Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
The False Promise of Digital "Learning" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/30/the-false-promise-of-digital-learning/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Velislava Hillman warns about the unchecked influence of commercial technology in classrooms, which reshapes learning without sufficient public debate.
- Digital tools often reduce education to gamified clicks and data collection, undermining deeper learning and classroom relationships.
- The marketing logic behind ed tech mirrors tactics used by big tobacco to delay regulation and shift responsibility onto individuals.
- App-based education risks widening inequality by offering mass instruction for most while reserving human tutoring for the elite.
- Evidence for the effectiveness of ed tech is limited, with no clear benefits for disadvantaged students despite significant time investment.
- Teachers feel excluded from curriculum decisions and report that ed tech reduces professional autonomy without easing workloads.
- Ed tech companies should face enforceable obligations like audits and oversight to ensure their tools genuinely support learning.
- The article questions the default assumption of a digital future for children and urges parents and educators to hold tech companies accountable.
Peter Greene: The Queen of Charter Schools in Florida https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/30/peter-greene-the-queen-of-charter-schools-in-florida/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Erika Donalds has been a key advocate for school choice in Florida, founding multiple organizations and influencing policies that undermine public education.
- As CEO of Optima Ed, Erika Donalds has financially benefited from taxpayer-funded charter school operations, including partnerships with influential groups like Step Up For Students.
- Ethical concerns arise from undisclosed income and financial ties between Optima-linked charter schools and businesses owned by figures like State Rep. John Snyder.
- Criticism of Florida's education privatization includes allegations of fraud, waste, and favoritism towards special interests, with charter schools becoming a lucrative industry.
Leonie Haimson: Mamdani vs. Cuomo vs. Sliwa for Mayor of New York City https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/30/leonie-haimson-mamdani-vs-cuomo-vs-sliwa-for-mayor-of-new-york-city/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- NYC mayoral race now features three major candidates after Eric Adams dropped out. Mamdani is a progressive candidate advocating for public school reforms and opposing charter school expansion.
- Andrew Cuomo, backed by NYC plutocrats, supports mayoral control, charter school expansion, and selective programs but resists lowering class sizes unless state funding is provided.
- Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, shares similar education policies to Cuomo, including mayoral control and charter school expansion.
- Mamdani's proposals differ significantly, focusing on public school accountability, smaller class sizes, and limiting charter school growth.
- Cuomo emphasized the importance of mayoral control and proposed consulting PLACE leaders for selecting a new Chancellor.
Big Education Ape: ZOHRAN MAMDANI AND THE GROCERY STORE REVOLUTION: A TALE OF FREE BUSES, RENT FREEZES, AND KALE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/zohran-mamdani-and-grocery-store.html
### Key Points
- Zohran Mamdani proposes free buses, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores to address NYC's urban challenges.
- City-run grocery stores aim to solve food insecurity in underserved neighborhoods, addressing market failures ignored by corporate chains.
- Cooperative grocery models, including consumer, worker, and purchasing co-ops, offer a template for community-focused solutions.
- Co-ops prioritize local sourcing, democratic governance, and reinvesting profits into communities, contrasting with corporate grocery chains.
- Successful co-ops like Mandela Grocery Cooperative and Seward Community Co-op demonstrate scalability and community impact.
- Challenges for co-ops include capital constraints, higher prices, and scaling difficulties, but these can be mitigated through subsidies and streamlined processes.
- Mamdani's proposals aim to make capitalism work for everyone, countering criticism that they are radical or anti-capitalist.
Big Education Ape: THE AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: THE GREAT HALLUCINATION DERBY – SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-ai-news-smackdown-great.html
The article covers various topics across politics, education, national affairs, and world affairs, highlighting major news stories and analyzing AI-generated reporting from models like Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 4, and Copilot. It discusses government shutdown threats, Trump's Gaza peace plan, AI in schools, and global issues like Greenland's apology for forced contraception practices. The piece also humorously critiques the performance of each AI model in delivering news.
