Big Education Ape: A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A TRIGGER-HAPPY NATION: AN UPDATE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-modest-proposal-for-trigger-happy.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques America's gun violence and cultural attachment to firearms, proposing a satirical solution.
- A tiered tax system and mandatory insurance for gun ownership are suggested to generate revenue for safety programs.
- A voluntary buyback program offers financial incentives to reduce gun circulation, aiming to decrease accidental deaths and shootings.
- The proposal emphasizes making gun ownership a choice with financial consequences, rather than disarming citizens.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: WHO NAILED THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-who-nailed.html
### Summary
The article discusses various news stories and trends from September 5–12, 2025, covering topics in U.S. education, politics, and world affairs. It highlights the differing priorities and reporting styles of AI models (Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT, and Copilot) in summarizing key events, ranging from declining education scores to political violence, international tensions, and humanitarian crises.
### Key Points
- AI models agreed on major stories such as declining NAEP scores, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and Israel's airstrike in Qatar.
- Declining NAEP scores revealed ongoing issues in U.S. education, with drops in math, science, and reading proficiency among students.
- President Trump signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense to the "Department of War," sparking debates over symbolism and policy implications.
- The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk fueled discussions on rising political violence in the U.S.
- Health Secretary RFK Jr. faced backlash in Congress over vaccine policy changes, including reduced funding and CDC leadership shifts.
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years for a coup plot, a story uniquely reported by Gemini.
- Nepal's government was overthrown by youth-led protests, organized through social media platforms.
- South Africa reopened the investigation into anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko’s death.
- Prince Harry visited Ukraine to show solidarity with wounded service members.
- The Taliban barred women aid workers, severely impacting humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan.
- Epstein files were released, prompting bipartisan calls for transparency.
- ICE raids in Chicago raised concerns over federal overreach and immigration policies.
- Rising school supply costs created financial strain for teachers who often pay out-of-pocket for classroom materials.
- The Trump administration’s education policies emphasized decentralization and alternative schooling methods like homeschooling and vouchers.
- The UN condemned Israel’s airstrikes in Gaza and Qatar, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
- Russia violated Polish airspace with drones, raising fears of regional spillover from the Ukraine conflict.
- Sudan’s prolonged conflict worsened the humanitarian crisis for children.
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES Saturday, September 13, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/lets-check-this-weeks-top-news-and_01366678205.html
### Key Points
- AI's growing role and influence in education are explored through debates and insights, including teacher concerns about bots in classrooms.
- Public education faces challenges from privatization, charter school scandals, and billionaire-driven agendas.
- Advocacy efforts like Black Lives Matter at School and Sandy Hook Promise address social justice and school safety issues.
- Diane Ravitch and organizations like the Badass Teacher Association promote defending public education against systemic issues.
Big Education Ape: ESCALATORS, EULOGIES, AND ECHO CHAMBERS: THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND THE RHETORIC THAT FUELS IT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/escalators-eulogies-and-echo-chambers.html
Big Education Ape's article discusses the escalation of political violence in the U.S., fueled by divisive rhetoric, particularly from figures like Donald Trump. The assassination of Charlie Kirk is highlighted as a grim example of how inflammatory language can inspire lone actors to commit violent acts. The piece examines Trump's history of incendiary rhetoric, the concept of "stochastic terrorism," and the broader societal impact, including the rise in hate crimes and extremist behavior. It calls for collective action to break the cycle of violence through improved discourse, regulation of online platforms, and tighter gun laws.
### Key Points
- Political violence in the U.S. is rising, with divisive rhetoric as a significant driver, as seen in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
- Donald Trump's rhetoric has grown increasingly violent, fostering a climate of hostility and enabling acts of "stochastic terrorism."
- Hate crimes have doubled since 2015, with Trump's language amplifying online hate speech and radicalizing individuals.
- The Capitol insurrection and Proud Boys' violent actions illustrate the real-world consequences of Trump's rhetoric.
- Both political sides contribute to the problem, but Trump's selective condemnation deepens divisions.
- Solutions include regulating online platforms, addressing mental health, tightening gun laws, and fostering healthy political debate.
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Fresh Apple Edition (9/14) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/icymi-fresh-apple-edition-914.html
### Key Points
- The author reflects on family life, limiting children's screen time, and the dangers of online radicalization.
- A study highlights how vouchers are reshaping private school education by increasing tuition and benefiting families already in private schools.
- Reports reveal high-paid charter school superintendents in Texas despite low-performing districts.
