Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
What Jane Goodall Taught Us: The Wisdom We Need Now https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/03/what-jane-goodall-taught-us-the-wisdom-we-need-now/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Jane Goodall's work revolutionized primatology by observing chimpanzees as individuals, naming them, and documenting their use of tools, culture, and emotional behaviors.
- Her findings blurred the line between humans and animals, challenging scientific orthodoxy and reshaping how we view ourselves.
- Goodall transitioned from scientist to advocate, founding the Jane Goodall Institute and launching Roots & Shoots, emphasizing holistic conservation and community collaboration.
- Her legacy is rooted in principles like humility, compassion, hope with action, and resistance against orthodoxy.
- She highlighted the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, urging dialogue across divisions and compassion across species to address global challenges.
- Goodall's example inspires action and resistance in dark times, reminding us that individual choices matter for the future of science and humanity.
- Her death at 91 prompted global tributes, celebrating her as a scientist, conservationist, and witness to the resilience of nature and communities.
Nikole Hannah-Jones: Charlie Kirk and the Mainstreaming of His Hateful Ideology https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/03/nicole-hannah-jones-charlie-kirk-and-the-mainstreaming-of-his-hateful-ideology/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Nikole Hannah-Jones is a prominent journalist who created "The 1619 Project," reshaping U.S. history from a Black perspective.
- UNC's refusal to grant her tenure led to public outcry and her decision to join Howard University.
- Charlie Kirk's ideas, once fringe, have become mainstream in Republican politics, normalizing explicit bigotry.
- Turning Point USA targeted professors with its "Professor Watchlist," leading to harassment campaigns.
- Educators and activists, such as Angel Jones and Ash Lazarus Orr, faced threats and violence due to Kirk's rhetoric.
- The societal shift under Trump’s administration has legitimized white supremacy and eroded civil rights for marginalized groups.
Hegseth's Hypocrisy on Military Standards for Fitness and Facial Hair https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/03/hegseths-hypocrisy-on-military-standards-for-weight-and-facial-hair/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Pete Hegseth criticized military fitness standards and facial hair, advocating for stricter grooming policies while failing to exemplify fitness himself.
- Religious exemptions for beards have been granted to Sikh, Muslim, Christian, and Norse Pagan service members for over a decade, but new grooming policies may restrict these waivers.
- Hegseth hosted an evangelical Christian prayer service at the Pentagon, raising concerns about the Constitutional prohibition of state entanglement with religion.
- Critics argue that banning facial hair could have racial and religious implications, particularly affecting Black men and Orthodox Jews.
- The administration's focus on performative patriotism overlooks deeper issues, emphasizing appearance over the intellectual and diverse contributions of military personnel.
The First Review of My New Book! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/10/03/the-first-review-of-my-new-book/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's new book received its first review by Eleanor Bader, with an official release date of October 20, 2025.
- Diane will discuss her book in Brooklyn on October 21 and conduct virtual events, including one for North Carolina educators on October 22.
- Enthusiastic comments from readers highlight support for Diane's work and interest in her book.
- Diane Ravitch's blog serves as a platform for education-related discussions and updates.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: OCTOBER 3, 2025—THE SHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-october-3.html
### Key Points
- The article reviews AI models (Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 4, and Copilot) on their news reporting abilities during "The Great AI News Smackdown."
- Gemini offers exhaustive coverage on topics like the government shutdown, education policies, and global conflicts but is criticized for overwhelming readers with excessive details.
- Grok focuses on political intrigue and drama, presenting stories like Trump’s alleged weaponization of the shutdown and controversial education policies.
- ChatGPT 4 fails to deliver actual news, instead recommending generic sources for news updates.
- Copilot is praised for its clear, concise, and professional reporting, covering topics like the shutdown’s economic impact, education disruptions, and global affairs.
- Major news stories include the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, Trump administration actions, stricter visa policies affecting universities, and international crises like violence in Gaza and Russian drone strikes in Ukraine.
- Education-related issues include federal funding controversies, lawsuits over gender curricula, and AI-powered mental health programs in schools.
- World affairs highlight protests in Italy, Gaza flotilla interceptions, and natural disasters like the Philippines earthquake.
- Copilot wins the smackdown for its balanced and polished reporting, while Gemini and Grok are noted for their dramatic and exhaustive styles. ChatGPT 4 is considered the biggest letdown.
