Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-22-25

Write Secretary McMahon Now: Release the Money to Schools! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/21/write-secretary-mcmahon-now-release-the-money-to-schools/ via @dianeravitch 

Write Secretary McMahon Now: Release the Money to Schools!  

The article highlights the urgent issue of Secretary of Education Linda McMahon withholding $8.6 billion in federal funds appropriated by Congress for public schools. This funding freeze, occurring just weeks before the school year starts, is seen as a potential precursor to permanent budget cuts. Advocacy groups, including the Network for Public Education, are urging citizens to take immediate action by contacting McMahon, emailing Congress, and reporting violations to the U.S. Department of Education. The article also critiques right-wing media campaigns and organizations like the Pioneer Institute for promoting privatization and undermining public education.

### Key Points

- Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has frozen $8.6 billion in federal funds meant for public schools, raising concerns about permanent cuts. 

- Advocacy groups are calling for public action, including writing letters, emailing Congress, and reporting violations to the Department of Education. 

- Criticism is directed at right-wing organizations like the Pioneer Institute for their pro-charter, anti-public school stance. 

- The article emphasizes the urgency of acting before the withheld funds potentially vanish or get reallocated elsewhere. 

Ellie Leonard on Ghislaine Maxwell--The Woman Who Knew Too Much https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/21/ellie-leonard-ghislaine-maxwell-the-woman-who-knew-too-much/ via @dianeravitch 

Diane Ravitch's blog discusses various topics related to education, democracy, and current events. This particular post highlights Ellie Leonard's reflections on Ghislaine Maxwell's life, her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and her traumatic upbringing under her father, Robert Maxwell. The article also touches on Donald Trump's lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal over allegations involving Epstein, as well as broader political implications of Epstein's connections across party lines.

### Key Points

- Ellie Leonard explores Ghislaine Maxwell's difficult childhood, her father's alleged financial crimes, and her belief that he was murdered rather than committing suicide. 

- Maxwell's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is examined, including her role in managing aspects of his life and their transition from romantic partners to close friends. 

- Donald Trump denies sending a controversial note to Epstein and is suing Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over the story, potentially affecting his relationship with FOX News. 

- Epstein's suspicious financial activities and bipartisan connections suggest a political cover-up spanning multiple administrations. 

Why Didn't Pam Bondi Prosecute Jeffrey Epstein When She was Florida AG? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/21/why-didnt-pam-bondi-prosecute-jeffrey-epstein-when-she-was-florida-ag/ via @dianeravitch 

### Key Points

- The article questions why Pam Bondi, Florida's Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, did not investigate or prosecute Jeffrey Epstein for his crimes in Florida despite being at the center of his child trafficking and abuse operations. 

- Epstein received a lenient plea deal in 2008 under George W. Bush's DOJ, which ignored federal crimes and did not inform victims beforehand. This allowed him to continue his abuse after his release. 

- Criticism is directed at Trump and his administration for allegedly covering up Epstein-related files and failing to address Epstein's crimes, with polls showing a majority of Americans believing in a cover-up. 

- Comments on the blog criticize the GOP and Trump administration for prioritizing power and wealth over protecting children and addressing abuse. 

Big Education Ape: DIANE RAVITCH: FROM CONSERVATIVE CRUSADER TO PUBLIC EDUCATION'S FIERCEST DEFENDER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/diane-ravitch-from-conservative.html 

Diane Ravitch's transformation from a conservative education reform advocate to a fierce defender of public education is explored in this article. Initially supporting standardized testing, charter schools, and accountability measures, Ravitch eventually criticized these reforms for harming public education. Her advocacy now focuses on equitable funding, teacher professionalism, and opposing privatization. Ravitch co-founded the Network for Public Education (NPE) to champion public schools, and her upcoming memoir details her ideological shift and calls for greater investment in public education.

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch transitioned from a proponent of conservative education reforms to a defender of public education. 

- Her realization about the negative impacts of high-stakes testing and privatization led to her opposition to these policies. 

- Ravitch co-founded the Network for Public Education to advocate for equitable funding and teacher professionalism. 

