Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-4-25

Should Trump Be Added to Mount Rushmore? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/03/should-trump-be-added-to-mount-rushmore/ via @dianeravitch

Should Donald Trump be added to Mount Rushmore? This article explores the controversial idea, pushed by some Republicans, of carving former President Donald Trump's face onto Mount Rushmore. The discussion highlights the political and cultural implications, including Trump’s unique historical firsts, his controversial presidency, and the logistical and ethical concerns surrounding such a proposal. The article also touches on Native American perspectives regarding Mount Rushmore as sacred land and the historical injustice tied to its existence.

### Key Points

- Some Republicans are advocating for adding Trump to Mount Rushmore, with a Florida congresswoman sponsoring a bill to this effect. 

- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum mentioned the possibility, though the National Park Service stated there is no space, and such a move would face logistical and ethical challenges. 

- Trump's presidency brought numerous controversies, including impeachment, financial dealings, and accusations of self-enrichment. 

- Critics argue that Mount Rushmore itself is a symbol of historical injustice against Native Americans, and adding Trump would be an additional insult. 

- The article also highlights the overlooked contributions of Luigi Del Bianco, the Italian immigrant who carved the original faces on Mount Rushmore. 

Did You Know That Trump Is Suing the Pulitzer Prize Board? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/03/180716/ via @dianeravitch 

### Key Points

- Former President Donald Trump is suing the Pulitzer Prize Board for libel, claiming the awards given to The New York Times and The Washington Post for their reporting on his alleged ties to Russia were based on false information. 

- A Florida judge allowed Trump’s defamation lawsuit to proceed, despite the Pulitzer Board’s request to dismiss the case. The board reaffirmed the awards after Trump initially complained about inaccuracies in the reporting. 

- Trump criticized the Pulitzer Board’s decision, labeling the awarded stories as “fake” and “malicious,” and framed his lawsuit as a fight against false reporting and for protecting American democracy. 

- The Pulitzer Board argues that the case enables Trump to use state courts for personal retribution while claiming immunity when convenient. They plan to continue defending journalism and First Amendment rights. 

- Concerns were raised about potential judicial bias, as one of the judges in Trump’s favor reportedly received a promotion after the ruling. 

Jan Resseger: Administration Cancels Federal Funding on Short Notice https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/03/jan-resseger-administration-cancels-federal-funding-on-short-notice/ via @dianeravitch

The article discusses the abrupt decision by the Trump administration to withhold $6.8 billion in federal funding for several key education programs starting July 1, 2025. This decision, communicated through a brief memo, affects programs for migrant education, professional development for teachers, English learners, academic enrichment, and after-school initiatives. The administration aims to eliminate these programs entirely, citing cost-cutting measures and constitutional disputes over congressional control of funding. The move has sparked concerns about its impact on public schools, particularly as many districts had already budgeted for this funding. Critics argue the cuts will disrupt school operations and harm vulnerable student populations.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration abruptly withheld $6.8 billion in federal education funding for five key programs, intending to eliminate them despite congressional authorization. 

- Programs impacted include migrant education, teacher professional development, English learners, academic enrichment, and after-school initiatives. 

- The administration plans to use a rescission process to permanently cut these funds, framing it as part of broader cost-cutting efforts. 

- Critics highlight the minimal cost of these programs relative to the federal budget and emphasize their importance for vulnerable student populations. 

- The decision has caused chaos in school districts, which were relying on these funds for the upcoming school year. 

Two Highly-Recommended Movies! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/03/two-highly-recommended-movies/ via @dianeravitch 

Two Highly-Recommended Movies!

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch shares her enjoyment of Mariska Hargitay’s documentary “My Mom Jayne,” which explores the life of Hollywood icon Jayne Mansfield and reveals her talents beyond her public stereotype. The film also delves into Mariska’s personal journey of learning about her mother and confronting the past. 

- Another recommended movie is “Queen of the Ring,” a story about Mildred Burke, a pioneering female wrestler who defied gender norms. Actress Emily Bett Rickards impressively performed her own wrestling stunts. 

- Diane also mentions enjoying the TV series “The Righteous Gemstones,” which humorously portrays an evangelical family running a profitable church, with a preference for its first season. 

- She recently discovered and enjoyed the first three “Mission Impossible” movies, appreciating Tom Cruise’s daring stunts. 