SENDING TROOPS TO MEMPHIS THE EQUIVALENT OF SENDING COAL TO NEWCASTLE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/sending-troops-to-memphis-equivalent-of.html
Education Research Report explores the impact of self-efficacy and test anxiety on mathematics performance, highlighting the emotional challenges tied to the subject. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the Trump administration's decision to deploy troops to Memphis, Tennessee, to address violent crime. Critics argue this approach ignores systemic poverty and socioeconomic issues driving crime, calling for investment in education, housing, and economic opportunities. The article also examines the historical roots of poverty in the U.S., emphasizing the need for robust safety net programs and community-based solutions to tackle poverty and gun violence effectively.
### Key Points
- Self-efficacy and test anxiety significantly influence mathematics performance, reflecting the emotional complexity of learning math.
- Deployment of federal troops to Memphis is criticized as ineffective, failing to address systemic poverty and its link to crime.
- Militarization erodes trust and civil liberties while addressing symptoms rather than root causes like poverty and lack of opportunity.
- Poverty in the U.S. stems from income inequality, systemic racism, and policy rollbacks, disproportionately affecting minority communities.
- Evidence shows safety net programs like SNAP and Head Start reduce poverty and improve long-term outcomes.
- Poverty and gun violence are interconnected, with high-poverty areas experiencing higher homicide rates.
- Effective solutions include expanding tax credits, raising the minimum wage, and increasing funding for affordable housing and education.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: OCTOBER 2, 2025 EDITION - WHO NAILED THE SHUTDOWN SCOOP https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-october-2.html
Children Deserve Political Commitments, Not Political Theater After Congress and the White House spent the year slashing pediatric cancer research and Medicaid, cancer survivors were given a photo-op. https://brucelesley.substack.com/p/children-deserve-political-commitments
### Key Points
- Politicians frequently use children in photo-ops to portray compassion and commitment, but these gestures often contrast with underfunded policies that fail to support children.
- President Trump signed an Executive Order promoting AI for pediatric cancer research, but his administration simultaneously enacted significant budget cuts to cancer research and Medicaid, undermining support for children.
- The "Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy" report and similar initiatives often use children symbolically but fail to deliver substantive policy changes or funding.
- Congress stripped several bipartisan pediatric cancer provisions from the Continuing Resolution, betraying years of advocacy for critical measures to support children with cancer.
- Cuts to Medicaid and CHIP, enacted through the "One Big Beautiful Bill," impose bureaucratic barriers that deny coverage to millions of children, particularly those with cancer.
- The Children’s Budget tracks federal spending on children, revealing a decline in investment and holding policymakers accountable for neglecting children’s needs.
- Advocacy groups propose a "Kids First Pledge," requiring politicians to commit to real policy changes before using children in photo-ops.
- Symbolic gestures without substantive action risk turning children into mere props in political narratives, masking urgent needs for reform and investment.
School Reformers' Pledge of Good Conduct https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/10/03/school-reformers-pledge-of-good-conduct-3/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- School reformers often share similar goals but are divided on priorities and methods, with recurring conflicts between traditionalists and progressives.
- Charles Payne's "School Reformers’ Pledge of Good Conduct" highlights common mistakes in education reforms and offers guidance for reformers to avoid repeating errors.
- The pledge emphasizes respecting teachers, studying past reforms, avoiding overpromising, and considering field workers' insights.
- Policymakers historically use top-down strategies, ignoring teachers' voices, which limits the success of reforms. Advocating for inside-out strategies involves collaboration with teachers to implement lasting changes.
- Teachers should be active participants in reform processes to align classroom practices with policy goals effectively.
UFT Health Insurance Is Like a Box of Chocolates You never know what you're gonna get. https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/uft-health-insurance-is-like-a-box
### Key Points
- The author criticizes the UFT health insurance contract for being approved without allowing members to review it beforehand, likening it to a risky gamble.
- The healthcare provider, UMR, has a controversial history, including lawsuits for denying procedures, which raises concerns about its reliability.
- Procedures requiring approval may face delays or denials, potentially risking lives, especially for critical treatments like chemotherapy.
- The appeal committee's credibility is questioned due to past experiences with the Welfare Fund prioritizing providers over members.
- The author highlights issues with past promises by UFT leadership, including raised copays and changes to healthcare plans that were initially denied.
- Concerns are raised about potential future modifications to the contract if projected savings are not achieved.
No Grace Period for Constitutional Rights! – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/10/03/no-grace-period-for-constitutional-rights/
- The Trump administration's treatment of the Constitution as optional, particularly through brief violations of constitutional rights, undermines democracy.
- The arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka illustrates political policing, with orders coming from high-ranking officials and deliberate concealment through bodycam deactivation.
- Short-term rights violations, such as unlawful detentions, are strategically used to intimidate dissent and normalize the suspension of liberties.
