DECEMBER 1, 2025
- Mass Shooting in Stockton, California: Four people were killed and 10 others injured in a shooting at a family gathering on November 29, prompting a major investigation and heightened concerns over gun violence in urban areas.
- Record Black Friday Online Sales: U.S. e-commerce sales surged to $11.8 billion on Black Friday, up 9.1% from last year, fueled by inflation-driven deals and a K-shaped economic recovery boosting consumer spending among higher earners.
- Winter Storm Disrupts Midwest Travel: A cross-country storm system caused widespread flight delays and road closures in the Midwest following Thanksgiving, with another front expected to follow, exacerbating post-holiday chaos.
- National Park Entry Fees for Nonresidents: Starting January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents will face new fees to enter select national parks, aiming to fund conservation amid rising visitation.
- End of Longest Government Shutdown: President Trump signed a funding bill on November 12 to resolve the historic shutdown, paving the way for a December Senate vote on health insurance subsidies, though House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed.
- Democrats Sweep Key 2025 Races: In an early referendum on the Trump administration, Democrats won major victories, including Zohran Mamdani's New York City mayoral upset and California's Proposition 50 for redistricting, signaling anti-Trump momentum ahead of midterms.
- Defense Secretary's Controversial Strike Order: Reports revealed Pete Hegseth issued a "kill everybody" directive in Venezuelan boat strikes, killing foreign citizens and sparking bipartisan congressional probes into military ethics.
- Trump Frees GPB Capital CEO: In a pardon move, Trump released David Gentile, convicted in a $1.6 billion Ponzi scheme, drawing criticism over executive clemency patterns.
- Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica: The strongest storm on record to hit Jamaica killed dozens and destroyed neighborhoods, with Google's new AI model praised for accurate forecasting amid broader Atlantic season reflections.
- Thai Flooding Crisis: Severe floods in southern Thailand have killed at least 162, prompting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to announce recovery and compensation plans for affected regions.
- Myanmar Elections Amid Repression: Late-December polls proceed in an atmosphere of fear and violence, with thousands detained and major parties excluded, risking deepened instability per UN rights officials.
- Ukraine Prisoner Crisis: As peace talks loom, challenges persist in repatriating thousands of Ukrainian civilians held in Russian jails, highlighted by one detainee's harrowing account.
- Philippine Anti-Corruption Protests: Demonstrators in Manila burned effigies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during rallies against graft, underscoring public frustration with governance.
- School Closures Due to Cyclone Ditwah: Heavy rains and winds from the cyclone force holidays in Chennai, Tirupati, and other Indian regions on December 1, with red alerts issued for safety.
- AI Integration in U.S. Classrooms: Districts like Elk Grove, CA, expand machine learning curricula, using projects like Titanic survival models to teach AI ethics and data analysis to high schoolers.
- California's 2026 Teachers of the Year: State Superintendent Tony Thurmond honors educators for innovative practices, amid broader pushes for AI workgroups and chronic absence reduction.
- Federal Reforms and Funding Wins: The U.S. Department of Education releases impounded funds ($1B for CA) and announces interagency pacts to streamline bureaucracy, while probing campus protests at UC Berkeley.
- China's Manufacturing Slump: November PMI data shows contraction due to weak domestic demand, declining investment (down 1.7% in fixed assets), and slower industrial growth, raising global trade concerns.
- AI-Driven Job Cuts Rise: U.S. firms eliminated 7,000 jobs due to AI in September alone, with 17,375 for the year, though broader labor market remains stable per Yale study; DOGE policies contribute to federal layoffs.
- Fed Rate Cut Speculation: Minutes reveal divisions over October's cut, with doubts on December action; Treasury yields dip as markets bet on easing amid steady job openings at 7.7M.
- Declining International Student Enrollment: Fewer foreign students at U.S. colleges could cost $1B in revenue, linked to visa issues and economic uncertainty.
- xAI's $15B Funding Close: Elon Musk's xAI nears completion of a massive round in December, accelerating AI infrastructure amid competitive race with OpenAI.
