Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-1-25

The New Republic: The GOP Plot to Un-Educate America https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/30/the-new-republic-the-gop-plot-to-un-educate-america/ via @dianeravitch 

This article discusses the GOP's proposed budget bill, which threatens to dismantle the U.S. student aid system and reorient higher education toward elitism and authoritarian goals. It highlights the severe consequences for working- and middle-class families, the potential collapse of public universities, and the ideological motivations behind these changes.

### Key Points

- The GOP's budget bill, tied to "Project 2025," seeks to eliminate student loan relief and reduce access to federal student aid, targeting low- and middle-income families. 

- The bill would increase student debt burdens, push many out of higher education, and restrict opportunities for public service careers. 

- Proposed policies include extending repayment terms, cutting Pell Grants, and reducing loan forgiveness programs, disproportionately affecting underserved communities. 

- The bill aims to impose debt as a tool of social control, discouraging critical thinking and reinforcing elitism in higher education. 

- Historical parallels are drawn with Reagan-era policies that undermined public education and increased reliance on student debt. 

- Democrats are urged to articulate a vision for free, universal higher education to counteract the GOP's agenda. 

Indiana Spends $497 Million on Vouchers, Most for Affluent Kids in Private Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/30/indiana-spends-497-million-on-vouchers-most-for-wealthy-kids-in-private-schools/ via @dianeravitch 

Indiana’s voucher program has expanded significantly, costing $497 million, with most funds benefiting affluent families whose children attend private schools. The program, originally intended to offer school choice, now subsidizes students from families earning up to $230,000 annually, far above the state’s median income. Critics argue this undermines the state constitution’s mandate for a uniform public school system, as the program primarily supports private and religious schools.

### Key Points

- Indiana’s voucher program has grown to $497 million, mainly aiding affluent families in private schools. 

- Originally launched in 2011 with 4,000 students, the program now supports 76,000 students and is expected to grow further. 

- Income limits for eligibility were removed, allowing families with incomes up to $230,000 to qualify for vouchers. 

- Critics highlight that the program violates the state constitution’s requirement for a uniform, free public school system. 

John Merrow: It's Not Enough to Oppose Trump. What Are We For? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/30/john-merrow-its-not-enough-to-oppose-trump-what-are-we-for/ via @dianeravitch 

John Merrow, former PBS education correspondent, reflects on the importance of defining positive principles for the Democratic Party beyond opposing Donald Trump. He proposes three pillars: prioritizing the public good, safeguarding individual rights, and rebuilding America after Trump. Merrow emphasizes unity, civic education, infrastructure investment, fiscal responsibility, realistic immigration policies, and global alliances. He also suggests mandatory National Service to foster unity and national purpose.

### Key Points

- John Merrow calls for the Democratic Party to define its principles, focusing on "The Public Good," "Individual Rights," and "Rebuilding America after Trump." 

- Supporting public institutions and spaces like schools, libraries, and transportation is crucial for promoting the public good. 

- Individual rights, such as free speech, freedom of worship, and women’s rights, must be upheld, with healthcare considered a fundamental right. 

- Rebuilding post-Trump requires addressing national division, promoting unity through National Service, and moving away from identity politics. 

- Suggestions include improving civic education, modernizing infrastructure, implementing fair taxation, adopting sensible immigration policies, and rebuilding international alliances. 

- The blog highlights the need for a strong coalition to repair societal and political damage, emphasizing compassion, respect, and tolerance. 

What Is Trump Afraid of? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/30/what-is-trump-afraid-of/ 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

- Embracing diversity requires confidence, faith in others, and acceptance of different perspectives. Those who reject diversity often harbor fear and prejudice, which can lead to hatred. Compassion, respect, and tolerance are essential for embracing diversity. 

- The blog is a platform for discussing various topics related to education, democracy, and social issues, including extremism, fascism, Trump, education reform, and diversity. 

- Recent posts cover topics like Trump's fears, opposition to Trump, Indiana's spending on vouchers, and the GOP's attempts to undermine education in America. 

- The blog archives contain extensive posts dating back to 2012, showcasing a long history of discussions on education and related subjects. 

