Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-26-25

Jan Resseger: Ohio Legislature Robs Public Schools to Fill Pockets of the Rich https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/25/jan-resseger-ohio-legislature-robs-public-schools-to-fill-pockets-of-the-rich/ via @dianeravitch 

Jan Resseger critiques Ohio's new education budget, highlighting its detrimental impact on public schools. The legislature favors private school vouchers and tax cuts benefiting wealthy individuals, underfunds the Fair School Funding Plan, and shifts the financial burden onto local districts. This approach undermines the state's constitutional responsibility to provide equitable public education.

### Key Points

- Ohio's legislature prioritizes private school vouchers and tax cuts, neglecting public school funding. 

- The Fair School Funding Plan is underfunded, using outdated cost data, which disproportionately harms districts serving low-income students. 

- The budget reallocates funds based on flawed metrics, further disadvantaging under-resourced schools. 

- State income tax cuts reduce revenue, limiting the state's ability to fund public education. 

- Private school vouchers receive more funding increases than public schools, despite serving fewer students. 

- Local districts face increased reliance on property taxes due to reduced state funding. 

Brookings Institution: What Recent Supreme Court Decisions Mean for Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/25/brookings-institution-what-the-recent-supreme-court-decisions-mean-for-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch 

Brookings Institution’s article analyzes recent Supreme Court decisions impacting public education, focusing on religious rights and their implications for schools. Key cases discussed include rulings on religious charter schools, parental rights to opt out of LGBTQ+ curriculum, and protections for students with disabilities. Scholars express concern about the erosion of the separation of church and state, potential funding challenges for public schools, and the broader implications for inclusivity in education.

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court’s 2024-2025 term addressed religious charter schools, parental opt-outs for religious reasons, and disability rights in education. 

- In *AJT v. Osseo*, the Court upheld protections for students with disabilities, simplifying legal requirements for discrimination claims. 

- In *Mahmoud v. Taylor*, the Court ruled that parents may opt out of LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum based on religious beliefs, raising concerns about inclusivity. 

- A split decision in *Drummond* blocked the establishment of religious charter schools, but future cases may revisit this issue. 

- Scholars warn of increased challenges for public schools, including funding shifts, curriculum censorship, and religious influence over public education. 

Florida: School Libraries Told to Remove 55 Books--But Most Had Never Been Checked Out https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/25/florida-school-libraries-told-to-remove-6-books-but-most-had-bever-been-checked-out/ via @dianeravitch 

Florida's Orange County Public Schools removed 55 books from school libraries following state directives labeling them as "pornographic." However, library data revealed that most of these books were rarely, if ever, checked out by students. Out of 41 books in circulation, 22 were never borrowed, and the remaining 19 were checked out fewer than 10 times across a district with nearly 60,000 high school students. Some school leaders criticized the move, calling it a "non-issue" due to the lack of student interest in these books.

### Key Points

- Florida directed school libraries to remove 55 books labeled as "pornographic," but most had minimal or no student engagement. 

- Library data showed that 22 books were never checked out, and 19 were borrowed fewer than 10 times in a district of 60,000 students. 

- Local school leaders expressed frustration, arguing the removal was unnecessary given the lack of student interest. 

The Supreme Court Majority Are MAGA Sycophants https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/25/the-supreme-court-majority-are-maga-sycophants/ via @dianeravitch 

The article discusses the increasing concentration of executive power under Donald Trump during his second term, enabled by the Supreme Court's conservative majority. The Court has repeatedly approved Trump's dismissal of Democratic appointees from independent agencies without cause, undermining longstanding legal precedents designed to ensure agency independence and bipartisan governance. Critics argue that these actions erode the balance of power among government branches and pave the way for an "Imperial Presidency."

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court's conservative majority supports Trump's expansive executive authority, allowing him to dismiss Democratic appointees from independent agencies without cause. 

- These decisions contradict decades of legal precedent requiring "neglect of duty or malfeasance" for removal, threatening the independence of federal agencies. 

- Justice Elena Kagan and others dissent, warning that these rulings undermine the balance of power and legal safeguards established by Congress. 

- Critics highlight the lack of detailed explanations from the Court, which damages its credibility and authority. 

- The rulings consolidate presidential power, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances. 