- TSMC Sues Ex-Exec Over Intel Secrets: The chip giant alleges theft of trade secrets, causing stock dip and highlighting U.S.-China tech tensions.
- Microsoft 365 Copilot for SMBs: Launching December at $21/user/month, the AI tool automates emails, docs, and meetings for firms under 300 employees.
- OpenAI's Data Residency Expansion: Over 1M business users gain local data storage options worldwide to comply with regulations, boosting enterprise adoption.
- ChatGPT Settings Spark User Concerns: Adjustments led to emotional distress for some, prompting OpenAI to refine safeguards for mental health impacts.
- HIV Treatment Gaps for Youth: UNICEF warns shrinking funds threaten progress for children with HIV, who lag in diagnosis and care ahead of World AIDS Day.
- Type 1 Diabetes Cure in Mice: Stanford breakthrough uses stem cell transplants to prevent or reverse the disease, offering hope for human trials.
- GLP-1 Drugs Boost Colon Cancer Survival: New data shows 5-year prognosis improves for patients on these weight-loss meds, linking metabolic health to oncology outcomes.
- Ultra-Processed Foods' Global Toll: Rising consumption correlates with worsening health metrics worldwide, per studies urging dietary shifts.
- Purdue Reclaims No. 1 in Men's Basketball: The Boilermakers top the AP poll after a 109-62 rout, with UConn at No. 3 and West Virginia debuting at No. 23.
- Michigan's Historic Upset: No. 18 Wolverines notch their biggest win over a Top 25 foe, setting up a clash with top-ranked UConn.
- NHL: Bruins, Flyers Rally Wins: Boston edges Islanders 3-1; Philadelphia overcomes 2-0 deficit vs. Panthers 4-2, as Tkachuk nears return.
- NBA Cup: Knicks Dominate Hornets: Jalen Brunson drops 33 in 129-101 rout; Celtics snap Pistons' 13-game streak 117-114.
- Virginia Tech Hires James Franklin: Ex-Penn State coach takes Hokies job, first Power 4 hire this offseason.
Big Education Ape: LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK IN REVIEW SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/looking-back-week-in-review-sunday_0218094292.html
### Key Points
- Charitable organizations, such as The Anti-Cruelty Society, encourage donations and offer thank-you letters.
- Discussions on church-state challenges in schools and anti-intellectualism in the U.S. are featured.
- A review of major educational and societal themes, including AI's impact on jobs and public education advocacy.
- Posts emphasize the role of educators, writers, and organizations as advocates for public education.
- Analysis of H-1B visa policies and their implications for the American workforce and education system.
- Weekly and monthly reviews of top news stories, blog posts, and insights.
- Promotion of initiatives like Black Lives Matter at school and Sandy Hook Promise campaigns.
- Diane Ravitch's blog and the Badass Teacher Association are highlighted as resources for educational discussions.
- Advocacy for public education against billionaire oligarchy influence.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0868082577.html
### Key Points
- Public education faces threats from privatization, with bloggers, writers, podcasters, and organizations fighting back to protect it as a public good.
- AI has the potential to replace nearly 12% of the U.S. workforce, with industries such as finance, healthcare, and professional services being heavily exposed. Strategies to adapt include lifelong learning and developing human-centric skills.
- The Trump administration halted Afghan immigration processing following a National Guard shooting incident, sparking debates on immigration policies.
- Northwestern University settled an antisemitism probe with a $75 million agreement, ending federal investigations and restoring funding.
- Environmental crises include Cyclone Ditwah and floods in South Asia, which caused widespread devastation and international aid efforts.
- Technological advancements include Nvidia reaching a $5 trillion valuation due to AI chip demand, Google's AI hurricane model outperforming rivals, and Amazon and OpenAI closing a $38 billion deal.
- The U.S. Department of Education introduced new funding priorities to improve equity, innovation, and accessibility in postsecondary education.
- Cultural reflections on Thanksgiving challenge traditional myths, calling for acknowledgment of Indigenous history and resilience.
