
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-13-25

EPIC Charter Downsizes, Fires the Principals, Cuts Teachers' Salaries https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/12/epic-charter-downsizes-fires-all-the-princials-cuts-teachers-salaries/ via @dianeravitch
EPIC Charter Schools in Oklahoma faced significant downsizing due to declining enrollment, leading to layoffs of over 350 employees, including 83 teachers and all principals. Remaining staff experienced pay cuts and uncertainty about leadership and the future of the school. This situation has caused some teachers to question the viability and ethics of the charter school model.
### Key Points
- EPIC Charter Schools laid off 357 employees, including teachers and administrators, due to declining enrollment.
- All principal roles were eliminated, leaving teachers unclear about leadership and the school's direction.
- Teachers faced pay cuts, with base salaries reduced significantly, causing dissatisfaction and doubts about the charter school model.
Jan Resseger: Trump's Ugly Budget Bill Defunds Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/12/jan-resseger-trumps-ugly-budget-bill-defunds-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
Jan Resseger: Trump’s Ugly Budget Bill Defunds Public Schools By diane ravitch June 12, 2025 // 1 Jan Resseger is a social justice warrior who fights for the underdog. She describes here how Trump’s budget enacts the fever dreams of evangelicals and billionaires. He would change federal aid from its historic purpose–equitable funding–and turn it into school choice, diverting funds from the poorest children to those with ample resources. Since 1965–for 70 years–federal education funding for public schools has enjoyed bipartisan support. Trump ends it. She writes: Earlier this week,### Key Points
- Trump's FY 2026 budget proposal significantly cuts federal funding for public schools, reducing equity-focused programs while preserving Head Start.
- Federal education funding, historically aimed at addressing inequities, is being redirected to support school choice, including private school vouchers.
- The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) introduces a costly federal tax-credit voucher program, benefiting wealthy donors and private schools at the expense of public education.
- The ECCA lacks quality-control measures, transparency, and evidence of improving education, potentially harming low-income and rural communities.
Orlando: A Tribute to the 49 People Murdered at the Pulse Nightclub in 2016 https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/12/orlando-a-tribute-to-the-49-people-murdered-at-the-pulse-nightclub-in-2016/ via @dianeravitch
Orlando's response to the Pulse nightclub massacre in 2016 is highlighted as a powerful testament to love and unity in the face of tragedy. The community's reaction was characterized by solidarity and rejection of hate, with local leaders planning a memorial for the 49 victims. The article emphasizes Orlando's reputation as a welcoming place for the LGBTQ community and immigrants, despite historical challenges. It also discusses political attempts to exploit prejudice for gain and underscores the importance of unity against divisive tactics.### Key Points
- The Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando in 2016 resulted in 49 deaths and left lasting scars on the community.
- Orlando's response to the tragedy was marked by love and solidarity, with public gatherings in support of the victims.
- The city is recognized for its acceptance of the LGBTQ community and immigrants, providing safe spaces for diverse groups.
- Despite attempts to exploit prejudice, Orlando's communities united against intolerance, forming alliances across different groups.
- Political leaders have used divisive tactics, but the community remains focused on unity and honoring the Pulse victims.
DeSantis Fails to Acknowledge That Victims of Pulse Massacre were LGTB and Hispanic https://dianeravitch.net/2025/06/12/desantis-refuses-to-acknowledge-that-victins-of-pulse-massacre-were-lgtb-and-hispanic/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation to honor the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting but omitted any mention of the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities, which were most affected by the tragedy.
- DeSantis had acknowledged these communities in previous years but has since aligned with efforts to remove references to diversity, equity, and inclusion from public discourse and government platforms.
- Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor and spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, criticized DeSantis for erasing the identities of those most impacted by the massacre.
- Critics argue that DeSantis’ actions reflect a broader trend of targeting marginalized groups and erasing their contributions or struggles from history.
- The article also briefly mentions Senator Alex Padilla's detention during a Homeland Security press conference, highlighting tensions around immigration policies.
