Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
Richard Rothstein: The Soft Bigotry of High Expectations https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/16/richard-rothstein-the-soft-bigotry-of-high-expectations/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Richard Rothstein critiques the notion that teacher expectations alone drive student achievement, popularized by *Pygmalion in the Classroom*.
- The accountability movement, including No Child Left Behind, sought to improve education by holding teachers responsible for test score disparities, often ignoring socioeconomic factors.
- Rothstein emphasizes the role of residential segregation and systemic inequalities in perpetuating achievement gaps, arguing they are more impactful than teacher expectations.
- Socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, health disparities, and unstable housing significantly hinder students' ability to succeed academically.
- Charter schools and programs like Teach for America have embraced high-expectation theories but failed to close achievement gaps effectively.
- Rothstein advocates for addressing segregation and systemic inequities to create meaningful educational reform.
Two Federal Judges Block Trump Effort to Exclude Undocumented Children from Headstart https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/16/two-federal-judges-block-trump-effort-to-exclude-undocumented-children-from-headstart/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Two federal judges issued injunctions against a Trump administration rule barring undocumented children from Head Start programs.
- The rule categorized Head Start and other services as public benefit programs restricted to U.S. citizens and specific immigrant statuses, expanding exclusion criteria.
- Legal challenges argued the rule violated procedures, contradicted Congressional intent, and caused harm to families, providers, and states.
- The lawsuits were filed by the ACLU, state governments, and parent groups, leading to nationwide suspension of the policy.
Texas: Will Vouchers Kill Rural Schools? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/16/texas-will-vouchers-kill-rural-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Rural schools in Texas are central to their communities, serving as social, cultural, and economic hubs.
- Many rural schools are struggling financially, with deficits and outdated infrastructure.
- Texas lawmakers passed two major education bills: one providing $8.5 billion to public schools and another funding private school tuition through ESAs.
- ESAs may harm rural schools by diverting public funds and subsidizing private education, especially for wealthier families.
- School choice advocates argue ESAs increase competition and productivity, while critics warn of learning loss and funding constraints.
- Rural areas often lack private school options, making vouchers less practical for these communities.
- Rising property values in some rural towns exacerbate funding challenges due to Texas’s recapture policy.
- The ESA program could lead to a gradual decline in public school funding over time, threatening sustainability.
- Rural superintendents face unique challenges, including multitasking and limited resources, which are worsened by funding issues.
- House Bill 2 provides some relief but falls short of addressing the full financial needs of rural schools.
- Critics argue that legislative mandates often fail to consider the practical realities of rural school administration.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS II: TRUMP - THE KING WHO CRIED "FREE SPEECH" https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/no-kings-ii-trump-king-who-cried-free.html
### Key Points
- Seattle's $297 million high school project faced issues due to poor site selection on a peat bog.
- Trump's 2025 presidency allegedly undermines First Amendment rights through executive orders, lawsuits, and censorship.
- Trump's administration targeted free speech, press, religious freedoms, and peaceful assembly, including actions against activists and media outlets.
- The "No Kings" movement mobilizes millions to protest Trump's authoritarian tendencies and defend constitutional freedoms.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: SEPTEMBER 16TH SHOWDOWN BY OUR DISEMBODIED CORRESPONDENT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/todays-great-ai-news-smackdown_16.html
### Key Points
- Seattle's new $297 million high school was built on a peat bog, leading to foundation issues.
- Oklahoma City Public Schools rescinded a Montessori charter contract due to irreconcilable differences.
- Google's "Learn Your Way" initiative aims to make textbooks more accessible using AI.
- AI models, including Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot, competed to summarize the day's news.
- Grok highlighted significant stories like Robert Redford's death and a report on AI ethics.
- ChatGPT 5 focused exclusively on teen safety and AI-related dangers, neglecting broader news topics.
- Copilot emphasized Microsoft's product rollouts, presenting a corporate-centric perspective.
- Gemini focused on AI regulation and industry vulnerabilities, but its coverage felt self-serving.
- Grok was deemed the best performer due to its coverage of human-interest stories and AI ethics.
- Major news events included the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and U.S. political developments.
- India's Supreme Court partially stayed the Waqf (Amendment) Act amid controversy over property rights.
- Israel faced backlash for striking Hamas leaders in Qatar, escalating tensions.
- Beef prices surged in the U.S. due to supply challenges.
- Ukraine experienced a Starlink outage, impacting frontline troops during the ongoing war.
- Domestic developments included ICE raids and open carry laws in Florida.
- Health alerts tracked rabies outbreaks across the U.S.