- The blog features categories such as accountability, privatization, unions, standardized testing, and more, reflecting a wide range of educational and political issues. 

- The blog has a significant following, with over 42 million hits, and offers subscription options for readers. 

Teacher in a Strange Land: Boys | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/boys 

### Key Points

- The blog reflects on historical and current gender dynamics in education, highlighting past efforts to encourage girls in classrooms and the ongoing challenges boys face in schools. 

- Boys' declining dominance in education and professional fields, such as law and medicine, is discussed, alongside strategies some schools use to re-engage boys, such as reducing rules and emphasizing hands-on responsibilities. 

- Concerns are raised about societal influences on boys, including the rise of harmful "incel culture," negative role models, and a lack of strong, positive male figures. 

- The blog critiques broader societal and political trends impacting young men, such as gender gaps in voting behavior and the normalization of toxic masculinity in leadership. 

- The author emphasizes the need to teach boys responsibility, integrity, and empathy through real-world tasks and positive role modeling, rather than perpetuating outdated gender norms. 

CURMUDGUCATION: Lewis Black on AI in Education https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/06/lewis-black-on-ai-in-education.html 

Lewis Black on AI in Education Just in case you missed this bit from the Daily Show. As always with Black, language my mother would not appreciate. 

### Key Points

- The blog post references a segment by Lewis Black on AI in education, which was featured on the Daily Show, noting its use of strong language. 

- The author, Peter Greene, highlights his writing on education topics for Forbes and The Progressive, encouraging readers to explore these platforms for more insights. 

- The Network for Public Education Blog is recommended as a source for daily education commentary, along with an invitation to follow the author on various platforms. 

- A range of education-related topics is discussed in the blog, including AI in classrooms, teacher shortages, and the role of social-emotional learning in schools. 

- The blog also critiques AI classroom guides and discusses broader education reform issues. 

- Additional resources and blogs are listed, covering diverse education perspectives and news. 

Teacher Tom: "I Can't Let You Push People" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/i-cant-let-you-push-people.html 

Teacher Tom reflects on a conflict between two preschoolers, emphasizing the importance of avoiding punishment in favor of fostering accountability and making amends. He highlights how punishment can lead to denial and inhibit genuine regret, while regret itself can be a powerful teacher if it leads to actions of reconciliation. The story concludes with a touching moment of forgiveness between the children, showcasing the value of emotional growth and learning through play-based approaches.

### Key Points

- Teacher Tom avoids punishment, focusing on accountability and making amends after a child pushes another. 

- Punishment often leads to denial, making it harder for individuals to acknowledge harm and take responsibility. 

- Regret is valuable for learning and growth but must be directed toward making amends rather than fostering guilt. 

- The conflict resolves with a heartfelt moment of regret and forgiveness between the children, illustrating emotional development through play-based learning. 

glen brown: Kristi Noem's Donations/ VA Contracts... https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/propublica.html 

This article delves into a variety of topics, including political controversies, social justice issues, and personal reflections, with a focus on ethical concerns, government policies, and societal challenges.

### Key Points

- Kristi Noem allegedly received $80,000 from a dark money group during her tenure as South Dakota governor, which was not disclosed in federal forms, raising ethical concerns. 

- Senators demanded an investigation into the cancellation of VA contracts under the Trump administration, citing improper use of AI tools for decision-making. 

- Tennessee payday lenders exploit legal loopholes, trapping borrowers in cycles of debt with high interest rates (e.g., 279.5%). 

- Broader reflections on political corruption, social justice, and systemic issues, including education reform, healthcare, and environmental concerns, are emphasized throughout the blog. 

- Philosophical musings on the writer's role in resisting oppression and societal illusions, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus. 

glen brown: "Tens of thousands of the world’s poorest children will be sickened by some of the deadliest infectious diseases known to humankind. Some of them will die..." because of him https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/tens-of-thousands-of-worlds-poorest.html 

Glen Brown's blog post critiques the Trump administration's health policies, specifically the actions of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The article highlights Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance, including the decision to withdraw U.S. funding from Gavi, a global vaccine alliance, and to overhaul the CDC's vaccine advisory committee with anti-vaccine proponents. These actions are described as dangerous, undermining public health efforts, and risking the lives of children worldwide.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration, through Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the U.S. withdrawal of funding from Gavi, jeopardizing vaccines for the world’s poorest children. 