- Ohio expands Dolly Parton's Imagination Library signups to hospitals at birth.
- The school shooting industry is profiting significantly from fear-driven safety measures.
- Analysis shows Ohio charter schools are less efficient than public schools.
- A Portland Catholic school faces backlash for expelling a student due to LGBTQ+ parental status.
- Rick Hess critiques hypocrisy in education debates.
- Oklahoma's education leader, Ryan Walters, criticized for poor attendance and job performance.
- Thomas Ultican reviews "The AI Con," a book on artificial intelligence misconceptions.
- Denny Taylor explores conservative influence on public school reading instruction.
- Larry Cuban discusses the obsession with improving standardized test scores and corporate earnings.
- Federal and state public school financing faces fragility and budget cuts.
- NPR examines the growing "school shooting industry."
- Various other educational, social, and political topics are briefly mentioned or linked.
CURMUDGUCATION: The Reading Footprint of the Big Standardized Test https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-reading-footprint-of-big.html
### Key Points
- Peter Greene opposes Mike Petrilli's claim that standardized testing has a minimal impact on high school reading education.
- Greene explains how No Child Left Behind and its unattainable goals led to high-stakes consequences for schools, influencing classroom decisions.
- Schools shifted their focus to test-aligned instruction, replacing full-length books with short excerpts and test prep materials.
- At-risk students, who most needed exposure to comprehensive reading, were disproportionately affected by this shift.
- The standardized test format undermined reading competence and enjoyment, discouraging deep engagement with texts.
- Greene argues that abolishing standardized tests would be the quickest way to reform public education.
The Best “Funds Of Knowledge” Surveys Available Online Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog provides educational resources, critiques, and teaching strategies since 2007, including posts on activating student prior knowledge and educational policy issues.
- Features regular updates on ESL/EFL/ELL resources and a free monthly email newsletter with curated content.
- Highlights republished posts from 2025, teaching resources on historical and global events, and strategies for teaching ELL newcomers.
- Offers books and practical guides with research-based strategies for various subjects, including Social Studies, English, Math, and Science.
- Includes resources for motivating students, engaging parents, and improving classroom management and student engagement.
- Shares additional contributions like blog posts, radio shows, videos, and articles for platforms like Education Week and the New York Times Learning Network.
Tenure of Republican Professors at GLSU Should be Taken Away Immediately – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/14/tenure-of-republican-professors-at-glsu-should-be-taken-away-immediately/
### Key Points
- The article criticizes two tenured professors at Great Lakes State University (GLSU) for their social media comments supporting Charlie Kirk, calling for their tenure to be revoked.
- GLSU President Harold Wexler placed the professors on administrative leave and initiated a review process, citing concerns about political neutrality and the lack of a social media policy.
- Wexler emphasized the need for "professional neutrality" in higher education, stating that academic freedom does not include endorsing partisan views, particularly conservative ones.
- The university is considering establishing an Office of Political Neutrality and Online Conduct to monitor faculty social media activity.
- A similar incident at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is used as a parallel, where two professors were placed on leave for troubling social media posts, with the university also lacking a social media policy.
- The author concludes by highlighting the tension between free speech, academic freedom, and institutional values, arguing that these rights should apply universally, even when views are uncomfortable or offensive.
- The article's author, Julian Vasquez Heilig, is a prominent education scholar and public intellectual advocating for equity and democracy.
Blogoversary #19 — Time to Move on | Live Long and Prosper https://sbloom2.wordpress.com/2025/09/14/blogoversary-19-time-to-move-on/
### Key Points
- The blog's author is retiring their WordPress blog after 19 years and moving to Substack for occasional writing.
- The author is a retired public school teacher from Indiana with 35 years of experience.
- The blog had 52,479 hits and 34 email subscribers, showcasing its modest audience.
- The blog featured various topics, including education, historical figures, and cultural commentary.
- Readers can follow the author’s new writing on Substack at bloom2.substack.com.
Stu | Substack https://substack.com/@bloom2
- The article covers various posts and restacks from Stu, a retired elementary teacher, including commentary on controversial topics such as euthanasia for homeless people and political criticism.
- Brian Kilmeade is mentioned for endorsing "involuntary lethal injection" for homeless individuals, sparking significant backlash.
- Andy Borowitz proposes a satirical deal regarding Nazi comparisons and Trump administration actions, highlighting political tensions.
- Michael Fanone issues a statement following the death of Charlie Kirk, expressing strong disdain for his political influence.
- Discussions around Trump, the Epstein files, and political accountability are featured in the posts.