Mark Joseph Stern: The Supreme Court Majority Are MAGA Sycophants https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/25/mark-joseph-stern-the-supreme-court-majority-are-maga-sycophants/ via @dianeravitch

Mark Joseph Stern, writing for Slate, critiques the Supreme Court's six-member conservative majority for consistently enabling Donald Trump's authoritarian ambitions. Stern argues that the Court's rulings often disregard constitutional norms, precedent, and laws, favoring Trump's consolidation of power. A recent example is the Court's decision allowing Trump to fire members of independent commissions, previously protected by law from removal except for specific causes like corruption or malfeasance. Stern suggests this pattern demonstrates the Court's alignment with Trump's political agenda, undermining democratic principles.

### Key Points

- The Supreme Court's conservative majority is accused of aiding Trump's authoritarian tendencies by ignoring constitutional norms and precedent. 

- A recent ruling granted Trump the power to dismiss members of independent commissions, weakening legal protections against arbitrary removal. 

- The article critiques the Court's self-proclaimed "originalist" and "textualist" stance, arguing it contradicts their actions favoring Trump. 

Big Education Ape: "I WAS JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS": DOES THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE THEORY SHIELD TRUMP'S HENCHMEN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/i-was-just-following-orders-does.html 

"I WAS JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS": DOES THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE THEORY SHIELD TRUMP'S HENCHMEN

### Key Points

- The article explores the legal implications of the "just following orders" defense, focusing on whether the Unitary Executive Theory can shield Trump administration officials from accountability. 

- The Unitary Executive Theory posits concentrated executive power in the president, potentially granting immunity to officials carrying out presidential orders. 

- Historical precedents, such as the Nuremberg Trials, reject the "just following orders" defense, emphasizing individual accountability for illegal actions. 

- Courts have traditionally been reluctant to extend immunity to lower-level officials acting on presidential orders, citing obligations to disobey unconstitutional or illegal directives. 

- The Supreme Court's recent trend of expanding executive power raises concerns about undermining accountability and constitutional checks. 

- Trump's administration faced numerous allegations of constitutional violations, including immigration policies and budgetary redirections. 

- Psychological studies reveal that while coercion may reduce the sense of agency, ethical obligations remain intact, reinforcing the need for accountability. 

Harvard Censorship Is a Dangerous Precedent – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/25/harvard-censorship-is-a-dangerous-precedent/ 

The article discusses the Harvard Educational Review's decision to cancel its special issue on education and Palestine, highlighting this as a troubling example of institutional censorship and an attack on academic freedom. The issue was thoroughly peer-reviewed and included critical scholarship on Palestinian education and history, yet was pulled due to political pressures and fear of backlash. The author reflects on their past experience publishing controversial work in HER and contrasts it with the current climate of censorship. The article emphasizes the importance of academic freedom, truth-telling, and standing against suppression, urging the academic community to resist such precedents.

### Key Points

- The cancellation of the special issue on education and Palestine by the Harvard Educational Review represents institutional censorship and undermines academic freedom. 

- The issue included rigorous, peer-reviewed articles documenting the destruction of Gaza’s education system and challenges in teaching Palestinian history and identity. 

- Legal and political pressures led to the cancellation, with claims of inadequate editorial review disputed by the editorial board. 

- The author reflects on their own experience publishing controversial work in HER, noting HER’s previous commitment to supporting critical scholarship. 

- The article calls on the academic community to resist censorship and uphold scholarly integrity, emphasizing the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths. 

Teacher Tom: Playishness v. Play https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/playishness-v-play.html 

Teacher Tom critiques a book on STEM learning through play, highlighting the difference between genuine play and "playishness." He argues that true play is self-directed and fosters natural learning, whereas adult-directed activities disguised as play undermine children's autonomy and curiosity. He emphasizes the importance of preserving authentic play in early childhood education and introduces his Play-Based Learning Summer Camp to promote this approach.

### Key Points

- Teacher Tom discusses receiving books on teaching, critiquing one about STEM learning through play for promoting adult-directed activities under the guise of play. 

- He introduces the term "playishness" to describe activities that mimic play but are actually structured, adult-led instruction. 

- True play is self-selected and child-directed, fostering natural learning, including STEM skills, without adult interference. 

- He warns against the erosion of authentic play due to societal pressures for academic readiness and vocational training in preschool. 

- Teacher Tom advocates for preserving genuine play and promotes his Play-Based Learning Summer Camp as a resource for educators and caregivers. 