- Kennedy falsely claimed Gavi ignored vaccine safety, continuing his anti-vaccine conspiracy campaign. 

- Kennedy replaced the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee with anti-vaccine advocates, casting doubt on established childhood vaccine schedules. 

- Public health experts and organizations, including Bill Gates and Tom Frieden, condemned Kennedy’s actions, emphasizing their harm to global health. 

- The article concludes that Trump’s HHS cannot be trusted for scientific guidance due to its anti-science policies. 

The Rich Get Lavish Weddings and Tax Breaks. We Lose Education, Healthcare, Food, and Freedom – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/30/the-rich-get-lavish-weddings-and-tax-breaks-we-lose-education-healthcare-food-and-freedom/ 

The article critiques the distraction caused by Jeff Bezos' lavish wedding from significant political developments, particularly the passage of a controversial bill in the U.S. that threatens public welfare and education. It highlights the severe implications of the bill, including cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and public education, while providing tax breaks to the wealthy. The article calls for public awareness and action against this bill, emphasizing the need for civic engagement over passive consumption of celebrity news.

### Key Points

- Jeff Bezos' extravagant wedding has distracted the public from the passage of a harmful bill in the U.S. 

- The bill proposes massive cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and healthcare, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. 

- It introduces a $5 billion national school voucher program, diverting funds from public to private education, with little accountability. 

- The bill is seen as part of a broader strategy to overwhelm and distract the public, allowing unpopular policies to pass unnoticed. 

- The article urges readers to stay informed and active, emphasizing the existential stakes of the bill's implications on democracy and education. 

Weekend Quotables https://open.substack.com/pub/klonsky/p/weekend-quotables-d57?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

### Key Points

- Israeli soldiers reportedly fired live ammunition at unarmed crowds near food distribution sites in Gaza, resulting in over 549 deaths and 4,000 injuries since May 27, 2025. Military prosecution is investigating potential war crimes. 

- Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP) activists are on a hunger strike to protest U.S. support for Israel and the Gaza blockade, calling Israel's actions genocide and urging an end to U.S. military aid. They are hosting teach-ins, vigils, and rallies in Chicago. 

- Commentary highlights the moral crisis surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza, with critics likening it to historical atrocities and questioning global inaction. 

- The refusal of major media outlets like The New York Times to run ads calling out the alleged genocide in Gaza has sparked backlash. 

- Broader political commentary includes criticisms of wealth inequality, U.S. legislation, and the moral responsibilities of global leaders. 

Education Research Report: Who funds STEM PhD training https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/who-funds-stem-phd-training.html 

Education Research Report: Funding STEM PhD Training  

### Key Points  

- The U.S. federal government is the largest source of financial and in-kind support for STEM PhD training in America.   

- The study examines funding sources for PhD training, including government, industry, and philanthropic support, as well as their distribution across universities and fields.   

- It highlights the organizations and universities that fund and train the most PhDs in critical technology areas like AI, quantum information technology, and biotechnology.   

- Evidence shows that increased government funding for PhD trainees directly correlates with a proportional rise in PhD production.   

- Public datasets are provided, reporting PhD graduates by critical technology area and source of support. 

Education Research Report: The Net Benefits of Raising Bachelor’s Degree Completion https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-net-benefits-of-raising-bachelors.html

Education Research Report: The Net Benefits of Raising Bachelor’s Degree Completion

### Key Points

- The City University of New York (CUNY) launched the Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE) program in 2015 to improve college graduation rates, resulting in a nearly 12 percentage point increase in graduation rates five years after college entry.   

- A study estimates the long-term net benefits of the program, including increased earnings, better health, and reduced public transfer costs, amounting to over $48,000 per participant over a lifetime.   

- When including intergenerational benefits for children of participants from higher-earning families, the net social benefits rise to over $130,000 per participant.   