- Local incidents included a car crash in Ontario and community events in Rosemont.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: SEPTEMBER 15TH SHOWDOWN BY OUR DISEMBODIED CORRESPONDENT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/todays-great-ai-news-smackdown.html
The article provides an overview of a fictional "AI News Smackdown," where four AI models—Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot—are evaluated on their ability to report and analyze major global headlines from September 15, 2025. Each AI model's strengths and weaknesses are highlighted, ranging from sensationalism to detailed analysis, storytelling, and humor. Key global news topics covered include the assassination of Charlie Kirk, geopolitical tensions, economic updates, and lighter stories like Paris Hilton’s mini-fridge recall.
### Key Points
- The "AI News Smackdown" pits four AI models (Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot) against each other to evaluate their news coverage capabilities.
- Major news stories include the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, ongoing political violence, and debates around free speech.
- Gemini focuses on sensationalism, covering political intrigue, international conflicts, and even lighter stories like Paris Hilton mini-fridges catching fire.
- Grok delivers comprehensive reporting but lacks narrative engagement, covering topics like India’s Waqf Act controversy and Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar.
- ChatGPT 5 provides in-depth geopolitical analysis, focusing on themes like humanitarian crises in Gaza and NATO tensions, but is criticized for being overly heavy-handed.
- Copilot offers quick, engaging news with a mix of celebrity activism, economic updates, and environmental issues, including microplastics bans.
- The assassination of Charlie Kirk sparked public outrage, political reactions, and debates about free speech, with some individuals facing repercussions for their reactions.
- Other global stories include Ukraine targeting Russian oil refineries, Nepal appointing its first female prime minister, and NASA’s Mars rover discovering potential signs of ancient life.
- Economic updates include rising beef prices in the U.S., France’s credit rating downgrade, and a potential Federal Reserve rate cut.
- Lighter stories, such as Paris Hilton’s mini-fridge recall and Ford relocating its headquarters, add diversity to the news lineup.
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
The article is a satirical critique of America's gun violence problem and its cultural attachment to firearms. It proposes a capitalist-driven solution to reduce gun circulation, involving taxes, mandatory insurance, and a buyback program incentivizing gun owners to sell firearms back to the government. The approach aims to generate revenue for mental health and school safety programs while discouraging gun ownership through financial consequences. The satirical tone emphasizes the need for systemic change and mocks the ineffectiveness of "thoughts and prayers" in addressing gun violence.
### 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
Trump Admin. Ends Funding for Minority-Serving Colleges and Threatens States’ Financial Aid for Undocumented College Students https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/09/16/trump-admin-ends-funding-for-minority-serving-colleges-and-threatens-states-financial-aid-for-undocumented-college-students/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Trump administration plans to end discretionary grant programs for Minority-Serving Institutions, arguing they are discriminatory and unconstitutional.
- This decision impacts funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, predominantly Black institutions, and others, though Historically Black colleges and tribal colleges are unaffected.
- The administration cites the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action as justification for these cuts.
- Legal challenges have emerged, with opponents arguing that minority-serving designations and quotas violate constitutional protections.
- The cuts have significant financial implications for institutions like California State University, where many campuses depend on these funds.
- The administration also pressures states to end in-state tuition and scholarships for undocumented students, including "dreamers," claiming such aid discriminates against American-born peers.
- Critics argue these measures harm undocumented students, who often rely on limited financial aid and contribute positively to society.
UFT Executive Board, September 15, 2015 I attend so you don't have to. https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/uft-executive-board-september-15
### Key Points
- The author attended the UFT Executive Board meeting as an observer, noting its brevity and lack of meaningful decision-making.
- Unity leadership excludes voices from RTC, prioritizing their own power and shutting out dissenting perspectives.
- Discussions included the impact of a new class size law, overcrowding issues in schools, and efforts to address space constraints.
- The annex built at Francis Lewis High School improved conditions but did not address overcrowding.
- Paraprofessional representation faced challenges, with Unity leadership ignoring voter preferences and firing favored representatives.
- Operational complaints about space usage and administrative practices were discussed, with suggestions for improvement.
- Updates on grievances, bonuses, and programming inefficiencies were shared, highlighting ongoing struggles with DOE compliance.
- Reports from districts covered professional development workshops, legislative canvassing, and school projects.
Trump’s Higher Ed Shell Game: Robbing Peter to Pay Paul, Then Robbing Peter to Pay Peter – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/16/trumps-higher-ed-shell-game-robbing-peter-to-pay-paul-then-robbing-peter-to-pay-peter/
### Key Points
- The Trump administration announced $500 million in redirected funding for HBCUs and tribal colleges, but this is framed as political marketing rather than genuine investment.