Education Research Report: First graders who use more educational media spend more time reading https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/first-graders-who-use-more-educational.html

Education Research Report: First Graders and Educational Media

### Key Points

- First graders using more educational media spend more time reading and less time on overall screen use, indicating educational media does not replace reading. 

- The study, conducted by Ohio State University researchers, analyzed media usage patterns of 346 first graders through caregiver questionnaires. 

- Educational media accounted for a small but meaningful portion of children’s media use, with STEM topics being the most common. 

- PBS provided 45.2% of the educational TV and video content, offering free, high-quality public media access. 

- Girls tended to use more educational media than boys, possibly due to content preferences (relationship-focused vs. action-oriented). 

- Educational media does not crowd out reading time or significantly increase screen time, easing concerns of parents. 

- There is no ideal amount of educational media use; effectiveness depends on the child, home environment, and content diversity. 

- Researchers emphasize improving the quality of screen time by increasing access to diverse, high-quality educational content. 

Silence, Settlements, and School Starts https://norinrad10.com/2025/07/25/silence-settlements-and-school-starts/ via @norinrad10

Silence, Settlements, and School Starts

### Key Points

- Tennessee schools start early despite ongoing summer heat; the new school year begins with unresolved issues and controversies. 

- MNPS faces criticism for a $6.5 million legal settlement involving former administrators, with education advocate Sonya Thomas questioning transparency and accountability. 

- Concerns grow over MNPS leadership under Dr. Adrienne Battle, including silence on critical incidents like the Covenant School shooting and related lawsuits. 

- MNPS installs weapons detection systems in high schools but delays implementation in middle schools due to financial constraints. 

- Howard Jones sues MNPS for alleged retaliation after supporting sexual harassment victims; his demotion highlights leadership controversies. 

- Despite pending lawsuits, MNPS extended Dr. Battle’s contract and raised her salary, prompting scrutiny over board decisions. 

- Tennessee’s Education Innovation Advisory Committee debates flexible school schedules and testing reforms, with significant lobbying from pro-testing groups. 

- Kevin Schaaf proposes rational changes to TCAP testing, advocating shorter, adaptive tests and benchmarks for reading proficiency. 

CURMUDGUCATION: In Praise of Extruding AI https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/in-praise-of-extruding-ai.html 

In Praise of Extruding AI

### Key Points

- The book "The AI Con" by Emily Bender and Alex Hanna challenges the anthropomorphization of AI and critiques the misleading language used to describe AI capabilities. 

- The authors propose the term "extrude" to describe AI's synthetic production of word strings, emphasizing its mechanical nature rather than human-like intelligence. 

- Using precise and accurate language is essential to counter the dangers of misrepresentation and hype surrounding AI systems. 

- The post acknowledges the authors' contribution to the discourse and contrasts it with the limitations of generative AI in creating meaningful intellectual contributions. 

Colleen Conklin is Back—and Sounding the Alarm on Florida’s Voucher Grift – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/colleen-conklin-is-back-and-sounding-the-alarm-on-floridas-voucher-grift/ 

Colleen Conklin, a former Flagler County School Board member, critiques Florida's universal voucher program, emphasizing its lack of accountability, financial transparency, and its detrimental impact on public education and democracy. She argues that public schools are vital for equality and civic cohesion, while the voucher system benefits private institutions at the expense of public schools and taxpayers.

### Key Points

- Florida's universal voucher program drains public funds with little accountability and undermines public education, a cornerstone of democracy. 

- Public schools foster equality and civic cohesion, serving as "America's great equalizer." 

- The voucher program lacks financial transparency, with administrative costs and no auditing requirements for voucher schools. 

- Most voucher recipients were already in private schools or homeschooled, not transitioning from public schools. 

- In Flagler County, over 87% of voucher recipients never attended public schools, highlighting local financial strain. 

- Public schools follow strict accountability measures, unlike voucher schools, raising concerns about ROI and oversight. 

- Undermining public schools weakens democracy and civic unity, as they are spaces where diverse groups learn together. 

glen brown: Trump Epstein Obama https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/trump-epstein-obama.html 

### Key Points

- The article reflects on the malevolent dispositions among Trump supporters, linking their antisocial traits to conservative ideology and support for Trump. 

- Researchers highlight the personality traits of Trump supporters, including a lack of empathy and enjoyment of others' suffering, as consistent with malevolent dispositions. 

- The Trump administration is accused of using racially charged distractions, such as targeting Barack Obama with treason accusations, to divert attention from Trump’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. 