Big Education Ape: SAC CHARTERGATE PART III: BILLIONAIRES PLAYGROUND - THE ST. HOPE SAGA AND SACRAMENTO'S CORPORATE CIRCUS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/sac-chartergate-part-iii-billionaires.html 

This article discuss the influence of billionaire-backed education reforms, particularly in Sacramento, focusing on the controversial role of charter schools, privatization, and the impact on public education. The narrative highlights the failures of corporate-style education experiments, the lack of accountability in billionaire philanthropy, and the detrimental effects on communities, teachers, and students.

### Key Points

- The blog criticizes billionaire-driven education reforms, particularly the roles of Eli Broad, Bill Gates, and the Walton family, highlighting their top-down approaches to privatizing public education. 

- St. Hope, a Sacramento-based charter school initiative, is presented as a case study of how corporate education models often fail to deliver promised results, instead causing resource depletion and division. 

- The Broad Superintendent’s Academy trains education leaders to implement corporate strategies in schools, often resulting in school closures, increased class sizes, and dissatisfaction among educators and parents. 

- Billionaire philanthropies, like those of Broad, Gates, and Walton, are criticized for promoting privatization under the guise of philanthropy, often without accountability or understanding of public education’s complexities. 

- Sacramento has been a battleground for charter school expansion, with significant financial backing for pro-charter candidates, leading to increased disparities in public school resources and outcomes. 

- Critics argue that real education reform requires collaboration with educators, parents, and students, rather than imposing corporate-style mandates. 

Big Education Ape: SAC CHARTERGATE: ST. HOPE'S SAC CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA THAT PUTS SOAP OPERAS TO SHAME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/sac-chartergate-st-hopes-sac-charter.html 

Big Education Ape SAC CHARTERGATE PART I delves into the controversies surrounding St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento, highlighting issues of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and community division. 

### Key Points

- St. HOPE Charter Schools faced significant allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual misconduct, and lack of transparency since taking over Sacramento High School. 

- Teachers at Sacramento Charter High School experienced instability, high turnover, and challenges related to unionization. 

- A 2024 audit revealed numerous problems, including conflicts of interest and credentialing issues, leading to demands for corrective action from the school district. 

- Further scandals, such as allegations against a football coach, raised concerns about misconduct investigations and accountability. 

- While St. HOPE received praise for improving academic outcomes for disadvantaged students, critics argue these successes are overshadowed by ethical and governance failures. 

- The article situates SAC CHARTERGATE within a larger national conversation about charter school oversight and reform, citing California's recent efforts to improve accountability. 

Big Education Ape: SAC CHARTERGATE PART II: A History of Problems at St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/sac-chartergate-part-ii-history-of.html  

The article delves into the history and controversies surrounding St. HOPE Charter Schools, particularly Sacramento Charter High School, in Sacramento, California. Founded by NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson with a mission to revitalize inner-city communities, St. HOPE initially achieved notable success but later became embroiled in scandals, including misuse of federal funds, sexual misconduct allegations, internal instability, and financial oversight issues. Despite these challenges, the charter schools have consistently been renewed, raising questions about the accountability and oversight of charter schools in California.

### Key Points  

- St. HOPE Charter Schools were founded by Kevin Johnson in 1989 with the goal of revitalizing Oak Park through education and economic development.   

- Early successes included improved student performance, high attendance rates, and community development initiatives, such as the 40 Acres Art and Cultural Center.   

- The organization transitioned Sacramento High School into a charter school in 2003, receiving broad community support and charter renewals.   

- A "halo effect" around St. HOPE's early success led to reduced scrutiny, allowing issues to go unnoticed in its formative years.   

- Major controversies include the misuse of AmeriCorps funds, with allegations of political interference during the investigation and lenient settlements.   

- Sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Johnson further damaged St. HOPE’s reputation, with claims of mishandling and "damage control" by Johnson’s fiancée, Michelle Rhee.   

- Internal instability, including high staff turnover and contentious unionization efforts, highlighted systemic issues within St. HOPE.   

- Student protests over teacher turnover and dissatisfaction with leadership reflected broader organizational challenges.   

- Financial and governance concerns, such as low teacher credentialing and conflicts of interest, were flagged in audits, prompting corrective actions.   