- Critics argue she oversimplifies reformers' intentions and romanticizes public schools, but Ravitch defends them as democratic institutions. 

- Her upcoming memoir, "An Education," recounts her ideological shift and advocates for systemic change in education. 

A Daily Dilemma Teachers Face: Managing Conflicting Roles https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/07/21/a-daily-dilemma-teachers-face-managing-conflicting-roles/ via @CubanLarry

### Key Points- Teachers face a recurring personal/professional dilemma, balancing time and energy between work and family/friends, requiring ongoing compromises that shift with life circumstances. - U.S. teachers must navigate conflicting roles: the academic role of teaching and evaluating students objectively and the emotional role of building personal connections to foster learning. - The academic role demands social distance to ensure fair evaluation, while the emotional role requires closeness to understand students' backgrounds, strengths, and needs. 

- Some teachers prioritize one role over the other, but effective teachers strike a balance, blending both roles through authentic classroom personas that motivate and engage students. 

Education Research Report: The Benefits of Scholastic Athletics https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/07/the-benefits-of-scholastic-athletics.html

 The Benefits of Scholastic Athletics

### Key Points

- Participation in scholastic athletics, from high school to college (including intramural sports), positively impacts life outcomes such as graduation rates and post-schooling wages. 

- The study accounts for cognitive skills, personality traits, and social background, revealing substantial benefits at all levels of athletic involvement. 

- Scholastic athletics promote social mobility, particularly benefiting disadvantaged and minority students. 

Getting Beyond Our Discomfort Zones | The Jose Vilson https://thejosevilson.com/getting-beyond-our-discomfort-zones/ 

Getting Beyond Our Discomfort Zones By Jose Vilson reflects on his experience as a guest speaker at a high school graduation. He shares his journey of overcoming discomfort to deliver a meaningful speech, emphasizing themes of resilience, empathy, and collective action amidst challenging political and social climates. He connects personal anecdotes with broader societal issues, offering lessons about embracing one's identity, navigating life's non-linear paths, and acting locally with a global perspective. The article concludes with a hopeful vision of a future shaped by empathy and shared humanity.

### Key Points

- Jose Vilson recounts his experience as a guest speaker at a high school graduation, highlighting his preparation and the challenges he faced during the event. 

- He discusses the discomfort of addressing hope amidst political and social turmoil, referencing the Trump administration's impact and societal resistance. 

- Vilson emphasizes small acts of kindness and collective empathy as a counter to systemic challenges. 

- His speech centered on three lessons: embracing identity, understanding life's unpredictability, and acting locally while thinking globally. 

- Despite disruptions like a fire alarm, Vilson's resilience inspired others to continue the ceremony, showcasing adaptability and perseverance. 

- The article ends with Vilson's reflections on the importance of supporting children and imagining a better world through collective efforts. 

Teacher Tom: Devils Dressed as Angels https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/devils-dressed-as-angels.html 

Teacher Tom reflects on the importance of leisure and play in discovering one's life purpose, emphasizing that education should enable children to pursue pleasure and curiosity rather than conform to societal notions of duty and virtue. He critiques the tendency to equate education with economic outcomes and advocates for play-based learning as a way to nurture curiosity and passion in children. He also highlights the challenges adults face in retirement when they lack a sense of purpose, contrasting this with the natural discovery process of children at play.

### Key Points

- Education should focus on helping children find their purpose through pleasure and curiosity, rather than duty or virtue. 

- Leisure, rooted in the Greek concept of "skhole," is essential for discovering what makes individuals come alive. 

- Many adults struggle with purpose after retirement, often resorting to work or distractions to find meaning. 

- Play-based learning allows children to explore their passions and curiosity, fostering a sense of purpose early in life. 

- Society often misrepresents leisure as selfish, pushing even preschoolers toward toil rather than natural discovery. 

- The author defends play-based education against critics who prioritize duty and economic outcomes over genuine learning. 