- The movie "Wicked: For Good" reimagines the story of Oz, critiquing propaganda, fear-based control, and inherited myths while promoting themes of truth and moral courage.
- Health updates include tightened FDA vaccine rules, links between ultraprocessed foods and health risks, and breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s and cancer treatments.
- Sports highlights include the Lakers advancing in the NBA Cup, Ogier winning his ninth rally title, and NCAA championship games.
- The article critiques U.S.-led regime change wars, economic inequality, and systemic issues in education and healthcare.
- The article reflects on the death of Limp Bizkit’s bassist, Sam Rivers, and his impact on music and culture.
- Global geopolitical tensions include U.S.-Venezuela conflicts, Middle East instability, and U.S.-China trade disputes.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-30-2025.html
### Key Points
- Mass shooting in Stockton, California: Four killed, ten injured at a family gathering.
- Winter storm warnings across the Midwest disrupt travel and daily life.
- Trump administration's controversial immigration and education policies, including halting migration from certain countries and dismantling federal education programs.
- Harvard settles antisemitism probe for $75 million, restoring federal funding.
- Global updates: Sri Lanka floods, Russia-Ukraine war escalation, and Pope Leo XIV's visit to Turkey.
- K-shaped economic divide and investment challenges in China.
- AI advances: Google's hurricane forecasting model and Baidu's AI chip development amid U.S. restrictions.
- Health research: Measles deaths drop, RSV prevention linked to lower asthma risk, and anti-aging molecule discovery.
- Sports highlights: Lakers advance in NBA Cup, Michigan achieves historic basketball win, and Alabama wins Iron Bowl.
Big Education Ape: THE PATRON SAINTS AND WARRIORS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION: BLOGGERS, WRITERS, PODCASTS, AND ORGANIZATIONS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-patron-saints-and-warriors-of.html
The article discusses the challenges faced by public education, likening it to a battlefield where grassroots advocates, such as bloggers, writers, podcasters, and organizations, fight against billionaire-backed privatization efforts. It highlights the role of these "patron saints and warriors" in defending public schools through various platforms and initiatives. The article also lists numerous influential voices and organizations dedicated to protecting and improving public education.
### Key Points
- Public education is under threat from billionaire oligarchs aiming to privatize schools for profit.
- Advocates for public education, including bloggers, writers, podcasters, and organizations, are fighting back using digital platforms and other means.
- Diane Ravitch, a prominent advocate for public schools, is recognized as a key figure in the movement against privatization and corporate reform in education.
- The battle for public education is compared to a David vs. Goliath struggle, with public schools being underfunded yet resilient.
- The privatization of schools is criticized for prioritizing profit over students' education and well-being.
- Corporate media often fails to highlight the issues in public education, focusing instead on sensational stories.
- A comprehensive list of activists and organizations fighting for public education is provided, including blogs, podcasts, and advocacy groups like Big Education Ape, Diane Ravitch’s Blog, Network for Public Education, and many more.
- The article calls for public support for pro-public education candidates in elections to ensure education is treated as a fundamental right rather than a business opportunity.
Big Education Ape: THE TOP NEWS STORIES THIS WEEK 11-23 -25 TO 11-29-25 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-top-news-stories-this-week-11-23-25.html
The article provides an extensive overview of various topics, including public education, movies, politics, world affairs, economy, technology, health, and sports. It highlights key events, updates, and trends from November 23-29, 2025, covering both domestic and international news. The content spans a wide range of areas such as education reforms, technological advancements, geopolitical developments, health policies, and sports highlights.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 29, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01647070797.html
The article compiles a wide range of topics, including U.S. politics, global conflicts, societal issues, education reforms, technological advancements, and health updates. It highlights significant developments, controversies, and broader implications across various domains, emphasizing resilience, equity, and systemic challenges.