- Despite recurring issues, Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) has consistently renewed St. HOPE’s charters, raising questions about the rigor of oversight.   

- Critics argue that charter schools often lack transparency and accountability, with St. HOPE serving as a case study in the broader debate about charter school governance.   

- The article concludes by emphasizing the need for stronger accountability and governance in the charter school sector to rebuild public trust. 

ICE IS GIVING US THE CREEPS https://open.substack.com/pub/ru4people/p/ice-is-giving-us-the-creeps?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article critiques the evolution of U.S. immigration enforcement, particularly the role of ICE, likening its tactics to dystopian scenarios. It highlights racial profiling, inhumane detention conditions, and controversial legislation like the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" that funds aggressive immigration policies and benefits private prison companies. The piece also explores systemic racism, the misuse of law enforcement resources, and challenges to birthright citizenship, emphasizing public resistance and advocacy for change.

### Key Points

- ICE has become a hyper-aggressive force, often targeting immigrants without criminal records and engaging in racial profiling. 

- The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" allocates billions to border security, ICE expansion, and detention facilities while imposing financial burdens on immigrants. 

- Private prison companies profit from the detention system, which exhibits overcrowding, medical neglect, and lack of accountability. 

- Advocacy groups report systemic issues in detention centers, including preventable deaths, solitary confinement, and racial disparities. 

- "Operation At Large" prioritizes immigration quotas over addressing actual crimes, redirecting resources from other federal agencies. 

- Legal battles over birthright citizenship highlight constitutional concerns, with advocacy groups opposing executive orders. 

- Public resistance, particularly among younger generations, aims to disrupt the status quo and push for humane immigration policies. 

Trump Administration Axes Funding for Key K-12 Education Programs on One Day’s Notice https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/07/03/trump-administration-axes-funding-for-key-k-12-education-programs-on-one-days-notice/ via @janresseger 

The Trump administration abruptly halted $6.8 billion in federal funding for key K-12 education programs, including services for migrant education, English learners, and teacher professional development. This decision, communicated with minimal notice, has disrupted school districts' planning for the upcoming academic year. The administration is considering permanently rescinding these funds, citing budget concerns, though critics argue this violates federal law and undermines public education stability.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration froze $6.8 billion in federal education funding for programs such as migrant education, teacher development, and English learners, with no clear timeline for resolution. 

- The administration may permanently eliminate these funds through a rescission process, bypassing Congress. 

- Critics argue the cuts will severely disrupt public schools' operations, as districts rely on these funds to support diverse and essential student needs. 

- The move reflects broader efforts by the administration to assert executive power over federal spending, despite constitutional constraints. 

glen brown: Ted Williams, July 3, 1948 https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/ted-williams-july-3-1948.html 

A reflective blog post recounting a historic moment in baseball history at Fenway Park on July 3, 1948, where Ted Williams, a legendary player, shared a heartfelt interaction with a fellow veteran during a game. The article also touches on various societal, political, and personal topics, showcasing the writer's broad range of interests and reflections.

### Key Points

- A vivid retelling of a memorable night at Fenway Park in 1948, where Ted Williams displayed grace and connection with a veteran who approached him mid-game. 

- The narrative highlights baseball’s cultural significance as a space for human connection and shared memories beyond the sport itself. 

- The blog reflects on broader themes such as justice, social issues, politics, and personal philosophies, often through the lens of historical and contemporary events. 

- The writer’s interests span diverse topics including education reform, healthcare, pensions, social justice, and more, as evidenced by the blog's taxonomy and labels. 

Trump Sycophant, Andy Ogles, Still Under Investigation Investigative reporter, Phil Williams, has been digging into the sordid story of the “George Santos of the South” for a long time, now. http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/07/trump-sycophant-andy-ogles-still-under.html 

Schools Matter: An investigative piece highlights ongoing scrutiny of Andy Ogles, dubbed the “George Santos of the South,” for alleged misconduct. The article also touches on broader themes in education reform, including the influence of poverty on education, excessive standardized testing, and systemic issues in public schools. It critiques corporate-driven reforms and emphasizes the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors over teacher quality alone.

### Key Points

- Investigative reporter Phil Williams continues to examine allegations against Andy Ogles, a controversial political figure. 