CURMUDGUCATION: MAGA Gunning For NEA https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/07/maga-gunning-for-nea.html 

MAGA Republicans are targeting the National Education Association (NEA) by proposing HR 4450, aiming to strip its federal charter granted in 1906. Although the charter is rarely invoked, repealing it appears to be a symbolic attack on the union, which has historically supported public education and the Democratic Party. Additionally, anti-union groups like the Freedom Foundation are advocating for measures to restrict the NEA's political activities, dues collection, strikes, and promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This reflects broader MAGA efforts to undermine teachers' unions and public education, aligning with their privatization agenda.

### Key Points

- MAGA Republicans introduced HR 4450 to revoke the NEA's federal charter, a symbolic move against the union. 

- The Freedom Foundation proposes further restrictions on the NEA, including banning strikes and political engagement. 

- Teachers' unions are portrayed as obstacles to the MAGA agenda, which seeks to dismantle and privatize public education. 

Weekend Quotables The Epstein saga is exposing MAGA's rotting underbelly. Cuomo's rebranded campaign equates anti-Zionism and antisemitism. https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/weekend-quotables-e1f 

### Key Points

- The Epstein scandal is exposing the structural flaws within MAGA, highlighting Trump's documented ties to Epstein and his history of sexual misconduct. 

- Trump’s base, once driven by the Epstein narrative, now faces disillusionment as Trump dismisses their concerns and lashes out at reporters and supporters. 

- Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, amid his own sexual misconduct allegations, is rebranding his political campaign by equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism. 

- Cuomo’s campaign, backed by AIPAC, combines support for Israel with attacks on critics, further polarizing the political landscape. 

- A commentary questions the existence of Epstein’s “client list,” suggesting that such operations were likely informal and undocumented. 

The Uppity Minority: Stephen Colbert and Joy Reid—Fired, Freed, and Unleashed – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/21/the-uppity-minority-stephen-colbert-and-joy-reid-fired-freed-and-unleashed/

The article reflects on the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" and its implications for equity-driven leaders. It discusses how Colbert and Joy Reid, both outspoken voices in media, faced institutional pushback for their fearless critique of power structures. The piece emphasizes the transformative potential of being freed from restrictive systems, encouraging leaders to embrace their truth and build platforms that amplify their voices.

### Key Points

- Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" cancellation is framed as a pivot point rather than a failure, highlighting his equity-driven approach to media. 

- Colbert's outspoken criticism of CBS's parent company, Paramount, and its settlement with Trump likely contributed to the show's cancellation, revealing institutional discomfort with bold voices. 

- Equity-driven leaders often face backlash when they challenge dominant narratives, but such moments can lead to rediscovery and expansion of their power. 

- Colbert's career has consistently defied containment, using satire and critique to expose hypocrisy and challenge conformity. 

- Joy Reid's post-MSNBC platform exemplifies how liberated leaders can sharpen their commentary and reach audiences hungry for unfiltered truth. 

- Institutions may end a chapter, but they cannot end the story of principled leaders who continue to transform public discourse. 

Second Breakfast: AI Slop Education | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/ai-slop-education 

The article discusses the social, cultural, and educational implications of integrating AI technologies like ChatGPT into education. It critiques the narrative of AI as a revolutionary force that changes everything instantaneously, emphasizing instead the broader systemic issues in education and society. The piece highlights concerns about academic dishonesty, the corporatization of education, and the societal pressures driving disengagement among students. It also critiques the role of tech companies in shaping education policies and practices, often prioritizing profit over ethics or long-term well-being.

### Key Points

- The narrative of AI as a sudden paradigm shift often overshadows broader systemic issues in education and society. 

- Concerns about AI, like ChatGPT, include its role in academic dishonesty and the potential for undermining genuine learning. 

- Broader issues such as standardized testing, economic inequality, and disengagement with higher education contribute to students' current challenges. 

- The ed-tech industry and university administrations are critiqued for prioritizing profit and privatization over meaningful educational reform. 

- Tech companies like Google are rolling out AI tools for children, raising ethical concerns about privacy, misinformation, and dependency. 

- AI is seen as a tool that could undermine critical thinking, democracy, and individuality, fostering conformity and societal inequities. 