- The courts, especially through the emergency docket, have enabled temporary rights violations, leading to permanent harm and erosion of democratic principles.
- Historical examples, like Japanese-American internment and the Patriot Act, show how temporary measures often become permanent, eroding freedoms over time.
- Unlawful detentions, even brief ones, cause lasting harm, stigmatize individuals, and undermine the principle of equal protection under the law.
- The logic of "just following orders" used by law enforcement in cases like Baraka's arrest echoes authoritarian practices, eroding accountability.
- Citizens must actively resist the normalization of temporary rights violations and hold the judiciary accountable for enforcing constitutional protections.
Poem: semantic fever dream (tarot cards) https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/10/03/poem-semantic-fever-dream-tarot-cards/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- Dr. P.L. Thomas shares creative writing, including the poem "Semantic Fever Dream (Tarot Cards)," which reflects on themes of memory, truth, and remorse.
- The blog highlights critical discussions on education reform, such as resisting Mississippi’s reading reform and addressing systemic inequities in literacy.
- Topics covered include critical media literacy, fake news, social justice, race, and systemic oppression, emphasizing resistance and progressive advocacy.
- The blog archives feature a wide range of themes, including academic freedom, cultural critique, and reflections on literature, politics, and social movements.
glen brown: "We had no shortage of undaunted defenders of democracy this week. In three locations, Americans stepped forward to protect the Constitution and uphold democratic norms" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/10/we-had-no-shortage-of-undaunted.html
- The article discusses the natural inclination of children to engage in activities like swinging, rolling, and spinning, which are essential for their nervous system development and balance.
- It emphasizes the importance of trusting children to know what is best for themselves through instinctive play, highlighting the inherent value of play without needing scientific validation.
- The author reflects on the challenges of working with parents and stresses the significance of creating a collaborative relationship between educators, parents, and children to build supportive communities for child development.
- The article promotes a course called "Partnering With Parents," aimed at helping educators work effectively with families to support children.
- The author provides information about their blog, books, speaking engagements, and ways to stay updated or support their work.
Teacher Tom: If Adults Could Learn to Trust Children https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/if-adults-could-learn-to-trust-children.html
- The article discusses the natural inclination of children to engage in activities like swinging, rolling, and spinning, which are essential for their nervous system development and balance.
- It emphasizes the importance of trusting children to know what is best for themselves through instinctive play, highlighting the inherent value of play without needing scientific validation.
- The author reflects on the challenges of working with parents and stresses the significance of creating a collaborative relationship between educators, parents, and children to build supportive communities for child development.
- The article promotes a course called "Partnering With Parents," aimed at helping educators work effectively with families to support children.
- The author provides information about their blog, books, speaking engagements, and ways to stay updated or support their work.
GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: OCTOBER 3, 2025 EDITION WHO NABBED THE HEADLINES, AND WHO PHONED IT IN? https://ru4people.substack.com/p/great-ai-news-smackdown-october-3
### Key Points
- The article reviews the performance of four AI models—Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 4, and Copilot—in reporting October 3, 2025 news.
- Gemini is described as an "overachiever" with an overwhelming quantity of news, covering topics like the U.S. government shutdown, education policies, and bleak world affairs. However, its approach is seen as excessive and unfocused.
- Grok is characterized as a dramatic and conspiracy-leaning journalist, focusing on political intrigue, shutdown drama, and global crises with a sensationalist tone.
- ChatGPT 4 failed to provide relevant news and instead recommended general news sources, disappointing in its role during the news competition.
- Copilot is praised for its polished and concise reporting, offering balanced coverage of politics, education, and world affairs without overwhelming or underwhelming the audience.
- Copilot’s highlights include clear reporting on the U.S. government shutdown, education issues like Head Start program risks, and global events such as SpaceX launches and the Philippines earthquake.
- Gemini covered dramatic details about the shutdown, Trump administration policies, and international crises but lacked focus.
- Grok added a conspiratorial flair to its coverage, including claims of Trump weaponizing the shutdown and pushing for controversial university policies.
- ChatGPT 4 merely offered advice on where to find news, failing to contribute meaningful content to the competition.
- The article concludes that Copilot performed best overall, Grok was the most entertaining, Gemini was the most exhaustive but chaotic, and ChatGPT 4 was the biggest letdown.
- The piece humorously critiques AI journalism as still needing significant improvement, with none of the models ready to replace human journalists.
Planning to Fail: How HB1’s Flawed Analysis Left Florida Taxpayers Holding the Bag – Accountabaloney https://accountabaloney.com/planning-to-fail-how-hb1s-flawed-analysis-left-florida-taxpayers-holding-the-bag/
### Key Points
- Florida's Universal Voucher program, initiated through HB1, underestimated costs, leading to significant financial strain on public schools and taxpayers.