Big Education Ape: PROJECT ICEBERG: IS YOUR JOB SAFE FROM AI? (SPOILER ALERT: IT'S COMPLICATED) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/project-iceberg-is-your-job-safe-from.html
The article discusses "Project Iceberg," a study conducted by MIT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory that examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. It reveals that AI is capable of replacing nearly 12% of the U.S. workforce, with industries far beyond Silicon Valley being affected. The study introduces the "Iceberg Index" to measure the overlap between AI capabilities and human skills, highlighting the hidden risks in finance, healthcare, and professional services. The article also explores strategies for individuals, employers, and policymakers to adapt to AI's growing influence, while addressing its societal, cultural, and environmental implications.
ICYMI: Pops Concert Version (11/30) PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/icymi-pops-concert-version-1130
### Key Points
- Peter Greene shares his experience of performing with a 169-year-old town band and celebrating Thanksgiving.
- Criticism of ChatGPT's teacher version and its flaws, highlighting concerns about its use in education.
- Issues surrounding information access and the influence of EdTech companies in classrooms.
- Examination of the Success Academy scandal and its implications for the charter school model.
- Reflections on teaching children empathy and gratitude through holiday traditions.
- Analysis of the deprofessionalization of teachers and helping professions under Trump-era policies.
- Insights into Trump’s definition of professional degrees and its complexities.
- Reactions to Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education and its broader implications.
- Historical context of the Department of Education’s antiracist origins.
- Reports on the negative effects of Texas’s "Don’t Say Gay" law on trans students.
- Criticism of conservative school boards ignoring voter mandates.
- Challenges faced by colleges in addressing generative AI after years of inaction.
- Skepticism about AI in schools, with practical resources and questions for educators.
- Research on gratitude’s positive effects on the brain and life.
- Commentary on Bill Gates’ educational policies and their failures.
More Challenges To Church-State Wall Coming To Schools From Forbes.com PETER GREENE https://curmudgucation.substack.com/p/more-challenges-to-church-state-wall
### Key Points
- The Supreme Court rejected an Oklahoma Catholic charter school’s attempt to challenge the separation of religion and public schools, but two schools are now set to test this principle again.
- Peter Deutsch, representing the National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation, has submitted a proposal for a Jewish charter school in Oklahoma, despite local Jewish leaders opposing the necessity of such a school.
- The proposed school aims to combine Oklahoma’s state-approved academic standards with Jewish religious studies to promote college readiness and Jewish values.
- The school’s approval is expected to face legal challenges, potentially escalating to federal courts, as it mirrors prior cases like St. Isidore.
A Persistent Parent Dilemma: How Much Time Should Young Children Watch Screens? https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/11/30/a-persistent-parent-dilemma-how-much-time-should-young-children-watch-screens/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The article discusses the challenges parents face in deciding how much screen time to allow for their young children, with varying opinions on the use of high-tech devices.
- Author Hannah Rosin suggests that decisions about screen time should be made on a child-by-child basis, emphasizing parental judgment rather than a universal rule.
- The debate includes concerns about how technology impacts brain development, learning habits, and social interactions among young children.
- Parents generally have three choices: doing nothing and giving in to children’s demands, setting rules based on values, or making decisions case-by-case.
- Studies from 2005 and 2011 reveal significant screen time among young children, with a majority watching TV, using computers, or playing video games.
- Professional opinions vary widely, ranging from minimal exposure to technology for young children to embracing high-tech devices as learning tools.
- Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association for Education of Young Children recommend thoughtful, age-appropriate use of technology.
- In 2025, debates about screen time persist, with parents often feeling torn between research-based guidelines and the practical challenges of managing children’s desires for technology.
My Best Posts That Appeared In November Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Monthly highlights of useful educational posts and resources, including "The Best..." lists.
- Resources for teaching the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
- Weekly updates on free and useful AI tools for classrooms.
- Upcoming free webinar on supporting ELLs in content classes.
- Infographic on global carbon emissions and resources for World AIDS Day education.
- Research emphasizing the importance of social skills for employment and its relevance to students.
- Books and practical resources offering research-based instructional strategies across various subjects like Math, Science, Social Studies, and English.