- Criticism of corporate education reforms and the increasing emphasis on standardized testing. 

- The article underscores poverty as a key factor in educational challenges, rather than teacher quality. 

- Broader systemic issues in public education, including the impact of reforms like No Child Left Behind (NCLB), are discussed. 

Teacher Tom: "I Can Pick Up This Whole School!" https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/i-can-pick-up-this-whole-school.html 

Teacher Tom reflects on a playful and collaborative activity in his preschool class, where children worked together to lift a heavy loft. Initially boasting about their strength individually, the children soon realized the power of teamwork. This experience highlighted the value of cooperation over competition, contrasting it with the individualistic focus of traditional education systems. Teacher Tom advocates for fostering community and collaboration in schools, emphasizing that life is more about collective efforts than solitary achievements.

### Key Points

- Children transitioned from individual boasting to collaborative teamwork to lift a heavy loft, showcasing the power of cooperation. 

- The activity was a rare example of teamwork in education, contrasting with the competitive nature of traditional schooling. 

- Teacher Tom critiques the focus on individual accomplishments in schools and argues for preparing children for communal problem-solving in life. 

- He emphasizes that meaningful achievements and joy often come from working together in community. 

CURMUDGUCATION: Trump's Ed Department Stiffs Schools Billions of Dollars https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/trumps-ed-department-stiffs-schools.html

Trump's Education Department withheld billions in federal aid allocated for schools, targeting six major programs, including those for migrant education, teacher development, and English learners. The justification for these cuts includes claims of inefficiency and misuse of funds. This move, viewed as illegal "impoundment," disproportionately impacts poorer districts and will likely lead to lawsuits. Critics argue it reflects the administration's broader disregard for public education and vulnerable populations.

### Key Points

- The Trump administration blocked billions in federal school aid, targeting six programs, including Title I-C (migrant education), Title II-A (teacher development), and Title III-A (English learners). 

- Justifications for the cuts include claims of program ineffectiveness and misuse of taxpayer funds for non-citizens. 

- The decision is part of broader budget cuts proposed for 2026 and reflects a strategy of withholding funds, which critics argue is illegal. 

- Poor districts are most affected, with significant financial losses, such as North Carolina losing $154 million, enough to hire nearly 2,000 teachers. 

- The cuts come after district budgets were finalized, leaving schools scrambling to address shortfalls, with lawsuits expected to challenge the funding block. 

The Duct Tape of Dysfunction: How NDAs Are Weaponized Against Truth – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/03/the-duct-tape-of-dysfunction-how-ndas-are-weaponized-against-truth/

The article discusses the misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), highlighting how they have evolved from protecting trade secrets to silencing dissent, whistleblowers, and victims of institutional harm. It critiques NDAs for perpetuating systemic inequities, concealing injustices, and eroding trust and accountability within institutions. The piece calls for banning NDAs in cases involving discrimination or harassment, supporting whistleblowers, and fostering transparency in leadership.

### Key Points

- NDAs, once meant for protecting intellectual property, are now used to silence dissent, whistleblowers, and victims of discrimination or harassment. 

- NDAs disproportionately harm marginalized individuals, hide systemic issues, and allow institutions to maintain a façade of equity. 

- Examples include UC Davis suppressing dissent after the 2011 pepper-spray incident, Howard University silencing student protesters, and NDAs used against campus sexual assault victims. 

- The widespread use of NDAs results in the loss of truth, accountability, and trust, weakening democracy within institutions. 

- Many NDAs may lack enforceability if no settlement money or consideration was exchanged, but legal advice is necessary. 

- Courageous leaders reject NDAs, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and moral leadership over institutional image. 

- Five action steps include banning NDAs in public institutions for harm cases, legislative reforms, supporting whistleblowers, mandating transparent leadership transitions, and refusing silence. 

- Justice and truth-telling should be protected by culture, not contracts, as NDAs undermine both. 

Chicken-in-Chief https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/chicken-in-chief?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article critiques the leadership and practices within the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), particularly focusing on Michael Mulgrew and the Unity Caucus. It highlights issues of administrative incompetence, loyalty-driven decision-making, and the prioritization of personal gains over the interests of teachers and union members. The piece also compares Mulgrew's leadership style to authoritarian tendencies and discusses the negative impact of these dynamics on educators and retirees.

