NOVEMBER 14, 2025
- Government Shutdown Ends After Six Weeks: President Trump signed a bill late Wednesday to reopen the federal government, averting further economic strain, though recovery efforts for delayed services will take time.
- Epstein Emails Spark Renewed Scrutiny of Trump Ties: Newly released emails have intensified calls for full disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein's files, with reports suggesting Trump was aware of Epstein's activities involving underage girls.
- Education Department Staff Restoration Begins: A bipartisan deal will briefly reinstate laid-off personnel at the U.S. Education Department, addressing disruptions from the shutdown.
- Parents Sue Over School Safety Issues: Families across states are filing lawsuits against districts for failing to prevent recent incidents, highlighting gaps in campus security protocols.
- Trump Signs Shutdown-Ending Bill: The president approved legislation to resume government operations, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history and easing partisan tensions.
- Push for Complete Epstein File Release: Democratic leaders and advocates demand unredacted documents following email revelations linking Trump to Epstein's network.
- Rep. Adelita Grijalva Addresses Epstein Fallout: The newly sworn-in congresswoman, delayed by the shutdown, spoke out on the files and broader accountability measures.
- Sen. Whitehouse Leads U.S. Delegation to COP30: As the sole federal representative, the Rhode Island Democrat heads to Brazil amid climate talks, focusing on international emissions pacts.
- Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Kyiv: Ukrainian forces repelled a large-scale assault early Friday, with air defenses active and reports of civilian impacts in the ongoing war.
- Ukraine Rocked by High-Level Corruption Probe: A sweeping investigation into officials has led to arrests, threatening President Zelenskyy's administration stability.
- Turkey Grounds C-130 Fleet After Deadly Crash: Twenty military personnel died in the incident, prompting a nationwide halt on similar aircraft operations for safety reviews.
- Serbian Protesters Vow to Block Infrastructure Projects: Demonstrations escalated against government plans, with crowds demanding environmental protections and transparency.
- Kazakhstan Joins Abraham Accords: The Central Asian nation's entry expands the Middle East peace framework, signaling broader diplomatic shifts.
- Special Education Teacher Shortage Worsens: Research shows schools are losing specialized staff to general education roles due to better pay and conditions.
- Cornell Secures Deal to Restore Federal Research Funds: The university reached an agreement with the Trump administration to reinstate grants cut during the shutdown.
- Executive Order Targets Child Welfare Gaps: The new policy aims to bolster education, healthcare, and employment access for American families.
- 2024 School Finance Data Released: The U.S. Census Bureau's report reveals spending trends, with some states seeing declines amid inflation pressures.
- College Accreditation Faces Political Overhaul: Southern states propose a new model under Trump influence, raising concerns about federal oversight.
- Stocks Plunge as Tech Sector Tumbles: The Dow dropped 800 points amid fading Fed rate-cut hopes, with investors dumping shares in a sharp reversal from recent highs.
- Shutdown's Lingering Drag on Growth: The six-week closure is expected to shave points off GDP, compounding existing inflation and labor challenges.
- Delayed Economic Data Catch-Up Underway: Federal agencies resume reporting key metrics like jobs and inflation, but backlogs could skew near-term forecasts.
- Oil Prices Surge on Geopolitical Tensions: Brent crude jumped as Middle East unrest offset demand worries from the U.S. shutdown.
- Microsoft Adopts OpenAI's Custom Chip Designs: The tech giant is leveraging partner innovations to accelerate its AI infrastructure and data center expansions.
- EU Probes Google for Search Bias: Regulators investigate claims that content from rivals is unfairly demoted in results, potentially leading to hefty fines.
- Maryland Partners with Anthropic on AI Services: Governor Moore announced a deal to integrate safe AI tools into state operations, focusing on public service efficiency.
- ChatGPT's Language Patterns Exposed: Analysis of 330,000 interactions reveals the AI's emoji preferences and stylistic quirks, offering insights into its "personality."
- U.S. Cities Struggle with Rising Traffic Fatalities: Despite initiatives, pedestrian and driver deaths continue unabated, with experts blaming poor infrastructure.
- FDA Clears HRT for Menopause Without Warnings: The agency removed black box alerts, affirming hormone replacement therapy's safety for symptom relief.
- Breakthrough 'Smart Drug' Targets Cancer RNA: Researchers developed a therapy that selectively destroys tumor-dependent molecules, showing promise in trials.
- Post-Shutdown Health Negotiations Stalled: Republicans push for reforms, but Democrats express skepticism over funding cuts to Medicaid and research.