A Decade of Accountabaloney – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/a-decade-of-accountabaloney/
This article celebrates the 10th anniversary of "Accountabaloney," a platform started by two Florida mothers in 2015 to critique harmful education policies and advocate for public schools. Over the past decade, the initiative has published 455 blog posts, engaged with families and educators, and highlighted the flaws in Florida's accountability system. The founders emphasize the ongoing need to protect public education from policies that undermine it, such as tax-funded vouchers and privatization efforts.
### Key Points
- "Accountabaloney" marks its 10th anniversary, reflecting on its journey from critiquing Florida's accountability system to becoming a voice for public education.
- The platform has published 455 blog posts, including one featured in The Washington Post, and actively engaged with families, educators, and advocates.
- The founders highlight the continued fight for fully funded public education, opposing policies like tax-funded vouchers and privatization.
- Suzette Lopez, one of the co-founders, stepped away in 2021 but remains connected to the cause.
- Recent discussions on the blog include critiques of Florida's education policies, such as attacks on AP and IB programs, and the fiscal impact of vouchers.
glen brown: Divisive America https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/divisive-america.html
- The article discusses the divisive political climate in America, highlighting the murder of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, and the subsequent blame placed on the Left by MAGA leaders and media outlets.
- Analysis of the FBI under Trump’s administration reveals politicization, staff purges, and inefficiency in addressing the Kirk case.
- Tyler Robinson, eventually identified as the shooter, was not politically affiliated but admired extremist groups critical of Kirk. Misinterpretations of evidence initially fueled false narratives.
- Trump’s shifting focus and lack of substantive response to Kirk’s murder are noted, alongside his comments on unrelated topics like White House renovations.
- The article touches on international tensions, including Russia's drone incursions into Poland and NATO’s response, contrasting Trump’s dismissive stance.
- Trump’s administration is criticized for unauthorized military actions, such as striking a civilian boat under dubious claims of drug trafficking.
- Domestic deployment of the National Guard to Memphis, despite low crime rates, raises concerns about anti-democratic tendencies.
- Jair Bolsonaro, Trump’s ally, is sentenced for attempting a coup in Brazil, showcasing global implications of authoritarianism.
The King of Cancel Culture, Patronage, and Nepotism He now demands your cooperation, but will not extend it to granting you a vote. https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/the-king-of-cancel-culture-patronage
- The article criticizes Michael Mulgrew, a leader in the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), for alleged authoritarian practices, including firing employees who opposed him or were associated with dissenters.
- It highlights issues of patronage and nepotism within the UFT, with hand-picked officers and jobs being distributed to allies and family members, undermining democracy.
- The author questions the legitimacy and transparency of the proposed health plan, citing past instances of misleading claims and lack of member input in decision-making.
- The article discusses the marginalization of elected representatives like Migda Rodriguez, who, despite receiving significant voter support, was denied meaningful roles or fair treatment.
- The author calls for a new approach to leadership in the UFT, emphasizing the need to prevent Unity from suppressing dissent and controlling retiree voices.
Should An Essay Contest Winner Who Used A.I. Return the $1,000 Award She Won? ( Kwame Anthony Appiah) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/09/14/should-an-essay-contest-winner-who-used-a-i-return-the-1000-award-she-won-kwame-anthony-appiah/ via @CubanLarry
- Kwame Anthony Appiah discusses ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of AI in essay contests, focusing on a case where a student likely used AI to win a $1,000 scholarship.
- The rise of AI tools like chatbots and Copilot is reshaping traditional essay writing and assessment methods, raising concerns about learning and authenticity.
- Appiah suggests that unless AI use was explicitly prohibited, the student may not have thought their actions were unethical.
- He recommends informing the teacher liaison about AI use but advises against confronting the winner for a confession.
- Appiah proposes rethinking the contest format to ensure students demonstrate genuine understanding, such as through supervised writing or oral presentations.
Democracy on the Line https://www.changethelausd.com/democracy_on_the_line
### Key Points
- Donald Trump’s GOP undermines democratic principles through gerrymandering and power grabs, eroding fair representation.
- The debate over whether the U.S. is a democracy or a republic highlights misconceptions about these concepts, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes in a republic.
- Historical inequalities in representation, such as slavery, gender, and age restrictions, demonstrate the challenges of achieving “one person, one vote.”
- The Senate’s structure and gerrymandering distort equal representation, with independent commissions like California’s aiming to create fairer districts.
- Republican-led states like Texas manipulate redistricting to dilute minority representation and secure political advantages for Trump, contrasting California’s efforts to maintain fairness.