- The results depend on assumptions about whether the graduation impact persists or if the control group eventually catches up; however, the net benefits remain positive under conservative scenarios. 

Education Research Report: Poverty in Childhood: How Duration and Timing Affect Educational Outcomes https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/poverty-in-childhood-how-duration-and.html 

### Key Points

- The study examines the impact of net worth poverty (NWP) during childhood on educational outcomes, specifically high school graduation and college attendance. 

- NWP is more prevalent and enduring than income poverty among American children, negatively affecting educational achievements. 

- The effects of NWP are more significant for college attendance than high school graduation, likely due to the higher resource demands of college. 

- Children exposed to NWP for at least four waves (31% of the sample) experienced the most pronounced negative effects. 

- The timing of NWP relative to developmental stages did not influence outcomes; children were at risk regardless of when they experienced NWP. 

Education Research Report: Full-day kindergarten expansions and the growth in employment of mothers https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/full-day-kindergarten-expansions-and.html

### Key Points

- The study examines the impact of full-day kindergarten expansions on mothers' employment and family childcare expenses, using data from 1992 to 2022 and state-level policy changes. 

- Full-day kindergarten acts as an implicit childcare subsidy, significantly influencing parental labor supply and reducing childcare costs. 

- The research finds that full-day kindergarten expansions contributed to up to 24% of the growth in employment for mothers with kindergarten-aged children during the studied period. 

Three Questions about the Mississippi Reading "Miracle"? https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/06/30/three-questions-about-the-mississippi-reading-miracle/ via @plthomasEdD 

Three Questions about the Mississippi Reading “Miracle”?  

### Key Points

- Mississippi has retained 9,000–12,000 K-3 students annually since 2014 despite implementing the Science of Reading (SOR) and grade retention policies, raising questions about the claimed 95% proficiency target of SOR advocates.   

- The state’s grade 4 NAEP reading score improvements, labeled a “miracle,” have not addressed the persistent achievement gaps related to race and socioeconomic status, unchanged since 1998.   

- Mississippi’s grade 8 NAEP reading scores remain in the bottom 25% of states, even as grade 4 scores have improved, highlighting potential limitations or inconsistencies in the reforms’ long-term impact.   

- Research suggests that short-term test score increases linked to comprehensive reforms, including grade retention, do not necessarily translate to scalable or sustainable success. This raises concerns about other states adopting similar policies without sufficient evidence. 

Holding Steady at 49, by @TheAndySpears https://open.substack.com/pub/theeducationreport/p/holding-steady-at-49?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article discusses the disappointment of public education advocates in Arizona following the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session. Despite the passage of a state budget, the budget fails to prioritize public education, keeping Arizona ranked 49th in the nation for education funding. Advocates are frustrated with the lack of reforms, particularly concerning the universal voucher program and tax cuts that have reduced state revenues. This outcome is seen as a missed opportunity for improving education for Arizona's children.

### Key Points

- Arizona's legislature concluded its 2025 session without significant improvements to public education funding, maintaining the state's low national ranking. 

- The budget prevents further cuts to public schools but does not address the underlying issues of inadequate funding and the controversial voucher program. 

- Advocates express concern over missed opportunities for educational reform, citing the state's long-standing refusal to adequately support public education. 

Billionaires Support Corrupted Science of Reading | tultican https://tultican.com/2025/07/01/billionaires-support-corrupted-science-of-reading/ 

Elected school boards are foundational to American democracy, but the "science of reading" (SoR) movement, heavily financed by billionaires, is criticized as a fraudulent initiative. Originating from the 1997 National Reading Panel report, SoR is promoted through manipulated data and selective success stories, such as the "Mississippi Miracle," which relies on policies like third-grade retention to inflate results. Critics argue that SoR serves corporate interests, undermines democratic education, and shifts control from universities to privatized entities.

### Key Points

- The "science of reading" is criticized as a fraudulent approach, originating from a 1997 congressional panel report and heavily promoted by billionaire-funded entities. 

- The "Mississippi Miracle" is highlighted as a manipulated success story, relying on high third-grade retention rates to temporarily boost reading scores, which later diminish by eighth grade. 