### Key Points
- Muscogee National Council Secretary Alicia Stroble filed an appeal to SCOTUS concerning tax cases with potential implications for Indian Country.
- California's Department of Education announced USDA Foods election changes for the 2026–27 school year.
- Byron Donalds runs for Florida governor while his wife profits in the charter school sector.
- College students dislike blue books, but universities rely on them to combat AI cheating.
- AI models competed in news reporting, covering topics like government shutdowns, Gaza peace plans, and education reforms.
- Grok critiqued Vice President JD Vance's blame game over the government shutdown.
- Trump’s Gaza peace plan received mixed reporting, with Gemini providing detailed analysis.
- Copilot highlighted California's initiative to integrate AI in schools.
- ChatGPT 4 reported on Morocco protests and Greenland’s apology for human rights violations.
- National Guard deployment to Portland sparked lawsuits and controversy.
- Copilot covered Trump’s fascination with "medbeds," a fringe conspiracy theory.
- Greenland apologized for forced contraception practices, marking progress in human rights.
- Andrzej Bargiel skied down Mount Everest, raising awareness about climate issues.
- Gemini and Grok reported on Venezuela tensions and Nord Stream arrests.
- Trump signed a memorandum targeting "domestic terrorism," criticized by civil rights groups.
- U.S. News released its 2026 college rankings amid higher education challenges.
- Federal funding threats and mental health grants were discussed in education policies.
- Trump proposed a Gaza peace plan with transitional governing bodies and aid measures.
- The UN General Assembly focused on global crises during its 80th session.
- National Guard deployment in Democratic-led cities raised constitutional concerns.
- AI models were humorously ranked based on their reporting accuracy and entertainment value.
Big Education Ape: DEMOCRACY: RIDE OR DIE - A BOOK BY RETIRED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE ANTHONY KENNEDY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/democracy-ride-or-die-book-by-retired.html
Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s book 'Life, Law & Liberty' highlights his concerns about the fragility of democracy, the erosion of civil discourse, and the rule of law in the United States. Drawing from decades of experience as a pivotal swing vote on the Supreme Court, Kennedy warns against the dangers of political polarization and identity politics, emphasizing the importance of dignity, liberty, and respectful dialogue for democracy's survival. His memoir, *Life, Law, and Liberty*, reflects on landmark cases and his evolving judicial philosophy, advocating for dynamic interpretations of the Constitution to expand freedoms over time. Kennedy underscores the need to protect the judiciary’s integrity and warns of increasing threats against judges, linking these risks to broader societal divisions.
### Key Points
- Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy’s book emphasizes the fragility of democracy and the dangers of political division and identity politics.
- Kennedy critiques the erosion of civil discourse and its impact on the judiciary and democracy.
- His memoir revisits landmark cases, reflecting on his evolving philosophy of liberty and dignity.
- Kennedy advocates for dynamic constitutional interpretations to expand freedoms over time.
- He warns about threats to judges and the importance of public respect for the judiciary.
Big Education Ape: AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 – WHO NAILED THE CHAOS? https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/ai-news-smackdown-september-29-2025-who.html
How the Supreme Court’s Shadow Docket Fuels Presidential Power and a Government Shutdown https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/how-the-supreme-courts-shadow-docket
### Key Points
- The U.S. government faces a potential shutdown due to unfruitful negotiations between President Trump and congressional leaders, with Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, leveraging the crisis to push for cuts to agencies benefiting children.
- The Supreme Court’s shadow docket ruling enables the President to delay spending appropriated funds until they expire, effectively allowing "pocket rescissions" that undermine Congress’s constitutional spending authority.
- Justice Elena Kagan dissents against the ruling, warning that it disrupts the separation of powers and allows the executive branch to nullify appropriations by delay.
- Shutdowns disproportionately harm children, disrupting essential programs like WIC, SNAP, Head Start, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, housing support, and Social Security benefits, while also threatening federal workforce stability.
- The Supreme Court’s decision and the Trump Administration’s approach weaken Congress's role as the first branch of government and erode constitutional checks and balances.