Big Education Ape: TRUMP GETS WOKE: TURNS OUT AMERICA RUNS ON IMMIGRANTS (WHO KNEW?) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/trump-gets-woke-turns-out-america-runs.html
Donald Trump's evolving stance on immigration policies. Initially, Trump implemented strict immigration measures that negatively impacted industries reliant on immigrant labor, such as agriculture and hospitality. Recently, he acknowledged the essential role of immigrant workers and hinted at a policy shift, albeit inconsistently. The article also highlights the economic and social consequences of these policies, particularly in California, and critiques Trump's hypocrisy regarding his own organization's reliance on undocumented workers.### Key Points
- A federal judge blocked Trump from deploying California's National Guard without the governor's approval.
- Trump's strict immigration policies caused labor shortages in industries heavily reliant on immigrant workers, leading to economic challenges.
- Trump recognized the importance of immigrant workers but proposed limited solutions, such as employer-vouched legal re-entry for undocumented workers.
- California criticized Trump's immigration crackdown, emphasizing the state's reliance on immigrant labor for its economy.
- Critics point out Trump's hypocrisy, as his businesses have employed undocumented workers while he pursued anti-immigration policies.
Big Education Ape: PEACEFUL PROTEST OR TANKS IN THE STREETS #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/peaceful-protest-or-tanks-in-streets.html
Big Education Ape PEACEFUL PROTEST OR TANKS IN THE STREETS #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong - *PEACEFUL PROTEST OR TANKS IN THE STREETS* Protests are as deeply baked into American history as, well, pie
### Key Points
- Protests have been a vital part of American history, from the Boston Tea Party to modern movements like Black Lives Matter, serving as a tool for societal change and holding power accountable.
- The "No More Kings" rallies, planned for June 14, 2025, aim to protest Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and his $45M military parade, which coincides with his birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
- Trump’s disdain for protests, coupled with threats of "heavy force" against demonstrators, highlights his ongoing challenges to democratic norms and free speech.
- Peaceful protests, rooted in the First Amendment, remain a cornerstone of democracy, emphasizing nonviolent resistance for impactful change.
- Trump's military parade is criticized as an ironic display of power, undermining the very democratic principles the military is meant to protect.
Big Education Ape: WHY DOES TRUMP KEEP REPEATING HIMSELF? PROPAGANDA, THE BIG LIE, AND LESSONS FROM HISTORY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/06/why-does-trump-keep-repeating-himself.html
They Want to Use My Ex-Girlfriend’s Awful Cookie Recipe—And Call It Equity – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/06/12/they-want-to-use-my-ex-girlfriends-awful-cookie-recipe-and-call-it-equity/
A critique of high-stakes testing in education highlights its failure to address systemic inequities and advocates for a shift to community-centered accountability models like the Loving Cities Index and equity audits. These frameworks prioritize holistic indicators of student success, focusing on systemic improvements rather than punitive measures.### Key Points
- High-stakes testing is critiqued for prioritizing optics and aligning with political power rather than addressing student and community needs.
- The author reflects on their experiences with the flawed Texas-style testing model, which punishes disadvantaged communities without addressing root causes.
- Alternative accountability frameworks, such as Community-Based Accountability and the Loving Cities Index, are proposed, emphasizing equity, investment, and community-rooted measures of success.
- The Loving Cities Index tracks 25 equity indicators across domains like care, stability, and capacity, promoting systemic accountability rather than blaming students and educators.
- Equity audits empower communities to uncover disparities in resources and opportunities, enabling them to demand systemic change.
- Combining the Loving Cities Index and equity audits creates a comprehensive approach to advancing educational justice and reimagining accountability.
- The article emphasizes that education policy must consider the broader context of students' lives, including housing, health, and systemic inequities.
- A personal anecdote underscores the importance of addressing systemic inputs rather than solely focusing on outcomes like test scores.
- The author calls for continued advocacy and community action to challenge high-stakes testing and promote equity-focused frameworks.