- Giants Fire Head Coach Brian Daboll: The NFL team dismissed the coach after a dismal 2-8 start, sparking a search for new leadership.
- Antonio Brown Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charge: The former NFL star denied allegations in court, with the case drawing widespread media attention.
- Olivier Rioux Debuts as Tallest Pro Basketball Player: The 7-foot-5 teen signed with a G League team, breaking records in height and hype.
- Haeran Ryu Leads Annika Tournament with 64: The golfer's stellar round puts her ahead in the LPGA event, eyeing a major title.
- Raptors Edge Cavaliers in Thriller: Toronto secured a narrow NBA win, highlighted by key plays from both sides in a high-scoring affair.
Josh Cowen Interviews Gina Hinojosa, Who Is Running for Governor of Texas https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/13/josh-cowen-interviews-gina-hinojosa-who-is-running-for-governor-of-texas/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Josh Cowen, an education policy scholar, interviews Texas gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, focusing on her campaign and opposition to school vouchers.
- Hinojosa reflects on her political journey, starting with her activism to save local schools from closure and her subsequent fight for increased school funding.
- She criticizes Governor Abbott’s reliance on billionaire donors and his policies favoring privatization over public welfare.
- Hinojosa highlights bipartisan alliances formed during her fight against school vouchers and redistricting, emphasizing the need to focus on shared priorities.
- She stresses the national significance of flipping Texas blue by 2030 to ensure fair political representation and Democratic control of Congress and the presidency.
- Hinojosa calls on voters and donors to prioritize the Texas governor's race, emphasizing its impact on the country’s political future.
- She encourages collective action and optimism, urging Americans to unite for the greater good.
Ohio: Voters Oust Culture Warriors in Many School Board Elections https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/13/ohio-voters-oust-culture-warriors-in-many-school-board-elections/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Ohio voters rejected right-wing "culture warrior" candidates in school board elections.
- All 31 candidates supported by Moms for Liberty were defeated.
- Conservative incumbents and outside candidates with culture war agendas struggled in elections.
- The results signify increased support for public schools and a decline in divisive political agendas.
Randy Rainbow Interviews Trump https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/13/randy-rainbow-interviews-trump-2/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Randy Rainbow releases a parody interview with Donald Trump, featuring the song "Big Phony Schmuck."
- The parody reflects Randy’s frustration with the administration and incorporates clever humor and satire.
- The blog includes references to trending topics in education, politics, and humor.
TBT August 24, 2016 Big Education Ape: Florida Teacher to School Board: Why My Daughter Will Not Take the State Tests | Diane Ravitch's blog https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2016/08/florida-teacher-to-school-board-why-my.html
**Speaker:** Andy Goldstein, teacher at Omni Middle School and parent.
**Context:** Addressing the Palm Beach County School Board about opting out his daughter from third-grade standardized testing.
**Key Points:**
- Goldstein reflects on his hopes for his daughter to develop a love for learning, not to be treated as a data point.
- He expresses concern over high-stakes testing starting in third grade in Florida.
- Students receive scores (1-5) that define their abilities, with a score of 1 indicating failure.
- This testing system can stigmatize students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with special needs, leading to a limiting self-concept.
- Goldstein argues that such policies are detrimental to children's self-worth and future potential.
Big Education Ape: THE LAST PENNY IN AMERICA: NO MORE COMMON CENTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-last-penny-in-america-no-more.html
### Key Points
- The penny was officially discontinued in 2025 under President Trump’s administration, citing economic inefficiency.
- The story uses a fictional penny named Percy to narrate the journey and societal reactions to the penny’s demise.
- The satire critiques inflation, political decisions, and public reactions, including protests and debates about the penny’s removal.
- The narrative highlights how businesses and society adapted to the change, with some lamenting the loss and others seeing it as progress.
- The article mixes humor, political satire, and reflections on economic policies and their cultural impact.
### Key Points
- The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan funding bill to end the six-week government shutdown, restoring federal operations and addressing immediate economic concerns.
- President Trump proposed distributing tariff revenue as direct checks to Americans, sparking debates over fiscal policy and implementation challenges.
- Investigations into civil rights violations, including campus free speech and security lapses at universities, are intensifying under the Justice Department.
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis prioritized K-12 education reforms focused on workforce readiness, emphasizing charter schools and market-based solutions. Critics argue this undermines public schools and broader educational goals.
- Oklahoma legislators consider adopting Mississippi's controversial policy of retaining third graders who fail reading tests, with critics warning of long-term harm despite short-term literacy gains.
- AI advancements are reshaping education and healthcare, with new tools assisting teachers and concerns over ethical implications and market volatility in AI infrastructure investments.