- Studies show that sociocultural factors among minorities and women moderate the connection between authoritarian traits and conservative political behavior, leading to more liberal tendencies. 

- The article discusses Trump’s scorched-earth strategy to maintain his base's support, comparing his tactics to historical autocrats. 

- The media's role in amplifying or resisting these narratives is questioned, with concerns about truth and democracy being at stake. 

- The author emphasizes the ongoing political challenges and the importance of confronting Trump’s actions to preserve democracy. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Public Disclosure Commission - Who is Flush With M... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/07/public-disclosure-commission-who-is.html?spref=tw 

Seattle School Board Campaign Funding and Endorsements Analysis

### Key Points

- School board campaigns in Seattle are typically low-budget, but donations over $25K warrant attention due to their potential influence. 

- Low voter turnout for school board elections makes mobilization by influential groups or individuals critical for success. 

- District 2: Sarah Clark leads Kathleen Smith in funding ($10K vs. $900), with endorsements and donations from political figures and former directors. Smith holds The Stranger’s endorsement, which is significant in Seattle. 

- District 4: Joe Mizrahi has raised $40K, surpassing Laura Marie Rivera's $25K. Mizrahi boasts endorsements from prominent figures like Governor Bob Ferguson, while Rivera has support from the SEA and WEA PAC. 

- District 5: Vivian Song leads with $30K in funds and strong endorsements, while Janis White has $9K and notable backing from diverse groups like King County Young Dems and unions. 

- District 7: Carol Rava has $25K in contributions, including individual donations and endorsements from former directors, but lacks group endorsements. Jen LaVallee has a modest $5,400 with SEA and WEA PAC support. 

- A potential "slate" of candidates (Song, Clark, Mizrahi) appears to be forming, with mutual endorsements among them. 

- Endorsements play a critical role, with candidates receiving backing from unions, political figures, and advocacy groups, which often reflect broader political alignments. 

MAHA Moms: What Say You?  https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/maha-moms-what-say-you?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article criticizes the policies enacted under the "Making America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, arguing that while the movement claims to prioritize children's health, the current Administration’s actions have undermined essential systems supporting children’s health, nutrition, education, safety, and well-being. It highlights severe cuts to Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and other programs, as well as the rollback of environmental protections, mental health services, and child safety initiatives. The author calls for accountability and urges parents to demand better policies for children.

### Key Points  

- The Administration promotes symbolic initiatives, such as switching Coca-Cola to cane sugar, while enacting policies that harm children’s health and well-being.   

- Over 10 million people, including children, are losing health coverage due to $1 trillion in Medicaid and CHIP cuts.   

- Nearly $200 billion in SNAP cuts threaten nutrition assistance for millions of children, alongside reductions in school and summer meal programs.   

- Maternal and child health programs are being dismantled, and the NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD faces elimination.   

- Mental health supports, including suicide prevention hotlines for LGBTQ youth, are being slashed.   

- Billions are being cut from education, child care, and early childhood programs, including defunding PBS Kids and Head Start.   

- Environmental protections are rolled back, exposing children to harmful chemicals and pollutants.   

- The Child Tax Credit has been reduced, disadvantaging families and increasing economic insecurity.   

- Civil rights protections for children, including birthright citizenship, are under attack through executive orders.   

- Funding for programs combating child trafficking and abuse has been cut.   

- The Administration’s policies increase intergenerational harm, piling national debt onto future generations while defunding programs that serve them.   

- The MAHA movement, while claiming to protect children, is failing to deliver on its promises and is instead contributing to their harm.   

- The author calls on MAHA Moms and parents to demand better policies for children’s health, education, and safety. 

Please consider the following https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/7/25/2335229/-Please-consider-the-following?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=teacherken 

The article discusses the examination of Jeffrey Epstein-related files by the FBI and DOJ, revealing no credible evidence of blackmail or grounds for investigations into uncharged individuals due to statutes of limitations. It raises questions about the language used in the DOJ statement, suggesting potential political implications or hidden information. The content also includes speculation about possible blackmail by others associated with Epstein and criticism of media and congressional responses. Additionally, it highlights the role of Daily Kos as an independent news outlet reliant on small donations.

### Key Points

- The FBI and DOJ found no credible evidence of Epstein blackmailing individuals or grounds for investigations due to expired statutes of limitations. 

- Questions arise about whether the DOJ statement uses careful language to obscure politically sensitive information. 