Trump’s Policies Would Undermine Public School Equity and Launch Costly Federal School Vouchers https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/06/12/trumps-policies-would-undermine-public-school-equity-and-launch-costly-federal-school-vouchers/ via @janresseger
Trump’s proposed FY 2026 budget and the “Big, Beautiful” tax and reconciliation bill pose significant threats to public school equity. While Head Start funding is preserved, the budget cuts $7 billion from K-12 education and maintains flat funding for key programs, effectively reducing resources due to inflation. The budget undermines federal efforts to address educational inequities and introduces the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a tax-credit voucher program favoring private schools. Critics argue it benefits wealthy donors, lacks quality controls, and redirects funds from poor to affluent areas, creating further disparities in public education.### Key Points
- Trump’s FY 2026 budget cuts $7 billion from K-12 education and maintains flat funding for key programs, which undermines equity in public schools.
- The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), hidden in the “Big, Beautiful” bill, introduces a tax-credit voucher program benefiting private schools and wealthy donors.
- The ECCA program lacks transparency, quality controls, and protections against discrimination, potentially worsening educational inequities.
- Critics highlight that the bill could redirect funds from underfunded areas to wealthier regions, favoring affluent families.
Teacher Tom: It's Working https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/its-working.html
### Main Ideas- The article emphasizes the idea from Rutger Bregman’s book "Humankind: A Hopeful History" that our perception of human nature shapes how we interact with others and tackle global challenges.
- The author highlights the innate trustworthiness and fairness of young children, arguing that, when given freedom and facts, they naturally choose fairness and compassion.
- The concept of "mean world syndrome," as introduced by George Gerber, is discussed, describing how media consumption can lead to fear, distrust, and cynicism, making people more susceptible to manipulation.
- The author advocates for spending less time consuming media and more time engaging with real people to foster trust and compassion.
- The blog promotes play-based learning and shares the author's personal journey of teaching and writing, while offering resources like a free download of favorite blog posts.
Education Research Report: Growing influence of neuroscience training risks leaving the teaching profession devalued, https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/06/growing-influence-of-neuroscience.html
### Key Points- The growing trend of neuroscience training for educators can provide reassurance but risks undermining teachers' autonomy and critical thinking, especially if it is prioritized over their pedagogical expertise.
- Neuroscience training should be integrated with teachers' socio-educational knowledge and skills, rather than being treated as the sole or superior approach to teaching.
- Researchers emphasize the importance of respecting teachers’ professional value and ensuring neuroscience training does not devalue their broader understanding of social and educational inequalities.
- A study in Chile revealed that teachers often pursue neuroscience courses to regain professional authority, but the unregulated nature of these courses raises concerns about pseudo-expertise and market-driven motives.
- The study mapped neuroscience-focused CPD courses in Chile from 2007 to 2023 and found a shift in teachers’ pedagogical language and reliance on neuroscience as a dominant knowledge base.
- While some educators find neuroscience training empowering, others criticize its commercialization and potential to weaken teachers' historical and social understanding of education.
Teach Your Children Well https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2025/06/12/teach-your-children-well-2/ via @nancyflanagan
A reflective blog post discusses the fading influence of Michael Moore, his commentary on the Vietnam War, and the importance of teaching children historical truths. It critiques the current political climate, particularly attacks on public education, and highlights the courage of educators advocating for honest, challenging discussions in classrooms. The piece calls for active civic engagement, truth-telling, and fostering peace through education.### Key Points
- Michael Moore’s reflections on the Vietnam War emphasize the need for national reckoning and teaching children historical truths.
- The blog critiques political attacks on education, including targeting teacher unions, universities, and public programs.
- The National Teacher of the Year advocates for using challenging texts and fostering critical thinking, despite divisive topics.
- The post encourages civic engagement, modeling democratic principles, and promoting peace through education.