- Congress must act to protect its "power of the purse" by rearming the Impoundment Control Act, banning pocket rescissions, ensuring uninterrupted child-focused programs, and promoting transparency in budget obligations.
- The article emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize children’s needs in budget negotiations and safeguard their programs from political brinkmanship.
Trump Admin. Quietly Accelerates Cancellation of Federal Education Grants Said to Promote D.E.I. https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/09/30/trump-admin-quietly-accelerates-cancellation-of-federal-education-grants-said-to-promote-d-e-i/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- The Trump administration has cut nearly $7 billion in federal education grants, claiming they promote a "radical, left-wing agenda."
- Cancellation notices have been issued for dozens of ongoing projects, including programs supporting students with disabilities, arts education, and civics.
- Specific cuts include grants for deaf and blind students, parent outreach programs, teacher training, and racially desegregating schools.
- The Department of Education cites alignment with priorities of "merit, fairness, and excellence" as justification for these cuts.
- Funding threats to Chicago, Fairfax County, VA, and NYC schools have targeted policies on transgender rights and DEI initiatives, with accusations of civil rights violations.
The Building That’s Quietly Redefining the Future of Education – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/30/the-building-thats-quietly-redefining-the-future-of-education/
### Key Points
- Western Michigan University’s (WMU) College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) symbolizes the university’s commitment to education, achieving a 30% graduate enrollment increase and hosting over 1,000 students in teacher education programs.
- CEHD’s collaborations with Michigan school districts, including the Grow-Your-Own (GYO) program, have significantly boosted Latino representation in education programs, reflecting WMU’s focus on equity and opportunity.
- The Department of Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology (ELRT) is seeking a new chair to lead its thriving programs, which include six areas of focus such as K–12 Educational Leadership and Global Leadership.
- ELRT combines rigorous research with practical community engagement, preparing diverse leaders for complex challenges in education and beyond.
- WMU’s origins as a teacher’s college and its central campus placement of CEHD emphasize its historical and ongoing dedication to leadership and education.
- Kalamazoo’s unique location, community values like the Kalamazoo Promise, and its vibrant atmosphere make it an appealing place for educational professionals.
- WMU and ELRT are positioned for growth amid national challenges in higher education, seeking leadership that inspires innovation and resilience.
- The position of ELRT chair requires a doctorate, teaching and scholarship credentials, and leadership experience in diverse educational environments. Applications are open until filled.
glen brown: "Incitement" has become another word for "Trump criticism" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/incitement-has-become-another-word-for.html
A critical analysis of the misuse of the term "incitement" by MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters to suppress free speech, while ignoring their own inflammatory rhetoric. The piece explores constitutional protections under the First Amendment and highlights the hypocrisy of MAGA's approach to free expression and advocacy.
### Key Points
- MAGA uses "incitement" as a pretext to suppress criticism and dissent, targeting left-leaning groups while ignoring their own provocative rhetoric.
- The First Amendment protects even controversial or offensive speech unless it meets the Brandenburg test for inciting imminent lawless action.
- MAGA's selective application of "incitement" undermines constitutional rights and disregards the principle of free speech.
- The article warns against allowing MAGA's authoritarian tendencies to erode democratic freedoms.
“Hammer and Sickle Chic”: Why Free Buses and City-Run Groceries Terrify the Titans of Finance https://ru4people.substack.com/p/hammer-and-sickle-chic-why-free-buses
### Key Points
- The article humorously frames the competition between AI models as a "news smackdown," analyzing their coverage across various categories.
- In politics, Copilot was praised for capturing the full spectrum of drama, including government shutdowns, ICE raids, troop deployments, and Trump's controversial posts.
- Gemini excelled in education by covering Title IX threats, LGBTQ curriculum battles, mental health grants, and conservative group activism in schools.
- Copilot stood out in national affairs by balancing serious topics like the Michigan church shooting with surreal elements like Trump's "medbed" conspiracy theory.