- Tips for motivating students and engaging parents in education, with real-life examples and Q&A-style responses.
- Various teaching practices focused on autonomy, competency, relatedness, and relevance.
- Additional contributions, including blog posts, radio shows, and videos for educators.
When Power Expects Silence – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/30/when-power-expects-silence/
- Charles Woodson, an NFL Hall of Famer, demonstrated courage by prioritizing truth over approval, refusing to retract his criticism of referees despite institutional pressure.
- Woodson faced backlash from teammates, coaches, and the league for his honesty, but he believed that silence in the face of injustice undermines accountability and progress.
- A private acknowledgment from a referee validated Woodson's integrity, showing how truth can quietly influence institutional culture.
- Woodson’s leadership, rooted in consistency and integrity, inspired his teammates and shaped a championship moment during the Super Bowl.
- He emphasized that staying silent during wrongdoing forfeits the moral right to celebrate victories, connecting integrity with meaningful success.
- The article highlights the broader lesson that courage and truth are essential to challenging systems built on compliance and silence.
FROM LOBSTER TAILS TO TALL TALES: MY SUMMER OF CIVIL RIGHTS, RACISTS AND COCA-COLA https://ru4people.substack.com/p/from-lobster-tails-to-tall-tales?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
FROM LOBSTER TAILS TO TALL TALES: MY SUMMER OF CIVIL RIGHTS, RACISTS AND COCA-COLA recounts the author’s humorous and reflective experiences during the summer of 1974 in Georgia, where he encountered both civil rights legends and staunch racists. Through his job as a manager at Red Lobster, he crossed paths with figures like Hosea Williams, a prominent civil rights activist, and J.B. Stoner, a notorious racist. The article weaves personal anecdotes with historical context, showcasing moments of moral dilemmas, courage, and the absurdity of human behavior.
### Key Points
- The author reflects on his summer of 1974, working as a manager at Red Lobster in Georgia, encountering civil rights history and personalities.
- He met Hosea Williams, a civil rights leader, during a union protest at Red Lobster and shared a memorable interaction with him.
- The author also dealt with J.B. Stoner, a racist figure, and recounted instances of standing up against his discriminatory behavior in the restaurant.
- The narrative emphasizes the lesson that heroes come in all forms and highlights the importance of doing the right thing.
The Blogosphere Brigade: Public Education’s Last, Best Hope Against the Oligarchy’s Onslaught https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-blogosphere-brigade-public-educations
Schools Matter: U.S. Anti-Intellectualism Finally Reaches Its Zenith http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/us-anti-intellectualism-finally-reaches.html
### Key Points
- A poll from the journal "Nature" shows 75% of U.S.-based researchers are considering leaving the country due to funding cuts.
- Terence Tao, a UCLA professor and prominent mathematician, expressed concerns about the sustainability of research in the U.S. due to reduced funding.
- The Trump administration's budget cuts, including a $1 billion suspension in National Science Foundation grants, have impacted research institutions like UCLA.
- Scientists, including those like Tao, are contemplating moving to other countries with more stable funding opportunities.
- Researchers such as Daniella Fodera and Anna Darling have faced disruptions in their research funding, leading them to explore options abroad.
- Some scientists, like Stephen Jones, have already left the U.S. for countries that value and support research more strongly.
- Other nations, such as those in the European Union, are leveraging the U.S. funding cuts to attract American researchers by offering grants and better opportunities.
glen brown: Consider Donating to These Charities https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/consider-donating-to-these-charities.html
### Key Points
- The blog reflects on the role of writers in society, quoting Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus about the importance of resisting oppression and maintaining independence.
- Highlights various social and political issues such as pensions, COVID-19, environmental concerns, and systemic racism.
- Discusses global topics, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Ukraine, and U.S. political dynamics under Donald Trump.
- Advocates for social justice, fair taxation, and addressing domestic and global injustices.
- Recommends donations to several charities, including Doctors Without Borders and Defenders of Wildlife.