The Man In The Back https://exceptionaldelaware.com/2025/06/12/the-man-in-the-back/ via @ExcptlDelaware
The article delves into controversies within the Christina School District Board of Education, focusing on racial tensions, allegations of misconduct, and personal grievances among board members. It highlights the interactions between board members Donald Patton, Dr. Amy Trauth, and Kane Dennison-Gomez, along with their disputes over accusations of racism, lawsuits, and governance issues. The article critiques the behavior of various individuals while questioning their motives and leadership effectiveness.### Key Points
- Donald Patton used his last meeting as Board President to criticize three white board members, accusing them of racism and instability.
- Kane Dennison-Gomez, a former Christina student and current paraeducator, is speculated to be positioning himself for a future board seat.
- Dennison-Gomez is suing the Christina Board of Education, alleging misconduct by Dr. Amy Trauth, who he claims shared false information about him.
- Dennison-Gomez accused Trauth of racist behavior and called for her resignation, citing repeated actions he deemed harmful to people of color.
- Patton supported Dennison-Gomez’s claims, alleging racism from Trauth and other board members, while defending his own actions as advocacy.
- The article criticizes Patton for using his position to label dissenting members as racist and for allegedly fostering division within the board.
- Questions were raised about Dennison-Gomez’s impartiality and motives, given his lawsuit against the board and his approval to release emails critical of others.
- The article highlights broader issues of governance, transparency, and the need for unity within the board to address student needs effectively.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: SCOTUS Stands Up for Students with Disabilities and Their Learning https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/scotus-stands-up-for-students-with.html?spref=tw
Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses important issues, including a recent Supreme Court ruling that supports students with disabilities. The case involved a family suing a school district for failing to meet their child’s disability needs, resulting in a landmark decision that lowers the burden of proof for students seeking to enforce their rights under federal disability laws.### Key Points
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of students with disabilities, making it easier to sue under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws.
- A family sued a school district for failing to provide appropriate accommodations, leading to a Supreme Court decision lowering the burden of proof for such cases.
- The case highlighted issues of discrimination and non-compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in schools.
- Additional unrelated posts discuss nepotism in Seattle schools and advanced learning services, highlighting ongoing systemic issues.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Here Is Where Seattle Schools Stands https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/06/here-where-seattle-schools-stands.html?spref=tw
Seattle Public Schools is facing numerous challenges, including leadership transitions, financial woes, scandals, and safety concerns. The district is searching for a new superintendent while dealing with budget issues, potential school closures, and ongoing teacher contract negotiations. The upcoming Board elections could bring significant changes, and the current Strategic Plan's implementation remains uncertain. Safety and mental health support in schools are also pressing issues.### Key Points
- Superintendent Brent Jones is on medical leave, and the Board is conducting a search for his replacement amidst internal debates and athletic scandals.
- The majority of the Board is up for election, potentially introducing new members with limited experience, which could impact governance.
- A new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 is in progress, but its impact on most schools is expected to be minimal.
- Financial challenges persist, with discussions about hiring consultants and possible school closures to save costs.
- Safety concerns, including lawsuits, shootings, and inadequate oversight, highlight the need for better mental health support and student safety measures.
- Teacher contract negotiations continue, with potential implications for the district's financial stability and operations.
glen brown: Bragg Soldiers Cheered Trump's Political Attacks While in Uniform… https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/bragg-soldiers-cheered-trumps-political.html
The article discusses President Donald Trump's controversial speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, during the Army's 250th-birthday week. The speech blurred the line between the military's nonpartisan tradition and partisan politics, as Trump criticized political opponents and encouraged soldiers to cheer and boo in a partisan manner. It also highlights violations of Pentagon policies, including the sale of pro-Trump merchandise on-site and the deliberate selection of soldiers based on appearance and political leanings. Experts and military officials expressed concern over the erosion of the military's professional ethics and neutrality.### Key Points
- Trump's speech at Fort Bragg included partisan attacks and encouraged soldiers to engage in political behavior, violating Pentagon policies.
- Soldiers were screened for political leanings and appearance, raising ethical concerns about neutrality in the military.
- Pro-Trump merchandise was sold on Army property, conflicting with Defense Department regulations.