- Universal, on-demand, free education is proposed to address AI-driven job displacement, emphasizing lifelong learning and workforce adaptability.
- Donald Trump’s use of presidential clemency during his second term has been criticized for favoring allies, donors, and politically connected individuals, bypassing traditional processes.
- Dutch officials condemned the removal of panels honoring Black WWII veterans from the Netherlands American Cemetery, calling for their restoration and emphasizing the importance of historical honesty.
- Public education privatization and "educational freedom" initiatives face criticism for undermining equity and democratic governance.
- Medicare for All is advocated as a solution to systemic healthcare issues, emphasizing universal coverage and reduced costs.
- Historical attempts at healthcare reform in the U.S. faced opposition, with Medicare for All framed as a moral imperative for universal coverage.
- International conflicts, including Israeli strikes on Hezbollah and unrest in Iran, reflect rising geopolitical tensions.
- AI-driven automation is rapidly transforming the job market, necessitating investments in lifelong learning and retraining programs.
- Mental health among international students in U.S. colleges has worsened, with recommendations for culturally competent counseling and AI-assisted tools.
- Faculty sexual misconduct in academia has led to declines in degree completion, particularly in male-dominated fields.
- The article critiques the historical inefficiencies of the U.S. healthcare system, advocating for systemic reforms to ensure equity and accessibility.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-13-2025.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent news and developments across various sectors, including education, politics, world affairs, technology, health, and sports.
- The U.S. Mint has ended penny production after more than 230 years, citing costs and practicality.
- The U.S. government shutdown, lasting 43 days, has ended with President Trump signing a funding bill, though partisan divisions persist.
- Newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents have intensified scrutiny on Trump and others, causing political rifts.
- Global issues include Serbia-France bilateral talks, Russian oil sanctions, Bangladesh's extrajudicial killings, and Taiwan's typhoon recovery.
- Education updates include Kansas achieving a record 90% graduation rate and the positive impact of classroom cell phone bans.
- Economic highlights include the shutdown's projected drag on GDP, falling mortgage rates, and a potential U.S.-India trade deal.
- Technological advancements include OpenAI releasing GPT-5.1 and significant funding in counter-drone technology.
- Health concerns focus on rising liver disease risks from household toxins and equity issues in accessing new obesity drugs.
- In sports, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes win Cy Young Awards, while Antonio Brown pleads not guilty to attempted murder charges.
"Good" Doctors and Teachers (Part 2) https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/good-doctors-and-teachers-part-2-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The definition of "good" teachers has changed over time, reflecting shifts in personal traits, behaviors, and teaching methods valued by researchers and practitioners.
- Different versions of "good" teaching exist, influenced by historical traditions, student perspectives, and policy changes.
- Core characteristics of "good" teaching include competence and caring, paralleling traits valued in "good" doctors.
- "Good" teaching depends on student engagement and participation, distinguishing it from "successful" teaching, which focuses on achieving desired learning outcomes.
- Policymakers have conflated "good" and "successful" teaching, prioritizing test scores and economic goals, which limits diverse teaching approaches.
Nov. 6th Local Election Returns Show Ohio Voters Out of Sync with Legislature’s Attack on Public Schools https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/nov-6th-local-election-returns-show-ohio-voters-out-of-sync-with-legislatures-attack-on-public-schools/ via @janresseger
### Key Points
- Ohio voters largely rejected school board candidates pushing far-right culture war agendas in the November 6 elections.
- The Ohio legislature continues to focus on culture war legislation, such as bills targeting LGBTQ+ issues and promoting Christian influence in education.
- Voters supported property tax levies at high rates to fund public schools, despite legislative efforts to cut local property taxes.
- The Ohio legislature has consistently reduced state funding for public schools, shifting the financial burden to homeowners and favoring private schools through vouchers.
- The legislature replaced Ohio's graduated income tax with a flat tax, leading to significant revenue losses and benefiting wealthy taxpayers.
- Ohio's ranking in state contributions to public school funding has dropped significantly over the years, exacerbating financial challenges for public schools.
Until We Get It Done (On My Meeting with Zohran Mamdani) https://thejosevilson.com/until-we-get-it-done-on-my-meeting-with-zohran-mamdani/ via @TheJoseVilson
### Key Points
- The author, despite being an introvert, decided to canvass for Zohran Mamdani's campaign, inspired by other activists and a desire to align actions with beliefs.
- Zohran Mamdani's campaign reinvigorated voters disillusioned by traditional politics, focusing on connecting with communities and addressing systemic issues.
- The canvassing experience revealed the diverse voices and needs of New Yorkers, with many expressing hope for change and engaging in the political process.