Did You Write This?: Or Why You Can't Spell "Plagiarism" without "AI" https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/07/21/did-you-write-this-or-why-you-cant-spell-plagiarism-without-ai/ via @plthomasEdD 

"Did You Write This?: Or Why You Can’t Spell 'Plagiarism' without 'AI'" explores the challenges of plagiarism in education, exacerbated by AI tools like ChatGPT. The author recounts personal experiences with student plagiarism and critiques how reliance on technology undermines the learning process. Writing, as argued, is best learned through active practice, not shortcuts. The article emphasizes the importance of composing as a learning process and warns against AI's misuse in academic settings.

### Key Points

- Teachers have long dealt with plagiarism, with AI tools like ChatGPT introducing new complexities. 

- Writing is best learned through active practice, not by relying on external aids or pre-set rubrics. 

- AI tools, while useful for editing, hinder the learning process when used for composing, equating their misuse to plagiarism. 

- The article critiques the over-reliance on poor-quality tech tools in education and emphasizes that composing fosters understanding and communication skills. 

What About Those Frozen Federal Funds? - by Andy Spears https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/what-about-those-frozen-federal-funds 

### Key Points

- President Trump froze $6.2 billion in federal funding for public school programs, causing uncertainty and chaos for districts nationwide. 

- $1.3 billion of the frozen funds was released under public pressure, but this represents only a fraction of the total amount withheld. 

- Arizona's public schools, serving low-income, migrant, and English-learning students, are severely impacted by the funding freeze, affecting staffing and budgets. 

- The withheld funds are seen as a political tactic to exert control over school districts and discourage dissent. 

- State attorneys general are suing to release the remaining funds, but the outcome remains uncertain, complicating planning for the upcoming academic year. 

The Child Tax Credit Changes in H.R. 1 Fail Children and Families https://open.substack.com/pub/brucelesley/p/the-child-tax-credit-changes-in-hr?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

The article critiques the Child Tax Credit changes introduced in H.R. 1, arguing that they fail to adequately support children and families, especially compared to previous policies. Despite a nominal increase in the credit amount, the new provisions fall short in inflation-adjusted terms, exclude vulnerable groups, and exacerbate child poverty. The author advocates for a fully refundable Child Tax Credit to ensure equitable benefits for all children, regardless of income or circumstances.

### Key Points  

- The Child Tax Credit increase from $2,000 to $2,200 in H.R. 1 is less generous than past policies when adjusted for inflation.   

- Previous policies, including the Bush-era dependent exemption and Biden’s 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion, provided more substantial benefits.   

- Campaign promises during the 2024 presidential election proposed much higher Child Tax Credit amounts, up to $6,000 per child, but H.R. 1 fell far short.   

- H.R. 1 excludes 17 million children whose parents earn too little to qualify for the full benefit, worsening child poverty.   

- Making the Child Tax Credit fully refundable could cut child poverty by nearly half, as demonstrated by the temporary changes in the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.   

- H.R. 1 introduces penalties that deny the Child Tax Credit to 2.6 million U.S.-born children of non-citizen parents, pushing many into poverty.   

- The share of children ineligible for the full Child Tax Credit increases from 25% to 28%, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups like children of color and those in single-parent households.   

- Social construction theory explains why children and low-income families often lack political power and are excluded from meaningful policy benefits.   

- The National Commission on Children has long recommended a fully refundable Child Tax Credit that benefits all families, regardless of income or circumstances.   

- Exclusions in the Child Tax Credit penalize children for circumstances like parental illness, job loss, or caregiving responsibilities.   

- The article calls for a tax code that prioritizes children as a critical investment for the nation's future. 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Final Seattle Schools' Superintendent Search Meetings https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/07/final-seattle-schools-superintendent.html?spref=tw 

Seattle Public Schools SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS Single-Language: KO9C7 - Tuesday, July 22 at 4:30 p.m. (Virtual) Tiếng việt - Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m. (Virtual) Español - Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. (Virtual) General Community: Friday, July 25 at 6 p.m. (Robert Eagle Staff MS) Saturday, July 26 at 3 p.m. (South Shore K-8)

Schools Matter: Twenty Years Ago Today http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/07/twenty-years-ago-today.html 

### Key Points

- James Horn reflects on the 20-year journey of his blog "Schools Matter," highlighting its milestone of 20 million views and ongoing challenges such as high-stakes testing, corporate education reform, and attacks on democratic values. 

