Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-3-25
9-3-25
Congress Slashed Funding for Public Schools. They Lied! Protest! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/02/republicans-in-congress-slashed-funding-for-public-schools-they-lied-protest/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Congress proposed a FY26 education bill cutting $12.1 billion (15%) in K-12 funding for public schools, including a 27% reduction in Title I funding, elimination of English Language Acquisition Grants, teacher training programs, and community school initiatives.
- The cuts disproportionately affect high-poverty schools and rural communities, potentially increasing classroom crowding, reducing student supports, and exacerbating inequities.
- The bill allocates $500 million for charter school expansion while slashing public school budgets.
- Advocacy groups urge constituents to email or call their representatives to oppose the bill and demand full funding for public schools.
- The Network for Public Education Action seeks donations to continue its advocacy efforts.
- Critics argue that the Republican Party's policies harm public education and blame Democrats for failing to effectively counter these measures.
Former Directors of the CDC: RFK Jr. Endangers Public Health! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/02/former-directors-of-the-cdc-rfk-jr-endangers-public-health/ via @dianeravitch
- Nine former CDC directors, who served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for actions that harm public health.
- Kennedy fired thousands of federal health workers, weakened health programs, and dismissed Dr. Susan Monarez as CDC director, leading to resignations of top officials.
- He undermined vaccine efforts, canceled medical research investments, and replaced experts with unqualified individuals holding unscientific views.
- Kennedy ended U.S. support for global vaccination programs, causing risks to children and vulnerable populations, and backed legislation that would strip millions of Medicaid recipients of health coverage.
- These actions are deemed dangerous and unacceptable, threatening America's health security, particularly for rural communities, low-income families, and people with disabilities.
Jennifer Berkshire: Is Public Education Over? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/02/jennifer-berkshire-is-public-education-over/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch reflects on the dangers posed to public schools by privatization and billionaire-funded reform movements, which she initially underestimated.
- Jennifer Berkshire discusses the rising influence of school choice and privatization advocates, including their efforts to dismantle public education through vouchers and microschools.
- Critics highlight the widespread opposition to standardized testing, which unites parents across political divisions.
- The resurgence of education reform narratives, often backed by corporate interests, continues to push for school accountability and closures, despite past failures.
- Democratic politicians are divided on education policies, with some advocating for public schools while others align with privatization agendas.
- Examples of successful pro-public education campaigns, such as Caitlin Drey’s victory in Iowa, showcase public support for defending public schools.
There Was No "Miracle" in New Orleans https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/02/there-was-no-miracle-in-new-orleans/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The article criticizes the false narrative of a "miracle" in New Orleans' education system post-Hurricane Katrina, highlighting irresponsible journalism and inflated claims.
- Obama’s Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, controversially stated Katrina was "the best thing that happened" to New Orleans' education system, aligning with pro-charter advocates.
- The state transformed New Orleans into an almost all-charter district, firing all teachers and dissolving unions, but student outcomes remained disappointing.
- Studies by Linda Darling-Hammond and Bruce Baker revealed that the district remained segregated, underperforming, and reliant on external funding, undermining claims of success.
- Ian Birrell, a British journalist unfamiliar with U.S. education debates, published outdated pro-charter claims, failing to address counterarguments or factual evidence.
- Data from KIPP charter schools and other institutions in New Orleans show poor academic proficiency rates, contradicting claims of a "miracle."
- The lack of a scientific control group and biased comparisons further invalidate the narrative of charter schools’ success in New Orleans.
- Gary Rubenstein debunked the "miracle" using facts, emphasizing the failure of privatization and its negative impact on poor families and students.
Big Education Ape: STEPHEN MILLER: THE BLACK-HEARTED BUREAUCRAT WHO MOONLIGHTS AS LUCIFER’S SPEECHWRITER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/stephen-miller-black-hearted-bureaucrat.html
### Key Points
- Arthur Goldstein advocates for Medicare and critiques Unity's self-praise.
- Trump's Gaza plan is linked to displacement and alleged genocide architecture.
- Stephen Miller is depicted as the architect of family separation policies.
- Miller's association with white nationalist ideologies is highlighted.
- Miller’s involvement in crafting the Muslim ban and other divisive policies is criticized.