- Features poetry, humor, and reflections on literature and art, including works by Gwendolyn Brooks and others.
- Critiques political figures and policies, including Trump’s administration, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and U.S. government inefficiencies.
- Explores themes of higher education challenges, particularly for adjunct faculty, and issues of healthcare access.
- Lists a variety of personal interests and topics such as music, sports, and family.
Hegseth gave orders to 'kill survivors.' Will he be prosecuted? Thrown under the bus? Given the Peace Prize? MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/hegseth-gave-orders-to-kill-survivors
### Key Points
- Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary, allegedly ordered the killing of unarmed survivors of a missile strike on boats accused of drug trafficking, despite no legal basis for such actions under international law or the Geneva Convention.
- U.S. military has conducted at least 21 lethal strikes on boats allegedly carrying narcotics, killing over 80 people, though these actions are criticized as unlawful and akin to murder.
- Soldiers are caught in a legal and moral dilemma, as following unlawful orders makes them personally liable, with historical precedents like the Nuremberg trials affirming that "just following orders" is no defense.
- Admiral Alvin Holsey, a high-ranking official, resigned amidst concerns over the U.S. military’s mission in the Caribbean and Central America, which has been criticized as targeting civilians and being racially biased in its leadership.
- Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted of drug trafficking, was controversially pardoned by Trump, who framed Venezuela as a narco-state to justify military actions, despite lack of evidence connecting Venezuela to the U.S. fentanyl trade.
- Private companies and AI firms are profiting from the U.S. military’s operations in the Caribbean by selling technology claimed to assist in combating drug trafficking, despite questionable motives and effectiveness.
'An Education' by Diane Ravitch -- My Review https://garyrubinstein.wordpress.com/2025/11/30/an-education-by-diane-ravitch-my-review/ via @garyrubinstein
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch's memoir chronicles her journey from childhood in Houston to becoming a prominent education historian.
- The book combines Ravitch's life story with reflections on key moments that shaped her personal and professional growth.
- Ravitch’s writing is efficient, precise, and emotionally resonant, skillfully condensing complex stories into impactful vignettes.
- The memoir includes humorous and poignant anecdotes, such as encounters with famous figures like Madeleine Albright and Isaac Asimov.
- Ravitch explores her personal life, including her quest for love and purpose, and her eventual relationship with her soulmate of 40 years.
- The book highlights her professional evolution, including her time in the Department of Education and her shift in educational philosophy, emphasizing her commitment to truth.
- Ravitch’s story inspires readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, emphasizing the value of integrity and personal growth.
Choosing Democracy: How Mandami and Democratic Socialists Win - https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/11/how-mandami-and-democratic-socialists.html
### Key Points
- The article examines the political climate in the U.S., where terms like "socialism" and "communism" are used as political epithets, especially by Republicans, to discredit Democratic candidates.
- Historically, socialism in the U.S. suffered during the Red Scare but has been integral to progressive reforms like Social Security, Medicare, and labor rights.
- Over the last decade, Americans, especially those under 50, have become more open to socialist candidates and policies that address wealth inequality, healthcare, and other social issues.
- The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has seen a significant increase in membership, growing from 8,000 in 2015 to over 80,000 today, with a younger and more active demographic.
- Democratic socialist candidates like Mamdani and Wilson have achieved electoral success by focusing on practical and progressive policies such as free public transit, rent freezes, universal pre-K, and city-owned grocery stores.
- Historical examples of socialist influence in U.S. politics include Milwaukee's "sewer socialists," who implemented progressive policies in the early 20th century, and figures like Eugene V. Debs and Norman Thomas, who championed reforms later adopted by the New Deal.
- Public opinion in the U.S. has shifted, with a majority of Americans supporting progressive policies like higher taxes on the wealthy, universal healthcare, affordable childcare, and stronger labor unions.
- The article argues that the focus of democratic socialism in the U.S. is not on authoritarian socialism but on social democracy, modeled after Scandinavian countries with strong social safety nets and economic equality.