- Small districts like Marietta City, Allegany County, and DC Prep are used as case studies to promote SoR, despite their statistically insignificant sample sizes. 

- SoR-aligned products and curricula, such as LETRS and Wit and Wisdom, are marketed for profit, but their effectiveness in improving student outcomes remains questionable. 

- Critics argue that SoR is part of a broader billionaire agenda to privatize education, strip universities of influence, and erode democratic control of schools. 

House Bill 82 Passes! Awaiting Governor’s Signature! https://exceptionaldelaware.com/2025/06/30/house-bill-82-passes-awaiting-governors-signature/ via @ExcptlDelaware 

### Key Points

- The Delaware House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 82 with Senate Amendment 1, requiring school board members to reside in their district for 75% of the year. 

- The bill addresses issues like those involving Dr. Naveed Baqir, who has not met this residency requirement since 2023. 

- Once signed by Governor Matt Meyer, the legislation will take effect immediately, potentially impacting Baqir’s position on the Christina Board of Education before his planned resignation on July 15th. 

- The bill ensures that similar violations will not occur in Delaware traditional school district boards in the future. 

- State Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton played a significant role in pushing this legislation forward. 

Choosing Democracy: They Will Not Kill Us Without a Fight https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/06/they-will-not-kill-us-without-fight.html 

They Will Not Kill Us Without A Fight

### Key Points

- Moral leaders and activists protested against proposed healthcare cuts in Washington, DC, highlighting the potential deaths of 51,000 people if the Senate's healthcare bill passes. 

- 38 activists were arrested for peacefully demonstrating, praying, and blocking streets near the Capitol. 

- Public testimonies were shared by individuals like Chris Shumake and Elaina Hurley, emphasizing the devastating impact of Medicaid cuts on vulnerable communities. 

- The bill also includes provisions for increased funding to enforce immigration policies, raising concerns about human rights abuses. 

- Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has acknowledged the harm Medicaid cuts could cause, particularly to rural hospitals, despite his party's stance. 

- Activists urged citizens to contact their representatives and demand attention to the voices of those affected by the proposed legislation. 

- The movement calls for collective action to oppose the bill, emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect lives and communities. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!

6-30-25 

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01143882878.html

The article is a compilation of various blog posts and reports discussing education, politics, societal issues, and systemic challenges in the United States. Topics include public education funding, immigration enforcement policies, Supreme Court decisions, privatization efforts, and the influence of AI on education. The discussions highlight equity concerns, the erosion of democratic processes, and advocacy for systemic reforms.

- Senate GOP pushes controversial legislation, including school vouchers and AI in education, urging public advocacy for policy changes. 

- Congress considers Medicaid and CHIP cuts, risking coverage for 17 million people, prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over children's health. 

- ICE enforcement practices under Trump and Biden administrations face criticism for racial profiling, private detention facilities, and systemic inefficiencies. 

- John Adams believed July 2, 1776, marked America's true Independence Day due to the Continental Congress's vote for independence, though July 4 is celebrated for the Declaration's adoption. 

- The Trump administration's changes to IDEA jeopardize special education services by reducing federal oversight and allowing states more flexibility in fund usage. 

- Unity Caucus within UFT faces criticism for prioritizing loyalty over democratic processes and service to members. 

- A historical critique from 1959 highlights recurring concerns about the lack of fundamental skills among college students. 

- The Supreme Court's rulings under Chief Justice Roberts emphasize state rights, creating legal fragmentation on issues like abortion, voting rights, and same-sex marriage. 

- The Trump administration's DEI reinterpretation as discriminatory against white men led to federal grant cuts for universities, sparking legal challenges. 

- The EdChoice voucher program in Ohio contributes to racial segregation, disproportionately benefiting white students. 

- Generative AI tools are powerful but unreliable, raising concerns about biases, inaccuracies, and over-reliance on technology. 

- Florida families largely prefer public schools despite the rise of school choice programs like vouchers and charter schools. 

- Advocacy groups emphasize grassroots organizing and systemic reforms to address public education challenges and societal inequities.