- His loyalty to Trump and strategic influence in amplifying divisive rhetoric are examined.
- Miller faces widespread condemnation for his extremist views and policies.
- The article uses satire to critique Miller’s political actions and influence.
Big Education Ape: THE GOLDEN CABINET AND THE IRON FIST: A LABOR DAY LOOK AT TRUMP'S OLIGARCHY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-golden-cabinet-and-iron-fist-labor.html
The article explores the growing influence of oligarchy in the U.S., particularly under Donald Trump's administration, which has been characterized by the appointment of numerous billionaires to key government positions. It highlights the historical and global context of oligarchies, examines the policy goals of these wealthy players, and reflects on the erosion of democracy in favor of concentrated wealth and power. The Labor Day protests in Chicago symbolize resistance against this trend, emphasizing workers' struggles against billionaire domination.
### Key Points
- Trump's administration is marked by unprecedented billionaire appointments, raising concerns about democracy turning into a pay-to-play system.
- The concept of oligarchy is explained as rule by a wealthy elite, with historical examples from Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. Gilded Age.
- Billionaire donors and appointees aim for deregulation, tax cuts, and policies benefiting their industries, undermining democratic principles.
- Labor Day protests in Chicago reflect workers' opposition to oligarchic policies and demand accountability from the ultra-rich.
- Historical parallels are drawn with the Gilded Age and global examples of oligarchic influence, warning of its dangers to democracy.
Big Education Ape: TOP POSTS THIS MONTH - AUGUST 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/top-posts-this-month-august-2025.html
Big Education Ape's August 2025 roundup highlights key education and political issues, including critiques of gerrymandering, the role of AI in classrooms, labor rights, and political figures like Donald Trump and RFK Jr. The blog also features satirical takes, educational reform discussions, and links to related resources.
### Key Points
- The blog critiques gerrymandering and calls for expanding the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Articles explore AI's role in education, including its potential and challenges in classrooms.
- Discussions on labor rights emphasize resisting authoritarianism and addressing inequalities.
- Commentary on political figures like Donald Trump and RFK Jr. critiques their actions and impact.
- Satirical and creative posts address issues like oligarchy, gun culture, and democracy's fragility.
- Resources and links are provided for education reform, public campaigns, and activism.
Big Education Ape: IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS CHAOS: A BIBLICAL PARODY OF THE OLIGARCHY’S RAW-DOGGING OF THE CONSTITUTION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/in-beginning-there-was-chaos-biblical.html
David Labaree on Schooling, History, and Writing: When Is School the Answer to What Social Problems? | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/when-school-answer-social
### Key Points
- Schools are historically weak mechanisms for solving social problems, but the American common school system was an exception.
- In the early 19th century, the U.S. faced political, moral, and social crises, prompting reformers to use schools to establish a new social order.
- The rise of the market economy and infrastructure improvements like canals created economic opportunities but also challenges, transforming social structures and sparking reform movements.
- Reformers aimed to reconcile the market economy with republican ideals, creating institutions like penitentiaries, hospitals, asylums, and the common school to address societal needs.
- The common school movement focused on moral and civic education, emphasizing community-wide enrollment, public funding, local control, age grading, and government involvement.
- Horace Mann and other leaders promoted the common school as a solution to growing class divisions and social instability, successfully creating a unified public education system.
- The common school system was designed to instill self-regulation and civic virtue, fostering a sense of republican community while preserving individual liberties.
- Rochester, New York, served as a case study of social transformation, highlighting the impact of infrastructure development and reform movements on community stability.
- Religious revivalists like Charles Finney played a key role in promoting self-regulation and moral discipline, influencing the design of educational and social institutions.
- The common school movement succeeded in its goals and became a foundational model for American education, addressing the crises of the early republic.
A Look Back: Compasses Or Road Maps? Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
- The blog focuses on educational resources, republishing popular posts, and offering instructional strategies for teachers.
- September 8th is International Literacy Day, with resources available for teaching and learning.
- Google introduced two language tools, with mixed usefulness for educators.
- Highlights of useful posts and articles on educational policy issues are shared regularly.
- Practical instructional resources are available for various subjects, including Math, Science, Social Studies, and English.
- Tips and lesson plans for student motivation and engagement are provided.
- The author’s other works include books, a Bam Radio show, blog posts, and videos related to teaching strategies.