- The article highlights the challenges faced by socialist politicians in governance, including opposition from powerful business lobbies and navigating legislative constraints.
- The author emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism and coalition-building to advance progressive policies and overcome resistance from entrenched interests.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That, November 30,2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/11/this-and-that-november-302025.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Newly elected Mayor Katie Wilson's transition team includes Seattle School Board Director Joe Mizrahi and former SPS teacher Jesse Hagopian.
- Seattle leads U.S. cities with over 70% of residents aged 25+ holding at least a bachelor's degree, a first for any major city.
- A lawsuit alleges Seattle Public Schools failed to address antisemitic harassment of a Jewish student at Nathan Hale High School, including threats and discrimination.
- Another lawsuit accuses SPS of covering up sexual abuse by staff at Queen Anne High School between 1968-1970.
- Concerns about systemic issues in Seattle Public Schools, including nepotism and inadequate responses to discrimination and misconduct.
The need to strengthen student privacy against breaches, commercial exploitation & expansion of AI | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/the-need-to-strengthen-student-privacy-presentation-to-parent-action-conference/
## Introduction
The presentation by Leonie Haimson from the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen student privacy protections in light of data breaches, commercial exploitation, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
## Background on Student Privacy Legislation
- **NYS Ed Law §2-d**: Enacted in 2014 in response to the inBloom controversy, which involved the collection and sharing of student data without adequate protections. This law mandates that all school vendors with access to student Personally Identifiable Information (PII) must adhere to strict privacy standards and transparency requirements [2][3].
- **Parent Coalition Formation**: Established in June 2014, this coalition arose from parents' concerns over inadequate federal privacy laws, leading to the passage of over 100 new state laws [2].
## Key Protections Under Ed Law §2-d
- **Contractual Obligations**: Vendors must sign contracts detailing how they will protect student data, which must be publicly posted [3].
- **Data Security Measures**: PII must be encrypted and access minimized. Parents have rights to access and challenge their children's data [3].
- **Breach Notification**: Parents must be informed of any data breaches within 60 days [3].
## Definition and Importance of Student PII
- **What Constitutes PII**: Includes names, contact information, social security numbers, and educational records. This data is sensitive and can be exploited if not properly secured [4].
- **Risks of Data Breaches**: Identity theft, excessive monitoring, racial profiling, and negative impacts on students' futures are significant concerns [5].
## Breaches and Compliance Issues
- **Recent Breaches**: Multiple incidents, including the Illuminate breach affecting over a million students, highlight the Department of Education's (DOE) failure to enforce compliance with privacy laws [6][7].
- **PowerSchool Case Study**: A significant breach in early 2025 exposed extensive student data, raising concerns about DOE's communication and compliance with breach notification regulations [7][8].
## Ongoing Privacy Threats
- **Continued Use of Risky Programs**: Despite known vulnerabilities, the DOE allows the use of various PowerSchool products that collect extensive student data without adequate protections [9][10].
- **Inadequate Oversight**: Reports indicate that the DOE has not enforced stringent security measures, leading to repeated breaches and insufficient incident reporting [11].
## Legislative and Regulatory Concerns
- **Weakening of Privacy Regulations**: Recent revisions to the Chancellor’s regulations could allow broader sharing of sensitive PII without proper safeguards [16][17].
- **Health Records Protection**: Proposed changes could exempt health records from existing privacy protections, risking further exploitation of sensitive data [18].
## Recruitment Practices by Charter Schools
- **Data Sharing for Recruitment**: The DOE has been criticized for sharing student information with charter schools, raising concerns about privacy violations and the efficacy of opt-out processes [19].
## Call to Action
- **Engagement and Advocacy**: The Parent Coalition encourages parents to participate in protecting student privacy, including opting out of unnecessary data disclosures and advocating for stronger regulations on AI use in education [20].
## Conclusion
The briefing underscores the critical need for robust student privacy protections amidst increasing data vulnerabilities and calls for active participation from parents and stakeholders to ensure compliance and advocacy for student rights.
