC, signaling potential shifts in political alignments.

### Key Points

- Millions protested against Trump globally, outnumbering his military parade attendees. 

- Trump faced criticism for politicizing the military and encouraging divisive rhetoric. 

- Rising domestic unrest linked to Trump's inflammatory language and actions. 

- Escalating Middle East tensions following Israel-Iran conflict, with potential oil supply disruptions. 

- Democratic Party struggles with internal divisions; key resignations hint at new political movements. 

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

6-13-25  

Big Education Ape: Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest

Big Education Ape: Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 6-16-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_16.html 

Education blogs highlight systemic inequities, privatization threats, and the role of diversity and inclusion in schools. Political commentary addresses Trump’s militarization, historical inaccuracies, and authoritarian tendencies, urging resistance to protect democracy.

### Key Points

- High schools and universities maintain similar teaching practices over time, even with new technologies. 

- ICE raids under Trump’s administration disrupted immigrant labor in agriculture and hospitality, causing backlash from industries reliant on undocumented workers. 

- Trump’s historical inaccuracies about World War II and Russia were critiqued, providing context on Stalin’s regime and current geopolitical issues. 

- Voucher programs disproportionately benefit wealthy families, undermining public school equity and funding. 

- Gaslighting in politics and education erodes trust, suppresses dissent, and dismantles diversity initiatives. 

- LAPD’s militaristic tactics during protests against Trump’s policies raised accountability concerns. 

- Trump’s immigration plans and ICE raids faced criticism for economic and social disruption. 

- Public education reform advocates resist privatization and focus on equity, smaller class sizes, and inclusion. 

- Nationwide protests criticized Trump’s militarization and authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing unity to defend democracy.