### Key Points

- The author criticizes administrators and union leaders who are often former teachers unsuited for the classroom, highlighting their negative impact on education and unions. 

- The Unity Caucus and Michael Mulgrew are accused of prioritizing loyalty and personal benefits over the well-being of union members, including retirees. 

- Mulgrew’s leadership style is compared to authoritarianism, with decisions being made unilaterally, disregarding democratic representation within the union. 

- The article highlights the lack of accountability in UFT leadership, with grievances left unresolved and members treated poorly. 

Sayaka Murata's Vanishing World, or "Fuck Everybody" https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/07/03/sayaka-muratas-vanishing-world-or-fuck-everybody/ via @plthomasEdD 

Sayaka Murata’s novel *Vanishing World* is analyzed through the lens of societal norms, sexual liberation, and speculative fiction. The author reflects on historical figures like Bertrand Russell, William Moulton Marston, and D.H. Lawrence, whose progressive ideas on relationships often clashed with their personal realities. Murata’s work challenges conventional ideas of normalcy, gender roles, and human nature by creating a speculative world where traditional reproduction is replaced by artificial insemination, and sexual relationships are deemed taboo. The novel critiques societal constructs and forces readers to question what defines “normal.”

### Key Points

- The author reflects on Bertrand Russell’s free love ideology and its challenges in practice, linking it to broader issues of sexual liberation and gender dynamics. 

- William Moulton Marston’s polyamorous life and feminist ideals in *Wonder Woman* are explored, questioning who ultimately benefits from such progressive concepts. 

- D.H. Lawrence’s views on gender roles and relationships are mentioned as another example of societal constructs shaping “normal.” 

- Sayaka Murata’s *Vanishing World* is described as speculative fiction that critiques societal norms, focusing on artificial reproduction and the tabooing of sexual relationships. 

- The novel’s ending highlights the disorienting nature of redefining human behavior and normalcy, pushing readers to reconsider societal brainwashing and its impact on identity. 

H.R. 1 Puts Children Last: An Unprecedented Betrayal of America’s Future https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/hr-1-puts-children-last-an-unprecedented?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

H.R. 1 is heavily criticized for its detrimental impact on children in the United States. The bill prioritizes tax breaks for corporations, gun manufacturers, and wealthy individuals over essential programs that support children’s health, nutrition, and education. It slashes funding for Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP, exacerbates child poverty, and introduces policies that deepen inequality. The article argues that H.R. 1 represents a moral and policy failure, urging Congress and citizens to reject the bill and advocate for children’s welfare.

### Key Points  

- H.R. 1 prioritizes tax breaks for corporations, gun manufacturers, and wealthy individuals over children’s health and welfare.   

- The bill slashes over $1 trillion from Medicaid and CHIP, jeopardizing healthcare for 37 million children.   

- It imposes bureaucratic barriers and work requirements that destabilize families and worsen access to healthcare.   

- Cuts $200 billion from SNAP, increasing child hunger and food insecurity.   

- Threatens school meal programs, worsening children’s physical and cognitive development.   

- Introduces a limited Child Tax Credit that excludes millions of children, especially those in larger families, mixed-status households, or facing tragedies.   

- Proposes “Trump Accounts” that benefit wealthy families while increasing inequality for lower-income households.   

- Targets early educators by banning federal student loans for low-paying fields, worsening the child care crisis.   

- Creates an education voucher tax credit that diverts resources from public schools and promotes discrimination.   

- Increases funding for immigration enforcement, leading to family separations and discouraging immigrant families from accessing essential programs.   

- Cuts investments in clean energy, undermining efforts to address climate threats to children’s health and future.   

- Includes tax breaks for gun silencers despite gun violence being a leading cause of child deaths.   

- Increases national debt by over $3 trillion, creating a financial burden for future generations.   

- Represents intergenerational injustice by reducing investments in children while increasing their future tax burdens.   

- Urges Congress and citizens to reject H.R. 1 and advocate for policies that prioritize children’s health, safety, and economic security. 

Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/ 

Education Research Report: Group work and discussion help to build student confidence using math in science lessons https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/group-work-and-discussion-help-to-build.html 

Education Research Report: Sibling study finds early education boosts brain power https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/sibling-study-finds-early-education.html 

Education Research Report: Support networks may be the missing link for college students who seek help for excessive drinking https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/support-networks-may-be-missing-link.html 

Choosing Democracy: 4th of July Tribute https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/07/4th-of-july-tribute.html 

Choosing Democracy: A reflection on democracy’s challenges and the role of public schooling, focusing on the ongoing pursuit of liberty, justice, and happiness in the U.S., particularly in light of the 4th of July and the enduring struggle for justice.

### Key Points

- The article reflects on the 4th of July as a commitment to the ideals of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness, acknowledging the ongoing struggle to achieve these for all. 

- A quote from Thomas Paine highlights the value of perseverance in the face of tyranny and the glory of triumph through hard conflict. 

- The post includes references to democracy, resistance, and patriotism, alongside links to related progressive initiatives and historical archives. 

Choosing Democracy: GOP Budget Bill Would Make ICE "Largest Federal Law Enforcement Agency i... https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/07/gop-budget-bill-would-make-ice-largest.html 

Letters from the Future (of Learning): In Wisconsin, a Rural Respite for Learning Has Become a Statewide Haven for Healing | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/wisconsin-rural 

The article highlights the transformative work of the Norris School District in Southeast Wisconsin, which provides a learner-centered environment for adjudicated and disadvantaged youth. Founded in 1917 by Daniel "Niel" Norris as a summer camp for troubled teens, the district has evolved into a unique educational ecosystem. It emphasizes personalized education, trauma-informed care, and community-based learning, aiming to heal and empower students who have faced significant challenges. The district's innovative approaches include individualized learning plans, mentorship, and partnerships with local organizations to support students' growth and reintegration into society.

### Key Points

- The Norris School District was founded in 1917 by Daniel “Niel” Norris to support troubled teens and has grown into a unique educational ecosystem. 

- The school focuses on personalized, competency-based learning and trauma-informed care to meet the needs of its students, many of whom have faced significant trauma. 

- The district employs a learner-centered approach, emphasizing self-reflection, individualized pathways, and fostering emotional and academic growth. 

- Norris provides community-based learning opportunities, including internships and partnerships with local organizations, to help students explore their interests and reintegrate into society. 

- The school’s staff is dedicated to creating a supportive environment, modeling respect, and celebrating even small progress made by the students. 

- Norris has expanded its reach by launching virtual schools, satellite campuses, and participating in national initiatives to create learner-centered ecosystems. 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!

7-3-25 

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0670516787.html

The article is a compilation of blog posts and reports addressing various societal, political, and educational issues in the United States, including systemic inequities, budget cuts, charter school controversies, immigration policies, and the impact of billionaires on governance. It emphasizes the need for transparency, equity, and systemic reforms to address these challenges.

### Key Points  

- AI systems amplify historical biases and inequities, posing risks to democracy, education, and societal fairness.   

- Billionaires increasingly influence U.S. politics, with wealth-driven policies harming lower-income households.   

- Trump-appointed Ed Martin faced backlash for his controversial record, including defending authoritarianism and aligning with Russian propaganda.   

- St. HOPE Charter Schools in Sacramento faced allegations of mismanagement, misconduct, and governance failures, raising concerns about charter school accountability.   

- ICE employs aggressive immigration enforcement, with racial profiling and inhumane detention conditions, sparking public resistance.   

- A crisis in board governance highlights mistrust and lack of transparency in higher education institutions.   

- Repairing broken items in classrooms fosters resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving among children.   

- Younger students in a school class, especially those born prematurely, face higher risks of mental health challenges.   

- Suicidal ideation and attempts have risen among high school students, with strong links to health-risk behaviors.   

- The Trump administration cut $6.8 billion in K–12 education funding, disproportionately affecting vulnerable students and public schools.   

- Growth mindset and grit theories are criticized for perpetuating systemic inequities and lacking substantial evidence of effectiveness.   

- Florida's chaotic fiscal decisions under Governor DeSantis have left public schools underfunded and destabilized.   

- Advocacy for smaller class sizes continues in NYC, supported by recent legislation mandating phased reductions.   

- Idaho's suppression of inclusivity messages in schools reflects broader political agendas against equity.   

- Public education advocates criticize federal funding freezes and privatization efforts that harm public schools.   

- Resilience and acceptance of change can lead to personal growth and optimism amid life challenges.