- Gemini shined in world affairs by covering the Gaza peace plan, Venezuela tensions, Nord Stream arrests, and Afghanistan’s internet blackout.
- Grok provided detailed coverage of Gaza peace talks and UN discussions but lacked the breadth of Gemini.
- ChatGPT-4 was criticized for being off-topic and overly global, focusing on Greenland’s apology and environmental awareness campaigns instead of U.S.-centric news.
- The article concludes with a tie between Gemini and Copilot as champions, noting their distinct styles—Gemini’s institutional depth and Copilot’s satirical realism.
- The real winner, according to the article, is the reader, who benefits from the evolving capabilities of AI journalism.
College Students Hate Blue Books Yet Universities Need Them to Deal with the A.I. Cheating Crisis (Clay Shirky) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/09/30/college-students-hate-blue-books-yet-universities-need-them-to-deal-with-the-a-i-cheating-crisis-clay-shirky/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- Universities are facing challenges with students using AI tools like ChatGPT for academic work, even among motivated learners.
- Encouraging engaged AI use has failed, prompting institutions to shift away from take-home assignments to in-class essays, oral exams, and interactive assessments.
- These changes represent a return to older educational practices, emphasizing oral instruction and real-time knowledge demonstration.
- Faculty and students are skeptical of these methods, citing difficulties such as timed assessments favoring quick thinkers over deep thinkers and unfamiliarity with manual writing.
- The shift aims to combat AI misuse and restore genuine learning, though it disrupts traditional routines and requires adaptation.
USDA Foods Participation Election for SY 2026–27 - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/usdafoodsparticipation.asp
### Key Points
- SNP sponsors can change their USDA Foods ordering and receiving methods for SY 2026–27 by emailing their intent from October 1 to December 15, 2025.
- No action is required for sponsors who wish to continue their current food distribution method.
- Training and resources, such as "CDE FDP: Avenues of Participation," offer guidance on the three USDA Foods distribution methods in California.
- USDA Foods help offset food costs and support healthier meal preparation; all SNP sponsors in the National School Lunch Program are eligible.
- Contact the Food Distribution Program for more information or financial benefits of USDA Foods.
Teacher Tom: Where Community Begins https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/where-community-begins.html
### Key Points
- A group of preschoolers labeled a classmate with sensory challenges as a "bad guy" due to his impulsive behavior, leading to shunning.
- The teacher recognized the need for adult intervention to address the boy's behavior and the children's reactions while fostering safety and understanding.
- Transparency among parents and children was emphasized, with families discussing the boy's challenges at home to avoid shaming him in school.
- The boy's mother faced emotional struggles but found compassion through open discussions about her son's behavior.
- Efforts to coach children on firm yet compassionate communication improved understanding and reduced shunning.
- One-on-one play outside school helped children bond with the boy, creating goodwill and fostering relationships among families.
- The article highlights the importance of adult partnerships in creating a supportive community for children, advocating for a "village" approach.
- The author promotes a course on partnering with parents to strengthen child-parent-educator relationships.
Did Matt Meyer Intentionally Rig His Election For Governor? https://exceptionaldelaware.wordpress.com/2025/09/30/did-matt-meyer-intentionally-rig-his-election-for-governor/ via @ExcptlDelaware
### Key Points
- The article questions whether Delaware Governor Matt Meyer intentionally rigged his election for governor, raising concerns among Delaware citizens.
- During the first meeting of the Delaware Reassessment Committee, Marcus Henry, New Castle County Executive, revealed surprising information, sparking controversy.
- Delaware citizen Kate Ladzinski expressed skepticism about Meyer’s actions, particularly before his primary against Bethany Hall Long, calling them “shenanigans.”
Diane's new book, charter scandals, and more... - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/29384-2/
- Diane Ravitch’s memoir chronicles her transformation from a conservative advocate for testing and charter schools to a fierce defender of public education, emphasizing equity, professional teachers, and democratic public schooling.