- Speculation about others, such as Ghislaine Maxwell, potentially engaging in blackmail without Epstein’s involvement. 

- Criticism of media and Congress for not pursuing deeper inquiries into the issue. 

- Daily Kos emphasizes its reliance on small donations to continue its work as a progressive news outlet. 

What happened to the Freedom Flotilla? A follow-up.  https://open.substack.com/pub/klonsky/p/what-happened-to-the-freedom-flotilla?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- The Freedom Flotilla, including the vessel Madleen, was intercepted by the Israeli navy in international waters, resulting in the detention, abuse, and deportation of activists, including Greta Thunberg and French MP Rima Hassan. 

- Activists reported psychological abuse, strip searches, solitary confinement, and deliberate humiliation during their detention. A Spanish crew member has filed a war crimes complaint. 

- A second vessel, Handala, faced sabotage and attacks, including acid injuries and communications jamming, signaling Israel's intent to silence critics beyond its borders. 

- Spain’s National Court has launched a criminal investigation into Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes related to the blockade and attacks on humanitarian aid ships. 

- The Freedom Flotilla Coalition demands accountability through war crimes investigations, media coverage, and the ability to deliver aid without armed interference, emphasizing that silence equates to complicity. 

EXTRA: Trump Administration Will Release Remaining Dollars Held Back on July 1 from Public Schools https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/07/25/extra-trump-administration-will-release-remaining-dollars-held-back-on-july-1-from-public-schools/ via @janresseger 

### Key Points

- The Trump administration initially withheld $6.8 billion in federal education funding approved by Congress for U.S. public schools on July 1, causing significant challenges for districts preparing for the new school year. 

- On July 25, 2025, after public and Congressional outcry, the administration announced the release of $5 billion in funds, with distribution beginning the week of July 28 through K-12 education grant programs for migrant education, teacher training, English-learner services, and academic enrichment. 

- An earlier release of $1.4 billion was allocated to 21st Century Community Learning Center after-school programs. The withheld $715 million for adult basic education funding remains unaddressed. 

- The delayed funding caused significant stress for school districts attempting to meet legally mandated services for students ahead of the fall semester. 

- The situation highlights the influence of political pressure on policy decisions. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

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

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0346872693.html

The article is a roundup of diverse topics, including education reform, political controversies, systemic inequality, and public policy. It highlights challenges in public education, misuse of funds, privatization efforts, AI integration in education, and advocacy for equity and justice.  

### Key Points  

- Trump’s 2025 tax proposal increased rates on large college endowments, exempting smaller conservative colleges while raising taxes on larger institutions like Harvard and MIT. Critics argued this reduced scholarship funding.   

- Neuralink falsely certified itself as a "Small Disadvantaged Business" to gain federal benefits despite Elon Musk’s wealth, raising legal and ethical concerns.   

- Nicholas A. Retana, a charter school director, was indicted for embezzling over $1.06 million in federal funds, highlighting accountability issues in charter schools.   

- A parent’s 30-year journey through public education emphasized systemic challenges like privatization, racial disparities, and budget cuts while advocating for public education’s democratic values.   

- Democrats need to refine their messaging strategy for the 2026 elections, focusing on relatable storytelling and universal values like healthcare, housing, and education.   

- Diane Ravitch transitioned from supporting conservative reforms to defending public education, advocating for equitable funding and opposing privatization.   

- Early academic training in preschools is harmful, contributing to anxiety and depression, while play-based learning yields better long-term outcomes.   

- AI integration in education has potential benefits but raises concerns about academic dishonesty and undermining genuine learning. Responsible use is essential.   

- Federal school funding cuts disproportionately impacted high-poverty districts, migrant families, and English learners, sparking lawsuits and protests.   

- Redirecting Title I funds to private school vouchers risks undermining public education and equity for low-income students.   

- Advocacy for Trump’s impeachment cited multiple felony crimes, including obstruction of justice and abuse of power.   

- TeacherKen, at 79, returned to teaching middle school, emphasizing creative methods to inspire economically disadvantaged students.   

- Research identified early warning signs of youth suicidal ideation, stressing the importance of school-based mental health programs.   

- Samuel Freedman’s reflection on "Up the Down Staircase" emphasized the resilience of teachers amid systemic challenges and critiques of teacher scapegoating.   

- Social justice topics like adjunct faculty struggles, environmental issues, and healthcare inequities were highlighted alongside historical anecdotes.