- Progressive ideals clash with the need for Democrats to adopt aggressive tactics to counter Republican strategies, raising concerns about the future of democracy under Trump’s influence.
- Trump’s authoritarian actions, such as suppressing protests and violating rights, threaten foundational democratic freedoms.
THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN WHO NAILED THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES? https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-great-ai-news-smackdown
### Key Points
- AI models agreed on major headlines like declining NAEP scores, Charlie Kirk's assassination, and Israel's airstrike in Qatar.
- Grok and Copilot reported President Trump renaming the Department of Defense to "Department of War," while ChatGPT 5 mentioned similar events.
- Grok and Copilot highlighted RFK Jr.’s vaccine policy controversies during congressional hearings.
- Unique stories included Bolsonaro's sentencing (Gemini), Nepal's government overthrow (Gemini), South Africa reopening Steve Biko’s investigation (Grok), and Prince Harry's Ukraine visit (Grok).
- Copilot uniquely reported on the Taliban barring women aid workers in Afghanistan.
- Grok and Copilot covered the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, while Copilot mentioned ICE raids in Chicago.
- Gemini reported on Trump blocking Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood, a story not covered by others.
- Copilot mentioned a lawsuit by teachers' unions against immigration policies, while Grok reported on congressional hearings on antisemitism in schools.
- AI models varied in focus: Grok emphasized political hearings and statistics, Gemini offered broader international coverage, and ChatGPT 5 focused on policy trends.
- The most consistently reported stories across models were NAEP scores and Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
- Each AI model had biases and distinct data sets, requiring users to cross-reference for a full picture.
Are we alone? | GFBrandenburg's Blog https://gfbrandenburg.wordpress.com/2025/09/14/are-we-alone/
alone in the universe?" Zellem explored the possibility of life and advanced civilizations on exoplanets, emphasizing the limitations of current data and detection methods. He highlighted the vast number of planets in the galaxy, the challenges posed by binary systems, and the difficulty of detecting life due to the sheer distances involved and biases in current observational techniques. Amateur astronomers can contribute to exoplanet research through NASA’s Planet Watch program. The article also touches on claims of alien visits, emphasizing the lack of credible evidence and the need for scientific rigor.
### Key Points
- Dr. Rob Zellem discussed the possibility of life on exoplanets, stating the answer is "maybe" due to insufficient data.
- The Milky Way contains billions of stars, many with planets, but only a fraction may host life due to specific conditions required for habitability.
- Estimates suggest there could be between 5,000 and 100,000 civilizations in the galaxy, but detecting them is difficult due to distance and observational biases.
- Amateur astronomers can contribute to exoplanet research by measuring transits and submitting data to NASA.
- Claims of alien visits lack credible evidence, and reputable scientists require more than hearsay to make bold claims.
- The article emphasizes the challenges of space travel and the limited scope of detecting exoplanets via current methods.
Here's Friday's show with Indivisible Chicago The No Kings march on October 18th could be the biggest ever. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/heres-fridays-show-with-indivisible
- Kathy Tholin and Laura Tanner, leaders of Indivisible Chicago and Indivisible Evanston respectively, are prominent voices in grassroots resistance advocating for immigrant rights and progressive coalitions.
- Indivisible Chicago Alliance collaborates with organizations like LVEJO, Chicago Women Take Action, The People’s Lobby, United Working Families, Chicago Votes, SOUL, and Access Living to amplify community power and address issues such as environmental justice, gender equity, economic reform, and disability rights.
- The upcoming "No Kings" protest on October 18th is anticipated to be one of the largest in U.S. history, amidst concerns about potential Trump administration responses like deploying troops to blue cities.
- The article highlights the radio show "Hitting Left," which features discussions on political activism and social justice, supported by listener subscriptions.
Another "Donors Choose" project for my students https://www.dailykos.com/story/2025/9/14/2343572/-Another-Donors-Choose-project-for-my-students?pm_campaign=blog&pm_medium=rss&pm_source=teacherken
- A teacher at a small public magnet middle school seeks support for a "Donors Choose" project to provide books for students, aiming to foster lifelong reading habits and expand their knowledge of global cultures.
- Daily Kos emphasizes its unique role in delivering progressive news, advocating for action, and fostering community discussions, while encouraging donations for its survival.
- The article mentions the death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, during an event, leading to a contentious moment in the House chamber.