- The funding comes amidst a proposed 15% Department of Education budget cut, amounting to $12 billion, making the $500 million contribution negligible.
- Minority Serving Institution (MSI) programs, which already funded HBCUs and tribal colleges, were eliminated, and part of that money was recycled back in smaller amounts.
- The administration justified cutting MSI programs by labeling them discriminatory, but these grants are designed to support underrepresented and low-income students.
- The loss of MSI funds will harm institutions that rely on them for tutoring programs, curriculum redesigns, and student support, particularly affecting first-generation and low-income students.
- Advocates argue that cutting MSI programs destabilizes colleges in 29 states and undermines equity in higher education.
- Critics highlight that the move is politically motivated, lacks legal grounding, and will result in diminished opportunities for students and faculty.
Teacher Tom: A Just Relationship With Money https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/a-just-relationship-with-money.html
### Key Points
- A child creates a bug store using wooden blocks and models, learning the concept of commerce and currency through imaginative play.
- The child adapts her store's currency system using cookie cutters and later clothespins, showcasing innovation and problem-solving.
- A conflict arises when a boy hoards the cookie cutters, leading to a group effort to resolve the situation, emphasizing fairness and collaboration.
- The article ties the experience to broader themes, such as the importance of moderation and generosity in relationships with money.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes supporting children in solving their own problems rather than intervening directly, fostering independence and social skills.
Schools Matter: Professor from APSU Fired for Re-Sharing Social Media Post http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/09/professor-from-apsu-fired-for-re.html
- A professor from Austin Peay State University (APSU), Darren Michael, was fired for re-sharing a social media post, raising concerns about academic freedom and due process.
- James Horn, an APSU alumnus, criticized the university administration for abandoning its tradition of supporting free expression and lawful debate, which he believes are crucial to democracy.
- Horn expressed disappointment over the firing, calling it unjust and politically motivated, and hopes the professor seeks legal redress.
- The incident reflects broader concerns about political pressures and their impact on academic institutions.
glen brown: Martial Law https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/martial-law.html
### Key Points
- Martial law is not explicitly mentioned in the U.S. Constitution but is tied to extreme circumstances like invasion or insurrection.
- Historical Supreme Court rulings have set limitations on martial law and executive power, with exceptions like Korematsu v. United States.
- Trump’s declaration of a national emergency over immigration may be a pretext for expanding ICE and imposing martial law.
- The gradual erosion of democratic institutions under Trump is described as "slow-motion authoritarianism."
- Martial law could be triggered by resistance to ICE raids or political violence targeting conservatives.
- Resistance to martial law is possible through widespread grassroots activism and mass movements.
- Democratic leadership and grassroots movements are critical to preventing the descent into fascism.
Parents of children with health conditions less confident about a positive school year - Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Parents of children with health conditions are less confident about their ability to help their child have a positive school year and report higher levels of nervousness in their children.
- Health conditions in children may require classroom modifications, emergency plans, and collaboration between families, schools, and healthcare providers for support.
- Parents are encouraged to establish communication early with school staff and healthcare providers to create plans like IEPs or 504 Accommodation Plans for their child’s academic and social needs.
- Schools should provide mental health support programs, especially for children with medical or behavioral conditions, as parents express strong interest in such resources.
- Participation in non-athletic extracurriculars during high school predicts higher levels of altruism later in life, while sports rank lower in fostering altruistic behavior.
- Childhood traumatic events and transgender identity are strongly associated with suicidal thoughts among university students, with emotional abuse and mental disorders being significant risk factors.
- State school finance reforms have reduced income-based funding gaps but increased racial and ethnic inequities in some cases, highlighting the need for federal-level solutions.
- A new free screening tool helps kindergarten teachers identify students needing academic or social-emotional support early, promoting proactive intervention.
NYC Public School Parents: Please fill out and share our new class size survey! Thousands more NYC children are in smaller classes this year - are your children among them? https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/09/welcome-to-new-school-year-please-fill.html
The article discusses the implementation and challenges of the New York City class size reduction law, passed in June 2022, requiring smaller class sizes in public schools over a five-year phase-in period. It highlights benchmarks, enforcement mechanisms, funding concerns, teacher shortages, and the need for additional school construction and policy adjustments to meet the law's requirements.
### Key Points
- The NY State Legislature passed a law in June 2022 mandating NYC schools to phase in smaller class sizes over five years, starting in fall 2023, with specific benchmarks for K-12 grades.
- The law prioritizes schools with high poverty levels and includes accountability measures tied to funding to ensure compliance.
- Challenges include overcrowded schools, insufficient space, and a shortage of quality teachers, exacerbated by prior reductions in the teaching workforce.