- Experts warn that the speech signifies a breakdown of military ethics and neutrality, with Trump pushing boundaries further than previous presidents.
- Historical context shows presidents have used troops as backdrops for speeches, but Trump's approach was uniquely partisan.
glen brown: Trump's Latest Big Lie https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/06/trumps-latest-big-lie.html
Trump’s deployment of federal forces in Los Angeles is criticized as unnecessary and unconstitutional, escalating tensions rather than addressing issues. His administration is accused of fabricating chaos to justify militarization, violating laws, and targeting immigrants. Critics highlight his authoritarian tendencies and the misuse of power for political gain.### Key Points
- Trump falsely claimed Los Angeles was a war zone, deploying National Guard and Marines unnecessarily, which escalated violence.
- His administration staged indiscriminate immigration raids to boost deportation numbers, instilling fear in communities.
- Local reports and officials contradicted Trump’s claims of chaos, emphasizing relative calm before federal intervention.
- Critics, including Gov. Newsom, accused Trump of using militarization as a political tool against dissenting states and cities.
- Trump’s actions, including violating the Posse Comitatus Act, are seen as an attack on democracy and First Amendment rights.
Choosing Democracy: No Kings. No Redcoats. No Occupying Armies. https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/06/no-kings-no-redcoats-no-occupying-armies.html
The article discusses the nationwide protests against Donald Trump's administration, focusing on his assumption of neo-royal powers and aggressive immigration policies. The protests coincide with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the founding of the U.S. Army. The article criticizes Trump's use of federal forces to enforce immigration quotas, likening it to an invasion. It highlights the significant role immigrants play in the U.S. economy and politics, particularly in California, and describes efforts to politically mobilize immigrant communities. The article draws parallels between Trump’s actions and historical events, arguing that he is the true invader disrupting American communities.### Key Points
- Nationwide protests are against Trump's neo-royal powers and immigration policies.
- Trump's administration is criticized for using federal forces to enforce immigration quotas.
- Immigrants are vital to the U.S. economy and politics, particularly in California.
- The article draws parallels between Trump's actions and historical invasions, calling him the true invader.
Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
6-12-25
The article discusses various political, social, and educational issues, focusing on critiques of Donald Trump's policies, militarization of civilian areas, educational reforms, and societal challenges. It highlights concerns about authoritarianism, inequality, and the impact of Trump's leadership on democracy and public institutions.
### Key Points
- Donald Trump delivered a partisan speech at Fort Bragg, attacking political opponents, encouraging soldiers to engage in political behavior, and selling campaign merchandise, which violated military neutrality and ethics.
- Trump mobilized federal troops, including Marines and National Guard members, in Los Angeles without state consultation, violating the Posse Comitatus Act and escalating tensions.
- Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump’s actions, accusing him of targeting vulnerable communities and undermining democracy through authoritarian measures.
- Six Nobel laureates criticized the 2025 budget bill for cutting Medicaid and SNAP, favoring wealthy households with tax breaks, exacerbating income inequality, and adding to public debt.
- Nationwide protests, such as "No Kings Day," oppose Trump's $45M military parade and his authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing peaceful dissent as vital to democracy.
- Trump’s use of repetition as a propaganda tool is compared to Nazi techniques, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and societal gullibility.
- The "Science of Reading" movement is criticized for being ideologically driven, ignoring socioeconomic factors, and promoting unproven educational practices.
- The Parent Action Conference 2025 focused on public education issues, advocating for smaller class sizes and educational equity.
- Seattle Public Schools faced sanctions for recruiting violations in Roosevelt High School’s football program, leading to fines and probation.
- Advocacy groups are urging opposition to a budget bill provision banning regulation of AI in education, citing risks to student privacy and educational quality.
- The article critiques modern schooling for isolating children from natural learning processes, advocating for play-based and experiential education.
- Trump’s immigration policies are criticized for targeting vulnerable families and deporting critically ill children, contradicting pro-life claims.
- Historical cycles of science education reforms in the U.S. are discussed, highlighting challenges in implementing meaningful changes.