Teacher Tom: We Need More Junkyard Playgrounds in the World https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/we-need-more-junkyard-playgrounds-in.html
### Key Points
- Junkyard playgrounds allow children to play freely, unhindered by tidiness or adult supervision, fostering creativity and exploration.
- A boy's act of breaking a traffic cylinder demonstrated the importance of testing theories and experimenting, even through destruction.
- Unstructured play in junkyard playgrounds mirrors traditional outdoor play, helping urban children develop intelligence and creativity.
- Modern environments often lack spaces for children to engage in destructive experimentation, which is crucial for learning.
- Teacher Tom advocates for creating more junkyard playgrounds to support play-based learning and child development.
glen brown: Trump's Dictatorial Ambition https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/trumps-dictatorial-ambition.html
- The article critiques legacy media's language around Donald Trump, arguing that terms like "testing," "uncharted," and "unprecedented" normalize his authoritarian actions.
- It highlights Trump's disregard for constitutional norms, his attempts to manipulate institutions like the Federal Reserve, and the media's failure to address the severity of his actions.
- The author emphasizes the dangers of soft-pedaling Trump’s behavior, warning that this contributes to public habituation to authoritarianism.
- Political scientist Daniel Ziblatt is quoted, warning that democracies are eroded gradually through concessions and enabling extremism.
- The article calls for clear, blunt language to confront Trump’s dictatorial ambitions and urges citizens, politicians, and independent media to resist normalization.
Back to School Special: Ringing the 3-Alarm Fire Bells – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/02/back-to-school-special-ringing-the-3-alarm-fire-bells/
- The back-to-school season, traditionally a time of optimism, is now marked by urgent challenges in education, symbolized by "3-Alarm Fire Bells."
- Historical suppression of literacy and current curriculum attacks are seen as efforts to control freedom and erase history.
- "Project 2025" represents a regressive vision, while "Project 2027" advocates for equity audits and justice-focused reforms to address disparities rooted in housing patterns.
- The Black community's history of organization and the current generation's heightened awareness ("wokeness") challenge claims of disorganization.
- Local control in education can either democratize or perpetuate inequality, depending on who holds power.
- Attacks on education are seen as a reaction to its success in producing critical, resistant, and change-demanding youth.
- The metaphorical "fire bells" call for action: defending communities, organizing neighbors, and leading with courage to shape a better future.
- Julian Vasquez Heilig is highlighted as a respected scholar and advocate for equity, recognized for his contributions to public policy and civil rights.
- The article emphasizes the importance of staying informed on issues of education, democracy, and justice through platforms like Cloaking Inequity.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Bryant Elementary Lost Its Beloved Librarian https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/bryant-elementary-lost-its-beloved.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Anne Aliverti, Bryant Elementary’s librarian for 15 years, tragically died after being struck by a car, leaving a profound impact on the school community.
- Aliverti was celebrated for her dedication, even working half-time with full-time effort, leading the library to achieve high circulation rates and mentoring other librarians.
- Concerns about nepotism within Seattle Public Schools highlight personnel promotions and job shifts influenced by personal connections.
- Director Geary expressed her views on advanced learning services during a Board meeting, emphasizing the importance of clarity in descriptions within CSIPs.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: First Day of School in SPS is Tomorrow! https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/first-day-of-school-in-sps-is-tomorrow.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools introduces TalkingPoints, a texting system enabling multilingual communication between families, teachers, and staff, breaking language barriers.
- A volunteer tutor shares excitement about engaging with kindergarten students as the school year begins.
- Concerns about nepotism arise within Seattle Public Schools, citing promotions and job transfers based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Director Geary discusses advanced learning services during a Board meeting, emphasizing their significance in CSIPs.
THE DARK WIZARD BEHIND TRUMP’S CURTAIN OF CHAOS: STEPHEN MILLER https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-dark-wizard-behind-trumps-curtain
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller, a key figure in the Trump administration, is portrayed as a malevolent architect of controversial policies, including the "zero tolerance" immigration policy that led to family separations at the border.
- Miller’s ideological leanings, tied to white nationalism, were revealed through leaked emails and his history of working with anti-immigration hate groups. His actions have been widely condemned by civil rights organizations and even his own relatives.