- Mamdani's eventual victory symbolized a rejection of centrist politics and a move towards a vision of empathy, justice, and community-driven governance.
- The author emphasizes the importance of continuing activism to create a city that embodies compassion, affordability, and progress for future generations.
glen brown: "Epstein files firmly in the center of the story" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/epstein-files-firmly-in-center-of-story.html
Who Belongs: Reflections in a Time of Fear and Courage – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/13/who-belongs-reflections-in-a-time-of-fear-and-courage/
Who Belongs: Reflections in a Time of Fear and Courage
### Key Points
- Belonging is not just a feeling but a structure that can be built or denied, as learned by the author during their time at the University of Michigan.
- Immigration crackdowns in the U.S. create fear-based policies that reshape communities and erode trust and confidence, even among citizens.
- Fear operates as a system, silencing voices and narrowing possibilities, while belonging becomes conditional and fragile.
- Psychology emphasizes that belonging is essential for well-being, and collective care can help rebuild trust and community.
- Local governments, universities, and organizations can take action to foster inclusion and protect vulnerable populations through policies and solidarity.
- Exclusionary systems harm all groups eventually, making solidarity across diverse communities both a moral and practical necessity.
- Building belonging requires immediate action in daily life, replacing fear with empathy and suspicion with solidarity, to uphold democracy and shared humanity.
- Julian Vasquez Heilig, the author, is a prominent civil rights advocate and scholar, recognized for his work in equity and justice.
Washington Post: There Is No Reading Crisis in the U.S. Here’s What’s Really Happening. | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/reading-crisis
### Key Points
- Misinterpretation of NAEP data has led to exaggerated claims about a U.S. reading crisis.
- NAEP's "proficient" level is often misunderstood and does not align with state-level grade proficiency standards.
- NAEP sets unrealistic achievement goals, leading to overblown concerns about reading proficiency.
- A unified set of achievement terms and age-based benchmarks could improve the accuracy of reading assessments.
- Grade retention policies disproportionately affect vulnerable students and show only short-term improvements in reading scores.
- The focus should shift from hyperbolic rhetoric to addressing opportunity gaps and implementing evidence-based education reforms.
Schools Matter: Feinberg Finally Speaks Some Truth about KIPP http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/feinberg-finally-speaks-some-truth.html
### Key Points
- Mike Feinberg, co-founder of KIPP, was dismissed in 2018 over misconduct allegations and now leads Work Texas, a vocational training program.
- Work Texas focuses on training marginalized groups for blue-collar jobs, aiming for high completion and employment rates.
- Feinberg admits KIPP's model harmed students, leaving some with massive debt and no degree, highlighting the negative outcomes of such educational systems.
- The article critiques the profit motives and systemic issues in education reform programs like KIPP and Work Texas.
AI can deliver personalized learning at scale Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- A report by Data Science 4 Everyone highlights the rapid growth of K–12 data science education in the U.S., with over 70,000 students enrolled in data science classes and eight states advancing their policies.
- AI tools like NeuroBot TA provide personalized learning by using curated expert sources, reducing inaccuracies and inspiring trust among students.
- AI systems can scale personalized learning while addressing challenges like student reliance on AI and the need for deeper learning strategies.
- Impostor syndrome among faculty affects student perceptions of competence, highlighting the need to balance vulnerability and confidence in teaching.
- Teacher autonomy, collaboration, and collective responsibility are linked to better outcomes for English learners in New York City schools.
- Disparities in early reading difficulties are evident, with Black, Hispanic, and Native American students more likely to struggle, emphasizing the need for targeted early interventions.
- Small-group discussions promote critical thinking and comprehension among elementary students, supported by AI-driven analysis of classroom discourse.
- School principals navigating crises like COVID-19 and natural disasters adapted their leadership styles, prioritized wellbeing, and learned valuable lessons about relationships and resilience.
November 2025 Information Memoranda - State Board of Education (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/pn/im/infomemonov2025.asp
**Date:** November 13, 2025
**From:** Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
**To:** Members, State of Education
**Subject:** Update on Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Eligibility for Differentiated Assistance
## Key Issues
- The California Department of Education (CDE) is updating the State Board of Education (SBE) on the eligibility of local educational agencies (LEAs) for differentiated assistance, based on the 2025 California School Dashboard.
- Eligibility criteria are outlined for districts, county offices of education (COEs), and charter schools under the LCFF.
## Background
- California's accountability system aims to improve student outcomes by providing additional support to LEAs that need it.
- The 2025 Dashboard includes performance data reflecting current and prior year indicators.