- A report highlights $853 million in fraud, theft, and mismanagement in charter schools, including the case of Ramone Davenport, who misused taxpayer funds and caused the abrupt closure of Dohn Community High School, displacing at-risk students.
- David Berliner, a respected research psychologist and advocate for public education, is remembered for his critical stance against shallow education reforms and his appreciation for teachers. His essays were recently published.
- The Network for Public Education encourages tax-deductible donations to support its mission of strengthening public schools.
Cloaking Inequity: What We Stand to Lose: Black Teachers, School Closures, and the Civil Rights Issue of Our Era | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/what-we-stand
- Kristen Buras’s book, *What We Stand to Lose*, challenges the narrative of public school closures in historically Black and Brown neighborhoods, showing how these closures are often justified with claims of performance and efficiency but are rooted in systemic racism and profit-driven policies.
- The book focuses on George Washington Carver Senior High School in New Orleans, highlighting its legacy as a center of academic excellence and cultural pride despite systemic underfunding and marginalization.
- Buras documents how Black teachers, once central to public education in communities of color, have been systematically targeted, blamed, and replaced in the wake of school closures and charter school expansions.
- The book emphasizes that the fight for public education is about memory, justice, and shaping the future, urging readers to consider the costs of school closures and the erasure of Black educators.
- *What We Stand to Lose* is described as essential reading, offering a deeply researched and emotionally resonant account of the impact of school closures on communities and the importance of preserving Black teachers’ stories.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
The article provides a diverse collection of topics, including education reforms, political developments, societal issues, AI-powered news reporting, and historical reflections. It highlights key controversies such as Trump administration policies, educational challenges, AI journalism performance, and social justice initiatives.
### Key Points
- The Trump administration plans to tie university research grants to adherence to ideological values, raising concerns about academic freedom and constitutional violations.
- Heather Cox Richardson analyzes the Wounded Knee Massacre, focusing on political exploitation, fear-driven mismanagement, and the enduring legacy of injustice.
- Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s book *Life, Law & Liberty* warns against democracy’s fragility, political polarization, and threats to the judiciary.
- AI models like Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT-4, and Copilot compete in delivering news, showcasing varied reporting styles and strengths. Grok and Copilot emerge as top performers.
- A tragic shooting at a Michigan church underscores AI models' strengths and weaknesses in breaking news coverage, with Grok providing the most reliable reporting.
- Florida’s Universal Voucher program diverts state K-12 funding, creating budget deficits and increasing reliance on local property taxes.
- Trump’s Department of Education backs a "patriotic education" initiative involving groups like Prager U and Turning Point USA, sparking concerns about extremism in curricula.
- ICE operations in Chicago provoke protests, with activists and officials condemning the fear-inducing tactics.
- Moral clarity in classrooms is emphasized, advocating truth-telling and shared values to foster collaborative learning environments.
- Seattle Public Schools face nepotism concerns and debates on advanced learning services amid superintendent search updates.
- A massive recall of Hillshire Brands Company corn dogs due to contamination highlights food safety issues.
- AI models differ in their reporting styles: Gemini for accuracy, Grok for drama, ChatGPT-4 for basics, and Copilot for niche topics.
- Trump’s authoritarian tactics, including militarized actions and propaganda-driven education reforms, raise concerns about democracy erosion.
- Stockton showcases grassroots efforts for local democracy and equity, emphasizing community-driven change.
- Bill Ayers discusses the role of art and activism in driving social change, emphasizing storytelling and imagination.
- Teacher Tom advocates joy-driven, play-based learning environments, critiquing structured purposes imposed by adults.
- Charlie Kirk’s rhetoric is analyzed, revealing patterns of dehumanization, fear-mongering, and redefining compassion as weakness.
- The National Public Housing Museum collaborates with Indigenous communities to develop a land acknowledgment statement.
- Larry Ferlazzo’s blog provides educational resources, SEL strategies, and insights into the impact of ICE raids on students.
- Historical reflections on obedience as a root cause of societal atrocities emphasize resisting authoritarianism.