- His loyalty to Trump allowed him to craft and amplify divisive policies such as the Muslim ban and attempts to cancel birthright citizenship, which resonated strongly with Trump’s base.
- Miller’s behavior in the administration has been described as bullying and divisive, with rhetoric echoing fascist ideologies and undermining democratic values.
- Despite criticism, Miller’s strategies of chaos and distraction helped consolidate power and normalize far-right movements in America. His legacy is seen as damaging to democratic principles.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom openly criticized Miller, leading to a heated exchange on social media, highlighting the contentious nature of his influence.
- The article concludes that Miller’s use of power revealed his oppressive and divisive nature, leaving a lasting negative impact on American politics.
The “GREAT” Displacement Trump’s Gaza plan and the architecture of genocide https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/the-great-displacement
- The "GREAT" Displacement plan, endorsed by the U.S., proposes mass relocation of Palestinians from Gaza under the guise of "voluntary" displacement, offering financial incentives like $5,000 cash, rent subsidies, and food support.
- The plan envisions transforming Gaza into a luxury resort dubbed the "Riviera of the Middle East," developed by Israeli strategists and modeled by Boston Consulting Group. Critics argue it amounts to ethnic cleansing and violates international law.
- Human Rights Watch warns that forced displacement in occupied territories constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity, comparing the plan to historical settler-colonial projects.
- The emergence of the GREAT plan signals a troubling normalization of mass population removal as policy, prioritizing privatized reconstruction and economic profiteering over humanitarian efforts.
At City Hall, We Stand for Medicare Later, Unity holds a meeting praising themselves https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/at-city-hall-we-stand-for-medicare
### Key Points
- Criticism of Unity leadership for promoting a new health plan while hiding potential flaws and opposing legislation (Intro 1096) that could protect health care.
- Allegations that Unity misrepresented past contracts and excluded opposition voices (ABC) from health care committees.
- Claims of Unity using fear tactics to push contract approvals and silencing dissenting opinions through employment threats.
- Concerns over transparency, including redacted contracts and misleading claims about benefits like "premium-free" health insurance.
- Advocacy for continued lobbying for legislation (Intro 1096) and support for NYC Retirees group.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-3-25
https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0950532460.html
The article is a compilation of blog posts and news stories addressing various political controversies, education reforms, labor movements, and societal challenges in the U.S. as of 2025. Key topics include Trump-era policies, the influence of oligarchy, labor rights, public health crises, and the role of unions in resisting authoritarianism and promoting democracy.
### Key Points
- President Trump signed an executive order banning unions at multiple federal agencies, citing national security concerns under the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act.
- Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aim to restore Confederate statues and General Robert E. Lee's portrait at West Point, defying previous laws and protests against Confederate symbols.
- RFK Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, was appointed to lead HHS, signaling a shift where politics overrides science, leading to vaccine misinformation and weakened public health infrastructure.
- Trump's administration is marked by unprecedented billionaire appointments, raising concerns about democracy turning into a pay-to-play system.
- Labor Day protests in Chicago reflect workers' opposition to oligarchic policies and demand accountability from the ultra-rich.
- Florida’s Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) allow families to use taxpayer funds for diverse educational expenses, raising concerns about misuse and privatization risks.
- George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans exemplifies resilience amidst systemic racism and education reforms that undermined traditionally Black schools.
- The Seattle School Board race highlights candidates Kathleen Smith and Sarah Clark addressing budget concerns, school closures, and public engagement.
- Labor unions are urged to adopt mass mobilization tactics to counter anti-labor policies and protect workers' rights amidst growing public approval of unions.
- The Union of Southern Service Workers exemplifies a growing labor movement in the South, challenging authoritarianism and promoting multi-ethnic democracy.
- Trump’s policies are critiqued for favoring billionaire donors and eroding democratic principles, with Labor Day protests symbolizing resistance.
- Mitch McConnell's judicial strategies and the adoption of the Unitary Executive Theory are criticized for undermining checks and balances and concentrating executive power.
- Advocacy for public education reform focuses on resisting privatization and addressing poverty’s impact on learning.
- AI-driven charter schools propose eliminating human teachers, raising concerns about accessibility and equity in education.
- Decline in pleasure reading among Americans sparks discussions on literacy and education reforms.