- DOE has been slow to act, cutting school funding and construction instead of addressing space and enrollment issues. 75,000 new seats are needed, but current plans fall short.
- Advocacy groups have proposed actionable solutions, but DOE has yet to adopt them. Efforts to push for compliance include petitions, resolutions, and community engagement.
- Resources like surveys, newsletters, and campaigns are available for parents and educators to participate in the initiative.
CURMUDGUCATION: The School Choice Movement Is Dead https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-school-choice-movement-is-dead.html
### Key Points
- The school choice movement is described as "dead," overtaken by ideological culture wars aimed at controlling schools.
- Advocates like Chris Rufo and Ryan Walters push for schools aligned with white Christian nationalist values rather than diverse educational options.
- Former supporters of school choice express concerns about the ideological shift, emphasizing the need for accountability and quality education.
- The term "school choice" has been co-opted to mean schools promoting a particular ideology, undermining its original intent.
- Critics highlight the imposition of state-approved religions and exclusion of certain viewpoints in schools under the guise of choice.
TRUMP’S FIRST AMENDMENT CIRCUS THE FREE SPEECH RINGMASTER WHO ONLY LIKES HIS OWN ECHO https://ru4people.substack.com/p/trumps-first-amendment-circus
Google’s New “Learn Your Way” Could Be Very Useful In Making Boring Textbooks More Accessible. - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Near Nothing Can Make Me Angrier Than What Happens to Capital Dollars. https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/nothing-can-make-me-angry-than-what.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle high school students protested against splitting one lunch period into two, prompting the district to postpone the rollout temporarily. Superintendent Podesta acknowledged poor communication but plans to proceed with the change after further study.
- Concerns were raised about how the new lunch schedule impacts school clubs and students with disabilities, as well as racial and economic equity in decision-making.
- Cascadia Elementary lost its chance to receive the prestigious Blue Ribbon award after the federal Department of Education canceled the program. The school plans local celebrations instead.
- Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove’s decision to halt logging on certain state lands will impact school funding, especially in rural areas, and has sparked debate about alternative revenue strategies.
- The article touches on nepotism within Seattle Schools, highlighting personnel promotions based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Former Board Director Zachary Pullin has taken a new role at the Department of Neighborhoods but omitted his elected official experience from his resume.
### Summary
The article is a compilation of various blog posts, news stories, and analyses from September 2025, covering topics such as political violence, education challenges, AI technology, systemic inequalities, and societal controversies. It explores the intersection of technology, policy, advocacy, and societal trends shaping public education and broader global issues.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch warns about authoritarian tendencies in the Trump administration, including targeting liberal groups as "domestic terrorists" and eroding civil liberties.
- The Trump administration removed exhibits on slavery from federal sites, raising concerns about censorship and historical erasure.
- The assassination of Charlie Kirk sparked debates about political violence, free speech, and his controversial legacy.
- Thom Hartmann critiques the "both sides" rhetoric, emphasizing the GOP's role in fueling political extremism and violence.
- Jamelle Bouie reflects on Charlie Kirk’s divisive legacy, highlighting his promotion of white nationalism and authoritarian rhetoric.
- Efforts to punish critics of Charlie Kirk’s death include harassment and suppression of dissent, raising free speech concerns.
- The "AI News Smackdown" evaluated AI models' reporting capabilities, covering topics like political violence, economic updates, and lighter stories.
- A satirical article proposes financial penalties and buyback programs to address gun violence and reduce firearm circulation.
- Declining NAEP scores reveal systemic issues in U.S. education, including drops in math, science, and reading proficiency.
- Trump’s Phase II political strategy involves targeting Democrat-led cities, defunding critical institutions, and escalating divisive rhetoric.
- The House GOP advanced a federal budget cutting $12 billion from public school funding, including Title I programs for low-income students.
- NYC DOE’s Class Size Reduction Plan fails to meet legal requirements, prompting advocacy for genuine multi-year strategies.
- Ohio charter schools show extremely low military enlistment rates compared to public schools, challenging narratives about patriotism.
- AI technologies in education face criticism for biases, equity gaps, and failure to promote democratic values.
- Teacher turnover correlates with increased student suspensions, disproportionately affecting underrepresented groups.
- Advocacy movements like Black Lives Matter at School and Sandy Hook Promise promote equity and school safety.
- Political violence and divisive rhetoric call for improved discourse, regulation of online platforms, and tighter gun laws.
- Dr. Caroline Turner’s legacy highlights sacrifices for diversity and equity in higher education, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming time.
- Provosts face structural isolation and emotional labor, requiring institutional support for impactful leadership.
- AI integration in education sparks debates on its limitations and potential to democratize learning environments.