- The fiscal analysis wrongly assumed only 50% of eligible private school families would apply for vouchers and ignored the financial shift of homeschooled students into state-funded scholarships.
- Actual costs far exceeded predictions, with over 280,000 Family Empowerment Scholarships now funded, costing nearly $4 billion, mostly for students who never attended public schools.
- Public schools and charter schools saw no funding growth, as all increases in state funding went to vouchers.
- Local property taxes were raised to cover funding gaps, with taxpayers now shouldering a higher percentage of education costs due to state-mandated adjustments.
- State leaders blame local governments for rising property taxes, despite the voucher program being the primary driver of increased costs.
- Lawmakers face mounting pressure to address the financial consequences of unchecked voucher expansion impacting taxpayers, communities, and public schools.
Don’t Blame Trump. It’s on Reagan (and us) | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2025/10/03/dont-blame-trump-its-on-reagan-and-us/
### Key Points
- College costs have skyrocketed, with tuition far outpacing inflation, highlighting affordability issues.
- College closures are accelerating due to declining enrollment, rising costs, and skepticism about the value of higher education.
- The "Enrollment Cliff," driven by demographic shifts and fewer foreign students, poses significant challenges for institutions.
- Three-year Bachelor’s Degrees are emerging as a cost-saving measure, reflecting higher education's survival efforts.
- Increasing numbers of Americans question the value of college due to debt burdens and emotional stress.
- Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric have exacerbated challenges for higher education, including limiting foreign student enrollment.
- Ronald Reagan’s legacy of reduced public funding for colleges marked a pivotal shift in higher education financing.
- The broader decline in support for public goods reflects growing inequality and a weakened commitment to collective societal benefits.
Schools Matter: October 18, Next National Day of Action http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/10/october-18-next-national-day-of-action.html
- The article emphasizes the impact of classmates' characteristics on a child's learning, referencing James Coleman’s 1972 assertion.
- Highlights various blog posts and topics related to education reform, teacher experiences, and systemic challenges in schools.
- Discusses poverty as a significant factor affecting education quality rather than teacher performance.
- Mentions the increase in standardized testing and its implications on education.
- Reviews books and essays on education, such as "Hope and Despair in the American City" and critiques of testing systems.
- Critiques modern teacher education practices and explores professional growth opportunities for educators.
- Examines policies like NCLB and their impact on public schools.
How about a Pause on the Race to Embed AI in Schools? https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/10/03/how-about-a-pause-on-the-race-to-embed-ai-in-schools/ via @nancyflanagan
### Key Points
- The author discusses skepticism about AI's role in education, citing its potential to undermine essential teaching and learning principles.
- Concerns are raised about AI tools collecting student data for advertisers and investors without consent, highlighting ethical issues.
- AI is described as relying on statistical associations rather than genuine thought, with risks of intellectual property theft and environmental concerns.
- The author criticizes the rush to implement AI in schools, advocating for caution and research before embracing the technology.
- Studies show that AI-assisted tasks reduce brain activity, creativity, and ownership of work among students.
- Recommendations include following experts like Audrey Watters and educators like Peter Greene for insights on AI in education.
- The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining the social aspect of teaching and warns against shallow AI-based tools.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That, October 3, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/10/this-and-that-october-3-2025.html?spref=tw
- Seattle Public Schools (SPS) high schools will adopt two lunch periods starting Oct. 6, except for Wednesdays, when some schools may opt for a single 30-minute lunch period to foster community-building. The implementation decision lies with individual principals and school communities.
- The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced over 350 semifinalists in Washington State, with Bellevue School District leading. SPS has 25 semifinalists from various high schools.
- A new sales tax on services in Washington State may increase costs for SPS, particularly for security services, due to the combined state and city sales tax rate of 10.35%. The tax package faces legal challenges.
- A Special Meeting by the Seattle Schools Board was canceled, and updates on safe roadways for students are available on the district's page.
- Concerns about nepotism within Seattle Schools, particularly regarding personnel promotions based on personal connections, have been highlighted, with examples of administrative shifts following scandals.
From WalMart Checkout to the Education Industrial Complex https://norinrad10.com/2025/10/03/from-walmart-checkout-to-the-education-industrial-complex/ via @norinrad10
### Key Points
- Reflection on slowing down and embracing human connection, inspired by a casual Wal-Mart interaction.
- Criticism of the education system's obsession with efficiency, standardized testing, and rigid timetables that often overlook genuine learning and student needs.