- He expresses gratitude to contributors and acknowledges the persistent fight against poverty and systemic issues in education. 

- The blog archives a wide range of topics, including essays, reviews, and critiques on education policies, testing, and societal impacts on schools. 

College Cheating Regrets | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/07/21/college-cheating-regrets/

The article discusses the prevalence, consequences, and personal reflections on academic cheating, particularly in college settings. It highlights various methods students use to cheat, the guilt and regret experienced by some, and the long-term impacts of such actions. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of cultivating genuine learning habits and avoiding the path of dishonesty.

### Key Points

- Academic cheating is increasingly facilitated by online tools and platforms, leading to students feeling unprepared and insecure about their future. 

- Personal accounts reveal guilt and regret about cheating, with individuals admitting to missing out on real learning experiences and struggling with impostor syndrome. 

- Some individuals openly admit to cheating without regret, detailing elaborate methods but acknowledging the moral implications and self-reproach. 

- The article underscores the importance of avoiding academic dishonesty and working to develop genuine learning skills for long-term success. 

Why Fascists Fear Teachers - Penguin Random House https://sites.prh.com/whyfascistsfearteachers 

WATCH: Teachers vs. fascists Teachers union leader Randi Weingarten on why Trump fears educators, how the Democratic Party has to change, and why A.I. will transform learning itself https://the.ink/p/watch-teachers-vs-fascists?utm_source=substack&utm_content=feed%3Arecommended%3Acopy_link 

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, discusses the challenges facing public education, democracy, and societal progress. Topics include the politicization of education, the Democratic Party's need for inclusivity, and the transformative impact of AI on learning. She also reflects on her resignation from the Democratic National Committee, the importance of engaging with concerned parents, and lessons from the gay rights movement. While many praise her advocacy, some critics accuse her of aligning with tech billionaires and undermining public education.

### Key Points

- Randi Weingarten explains why education is targeted by the right and highlights the fears fascists have regarding teachers. 

- She emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to expand its tent and address parental concerns about social change. 

- Weingarten discusses the future of education in the context of AI and addictive technologies. 

- Her interview sparked positive reactions about her insights and leadership, though some criticized her alleged ties to tech billionaires and their influence on public education. 

- Critics argue that her support of AI and partnerships with corporations may harm the teaching profession and public schools. 

Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me · AFT on Mobilize

https://www.mobilize.us/aft/?org_ids=7229 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-21-25

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0255465057.html

The article is a compilation of diverse blog posts covering political controversies, educational challenges, societal issues, and activism. It highlights systemic failures, advocacy efforts, and leadership decisions' impact across multiple domains.

### Key Points

- Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama-era officials of treason over Russian interference in the 2016 election, alleging intelligence manipulation. Critics argue this is a distraction from Trump's controversies, including ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of predatory behavior. 

- Congress exempts Trump and Vance from conflict-of-interest rules on stablecoins, allowing Trump to profit from his crypto empire despite ethical concerns. 

- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee rejects federal funding for the Sun Bucks program, increasing child food insecurity by replacing it with a state-funded program that serves far fewer children. 

- Stephen Colbert is celebrated for using humor as resistance and truth-telling, with concerns about media suppression under the Trump administration. 

- Randi Weingarten discusses education challenges, AI's impact, and the need for inclusivity in the Democratic Party while facing criticism for alleged ties to tech billionaires. 

- The chaotic review process of Epstein-related files at the FBI led to mishandling sensitive victim information and raised concerns about transparency and justice. 

- Advocacy groups combat privatization, censorship, and authoritarianism in public education, emphasizing equity and inclusivity. 

- Broader societal issues, such as environmental concerns, social justice, and systemic injustices like cash bail, are explored across various posts.