## 2025 Differentiated Assistance Criteria
- Changes were adopted regarding Long-Term English Learners (LTEL); only the English Learner Progress Indicator (ELPI) will determine eligibility for LTELs.
- Four methods for eligibility:
1. **Method 1:** Student group performance in two or more state priority areas.
2. **Method 2:** Performance on local indicators in two or more priority areas.
3. **Method 3:** A combination of state and local indicator performance.
4. **Method 4:** Failure to certify CALPADS data by the deadline (for districts and COEs).
## Eligibility Overview
- **Districts and COEs:** 418 (42.1%) are eligible for differentiated assistance, a slight decrease from 2024.
- **Charter Schools:** 135 (11.0%) are eligible, also a decrease from the previous year.
## Geographic Distribution
- Eligible districts and COEs span 56 of California's 58 counties, with specific counts provided in the memorandum.
## Student Group Performance
- The most frequently identified student groups needing assistance include:
- Long-Term English Learners
## Fiscal Analysis
- COEs receive funding to support identified districts and charter schools, starting with a base funding of $300,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
## Intensive Support Eligibility
- 64 districts and COEs qualify for Direct Technical Assistance (DTA) based on sustained performance issues.
- 39 charter schools also meet criteria for intensive support.
## Conclusion
The memorandum provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of differentiated assistance eligibility, outlining key changes, performance criteria, and the support structure for California's educational agencies. For more detailed information and resources, links to the CDE's webpages are included throughout the document.
Absence Makes the Smart Go Wander https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/11/13/absence-makes-the-smart-go-wander/ via @nancyflanagan
### Key Points
- Chronic absenteeism in Michigan schools has worsened post-pandemic, with over 25% of students missing significant school time.
- Indiana's approach combines stricter legal measures with supportive services like transportation and healthcare to reduce absenteeism.
- Economic disadvantage is a major factor in absenteeism, with charter schools facing higher rates than public schools.
- The article critiques the reliance on test scores to measure absenteeism's effects, urging focus on addressing root causes and creating engaging school communities.
- Debate exists over whether family vacations justify school absences, with differing perspectives from parents and teachers.
Pennsylvania Budget Cuts Cyber Charter Funding, Adds Accountability https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/pennsylvania-budget-cuts-cyber-charter
### Key Points
- Pennsylvania's legislature enacted reforms to cyber charter schools as part of the state budget, ending a 134-day stalemate.
- Over 90% of Pennsylvania school districts supported meaningful reforms due to concerns about cyber charters stockpiling taxpayer funds and excessive spending.
- A House bill proposing a flat $8,000 tuition rate and accountability measures, which could have saved $616 million, was blocked by the GOP-controlled Senate.
- The final budget compromise introduces new regulations, though less stringent than the House bill, to address funding and accountability issues in cyber charters.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Stranger's Endorsements for Seattle School Board https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-strangers-endorsements-for-seattle.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The Stranger's endorsements have significantly influenced Seattle School Board elections since 2011, with no candidate winning without their backing. Concerns are raised about the lack of consistent district coverage and the potential negative impact of these endorsements.
- Criticism is directed at The Stranger for endorsing candidates based on subjective reasoning rather than qualifications, potentially undermining highly qualified candidates.
- The Stranger's endorsements are linked to board dysfunction over the past two decades, as their chosen candidates have often formed the board majority.
- Issues of nepotism within Seattle Public Schools are highlighted, with examples of personnel being promoted or reassigned based on personal connections rather than merit.
- Past discussions on advanced learning services in Seattle schools are briefly mentioned, reflecting ongoing debates about educational policies.
School Privatizers Cost Public School Kids $1.6 billion, or a fully funded public school system Buckeye Institute once again misleads in Dispatch op-ed. They really think you're stupid. STEPHEN DYER https://10thperiod.substack.com/p/school-privatizers-cost-public-school
### Key Points
- The article criticizes an op-ed by Greg Lawson, which misleadingly claims that Ohio's public school districts are receiving significantly more funding than in the past. This claim fails to account for inflation and the diversion of funds to charter schools and vouchers.
- Adjusted for inflation, Ohio is spending $400 million less on K-12 education in 2025 compared to 15 years ago, despite nominal increases in funding.
- The state has drastically increased funding for charter schools and voucher programs, exceeding inflation, while reducing the share of funding for public school students.
- Ohio public school students are receiving $1.6 billion less in funding, adjusted for inflation, than they did 15 years ago, due to the prioritization of charter schools and vouchers.
- The article argues that Ohio's school funding system is underfunded, unconstitutional, and forces local taxpayers to compensate for the state's failure to adequately fund public schools.