- Examination of superintendent Ian Roberts’ résumé scandal and its implications for vetting and DEI policies.
- Analysis of the “Education Industrial Complex,” highlighting how failed executives move between positions despite controversies.
- Discussion on Tennessee’s teacher evaluation system and its potential reform to reduce unnecessary oversight for high-performing teachers.
- Insights into Tennessee’s voucher program, noting the dominance of religiously affiliated schools and its implications for school choice.
- Commentary on the intersection of education, politics, and entertainment, including Linda McMahon’s involvement in education policy and its contradictions.
CURMUDGUCATION: Are Education Savings Accounts Actually Vouchers? https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/10/are-education-savings-accounts-actually.html
### Key Points
- Adam Becker's book explores the unrealistic dreams of tech leaders, including AGI and immortality, alongside their immense power and detachment from regular human life.
- The concept of AGI is vaguely defined, and many experts doubt its development through current AI models, as AGI represents a fundamental difference from existing AI capabilities.
- Attempts to resurrect the dead via AI highlight the lack of understanding of internal life and motivations, leading to ethical concerns reminiscent of Frankenstein's story.
- Becker suggests that tech leaders may view humans as props, reflecting their shallow perception of humanity and their misplaced belief in AI's intelligence.
- The book calls for a deeper reflection on human intelligence and warns against following the misguided visions of tech leaders.
State Superintendent Thurmond Celebrates Multi-Year Growth in Student Achievement at San Diego Unified; Highlights Opportunities to Scale Success Statewide https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr25/yr25rel42.asp
The article outlines the agenda, logistics, and public participation guidelines for the Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting scheduled for October 15-16, 2025. It covers key presentations, discussions, and updates related to special education initiatives, programs, and policies in California.
### Key Points
- The ACSE meeting will take place at the California Department of Education in Sacramento on October 15-16, 2025, with specific agenda timings provided.
- Public participation is encouraged via email, phone, or in-person, with guidelines for submitting comments and attending the meeting.
- The meeting will feature the introduction and swearing-in of new Student Commissioners.
- Updates on the Pathways to Partnership (P2P) initiative, focusing on Alternate Dispute Resolution, technical assistance, and professional learning opportunities will be shared.
- A session on Journify Learning, an AI tool aimed at improving efficiency and compliance in special education, will showcase pilot data and practical recommendations.
- Presentation on High-Quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will introduce the ASCEND framework to empower students in making informed choices and advocating for themselves.
- The State Special Education Division will present the Annual Performance Report/State Performance Plan, highlighting progress in indicators for improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Updates from Commissioner Liaisons, State Board of Education, and Director of State Special Schools will be provided.
- The Special Education Director’s Report will cover activities within the Special Education Division.
- Operations and Planning Committee and Policy and Legislation Committee will hold study sessions as per ACSE bylaws.
- Commissioners will suggest future agenda items in a dedicated session.
- General public comment sessions are included on both days of the meeting.
- The agenda materials and presentation materials can be requested via email.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
The article is a collection of blog posts and news reports discussing various topics related to education, politics, societal issues, and artificial intelligence. It highlights concerns over privatization in public education, systemic poverty, government policies, AI's role in education, and community-based solutions to societal challenges.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch affirms her anti-fascist stance, advocating for constitutional freedoms, affordable healthcare, and housing.
- Republican-led privatization efforts defund public education, promote segregation, and face legal challenges over voucher programs.
- Deployment of troops to Memphis is criticized for ignoring systemic poverty and socioeconomic issues driving crime.
- AI's role in education is critiqued, emphasizing the importance of human interaction over isolated AI-driven learning models.
- Ohio's declining investment in public school funding shifts the burden to local taxpayers, exacerbating inequities.
- Trump's "Compact for Academic Excellence" mirrors authoritarian practices, threatening U.S. university autonomy.
- Rising healthcare costs and tax credit changes could severely impact American families.
- Cooperative preschools foster collaboration and community, offering an alternative to capitalist models.
- Education has a protective effect on cognitive aging, and universal free school meals improve student health.
- Sacramento protests highlight ICE's racial profiling and violence against immigrants, calling for legislative action.
- Universal free meal programs in schools improve public health and academic performance.
- The Trump administration accelerates cuts to federal education grants, disrupting critical programs.
- Charter school closures reveal systemic failures, including fraud and financial mismanagement.
- AI models compete in news reporting, with Copilot excelling in creativity but facing criticism for sensationalism.
- Historical examples like Rosa Parks emphasize readiness for moments of courage in societal struggles.