- Various trending stories on Daily Kos include topics like Ukraine's strike near St. Petersburg, political endorsements, and controversial actions involving Trump and his administration.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Education News Roundup https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/education-news-roundup.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- A controversial website, Charliesmurderers.com, tracks political extremism and may target public employees.
- Free speaker series on dyslexia and learning differences announced by the Blosser Center.
- Petition against high school scheduling changes gains traction.
- Community meetings planned for Superintendent Search and Highly Capable Services.
- Federal funding for deafblind education projects cut due to DEI issues, impacting students and families.
- Trump administration announces new guidance on prayer in public schools, sparking debate.
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Schools administration and personnel shifts.
What’s Missing from the MAHA Report? Real Health Care Solutions for Children https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/whats-missing-from-the-maha-report
### Key Points
- The MAHA strategy lacks actionable solutions and relies on vague language such as "explore" and "prioritize," undermining trust in public health institutions.
- The MAHA report fails to address proven programs like Medicaid, CHIP, vaccines, and maternal and child health infrastructure.
- Advocates proposed a 14-point blueprint emphasizing Medicaid, CHIP, mental health care, racial equity, and reducing child poverty.
- The MAHA plan proposes over $900 billion in cuts to Medicaid and CHIP, jeopardizing health coverage for millions of children.
- The report promotes distrust in science and public health institutions, encouraging parents to rely on personal judgment rather than evidence-based systems.
- Gun violence, the leading cause of death for children, is completely ignored in the MAHA strategy despite its public health urgency.
- The MAHA report undermines environmental protections, including EPA standards on pollutants and pesticides, contradicting its stated goals.
- Nutrition reform in the MAHA report focuses on individual choice and moral judgment, while cutting programs like SNAP and WIC that support low-income families.
- The strategy aligns with anti-vaccine rhetoric, contributing to declining immunization rates and the resurgence of preventable diseases.
- The MAHA plan emphasizes dietary supplements and alternative treatments over evidence-based pediatric care.
- Advocates call for strengthening public health systems, defending vaccines, and addressing disparities in child health outcomes.
The article compiles various blog posts, news stories, and discussions from September 2025, focusing on education, political violence, AI integration, systemic inequalities, and societal challenges. It explores the intersection of technology, policy, and advocacy in shaping public education and broader societal trends, while highlighting controversies, reforms, and the implications of political rhetoric.
### Key Points
- AI models reported on major events like declining NAEP scores, political violence, and international crises, showcasing their differing reporting styles.
- Declining NAEP scores revealed worsening student proficiency in math, science, and reading, reflecting systemic issues in U.S. education.
- President Trump renamed the Department of Defense to the "Department of War," sparking debates over symbolism and policy.
- The assassination of Charlie Kirk highlighted rising political violence, fueled by divisive rhetoric and stochastic terrorism.
- Health Secretary RFK Jr. faced backlash over vaccine policy changes, including reduced funding and leadership shifts in the CDC.
- Youth-led protests in Nepal overthrew the government, emphasizing the role of social media in organizing activism.
- Prince Harry visited Ukraine to support wounded service members, while the Taliban’s ban on women aid workers worsened Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
- ICE raids in Chicago raised concerns about federal overreach and immigration policies.
- Public education faces challenges from privatization, charter school scandals, and billionaire-driven agendas.
- Advocacy movements like Black Lives Matter at School and Sandy Hook Promise address social justice and school safety.
- AI Smackdown IV tested AI models in education, revealing their strengths in grading and answering questions, but no single model excelled universally.
- AI-generated parodies of Bob Dylan’s song critiqued Trump’s denial tactics humorously.
- Florida’s ESA program, managed by Step Up for Students, faced accusations of price gouging and lack of transparency.
- Right-wing extremism accounts for 76% of extremist-related killings in the U.S. since 2014, with media bias often minimizing its impact.
- Seattle Public Schools’ abrupt shift to split high school lunch periods sparked protests due to lack of transparency and community input.
- Teacher turnover correlates with increased student suspensions, disproportionately affecting underrepresented groups.
- State school finance reforms reduced income-based funding gaps but widened racial disparities, necessitating federal interventions.
- Participation in nonathletic clubs and volunteering during high school is linked to higher altruism later in life.
- Advocacy for public education emphasizes equity, transparency, and resistance to privatization efforts.
- The rise of political violence and divisive rhetoric calls for improved discourse, online platform regulation, and tighter gun laws.
- AI technologies in classrooms spark debates over biases, equity gaps, and academic dishonesty.
- Systemic issues like poverty, healthcare access, and underfunding are overlooked in education policy discussions.
