Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-1-25
Big Education Ape: Labor Day 2025 Quotes, History, Sayings and Solidarity Happy Labor Day! Monday, September 1 #LaborDay #WorkersDeservehttps://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/labor-day-2024-quotes-history-sayings.html
AFT PRESIDENT RANDI WEINGARTEN NEA PRESIDENT BECKY PRINGLE
9-1-25
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker: "Leave Chicago Alone" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/31/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-leave-chicago-alone/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Governor JB Pritzker opposes Trump’s interference in Chicago, emphasizing higher crime rates in red states.
- Pritzker understands the link between poverty and crime and has supported programs for impoverished areas.
- Pritzker’s resistance to deploying troops in poor neighborhoods reflects his focus on addressing systemic poverty issues.
- Historical comparison to Illinois leader John Peter Altgelt, highlighting Pritzker as a voice of reason.
Big Education Ape: IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS CHAOS: A BIBLICAL PARODY OF THE OLIGARCHY’S RAW-DOGGING OF THE CONSTITUTION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/in-beginning-there-was-chaos-biblical.html
### Key Points
- The article uses biblical allegory to critique the erosion of democratic principles in the U.S., highlighting the influence of oligarchs and conservative forces on the Constitution.
- Mitch McConnell's actions in the Senate, including blocking Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination and invoking the "nuclear option," are portrayed as undermining justice and tipping the balance of the judiciary.
- The Supreme Court's adoption of the Unitary Executive Theory is criticized for concentrating executive power and weakening checks and balances.
- The rise of "King Trump" is described as a culmination of Senate and Court complicity, leading to authoritarian governance and agency manipulation.
- The article warns of societal chaos fueled by oligarchic greed, rising inequality, and weakened democratic institutions.
- A call to action emphasizes the importance of voting, organizing, and restoring democratic principles to counter authoritarianism and oligarchy.
Big Education Ape: THE NOVICHOK CANDIDATE: A SHORT STORY BY V. PUTIN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-novichok-candidate-short-story-by-v.html
The article explores fictionalized accounts of Donald Trump’s presidency, allegations of Russian influence, and the unraveling of American institutions. It also touches on public education advocacy, systemic issues, and the influence of billionaires in politics.
### Key Points
- Satirical depiction of Trump’s presidency, alleging Russian influence and chaotic governance.
- Speculation about Trump’s Helsinki meeting with Putin and its potential implications.
- Criticism of Trump’s policies, including immigration crackdowns, diversity program eliminations, and executive orders.
- Alleged connections between Trump, Elon Musk, and Russian oligarchs, raising concerns about election integrity and policymaking.
- Whistleblower investigations into Trump’s administration, uncovering suspicious ties and actions.
- Advocacy for public education reform and resistance against privatization.
Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES Saturday, August 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/saturday-august-23-2025-lets-check-this.html
### Key Points
- A roundup of blog posts and news stories from August 2025 is presented, covering topics like privatization resistance, school shootings, and public education advocacy.
- References to Diane Ravitch’s work and other educational advocacy efforts are included, promoting better public education and resistance to privatization.
Big Education Ape: A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A TRIGGER-HAPPY NATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-modest-proposal-for-trigger-happy.html
Lessons Learned from a Career as Practitioner and Scholar https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/31/lessons-learned-from-a-career-as-practitioner-and-scholar-2/ via @CubanLarry
### Key Points
- The author distinguishes between "tame" problems, which have routine solutions, and "wicked" problems, which are complex, value-laden dilemmas that cannot be fully solved and require ongoing management.
- Wicked problems often involve conflicts between competing values, such as balancing innovation with immediate results or reconciling small school reforms with traditional norms and services.
- The author emphasizes the importance of accepting "good enough" compromises to manage dilemmas, as permanent solutions are rarely achievable.
- School reforms are often driven by value-laden beliefs disguised as solutions, which can lead to clashes during implementation due to unanticipated practical and emotional realities.
- Policymakers often fail to anticipate logistical challenges and value conflicts when implementing reforms, leading to reliance on unrealistic "fairy tale solutions."
AI Red Alert: Robots Will Control Everything That Moves – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/31/ai-red-alert-robots-will-build-everything-that-moves/
### Key Points
- NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang outlines a future where robots and AI systems dominate industries, powered by dual factories—physical for hardware and AI for intelligence.
- Schools must embrace interdisciplinary, project-based learning, integrating STEM, arts, and energy literacy to prepare students for careers in autonomous systems.
- High schools should offer practical experiences in robotics, AI, coding, and energy systems while expanding career and technical education programs.
- Higher education must create new majors like Autonomous Systems Engineering and AI Manufacturing Operations, blending technical mastery with liberal arts for well-rounded graduates.
- Vocational training and industry partnerships are essential for aligning workforce skills with real-world needs, offering agile certifications and hands-on experiences.
- Energy demands for AI factories will surge, requiring investments in renewable energy, grid resilience, and sustainable infrastructure to support autonomous industries.
- Regions with abundant clean energy will gain an economic edge, attracting high-value jobs and industries tied to the autonomous economy.
- Julian Vasquez Heilig advocates for equitable AI systems, ensuring advancements expand opportunities while safeguarding justice and human rights.
Seattle Public Schools sued over alleged bullying, retaliation in food services department https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/seattle-public-schools-sued-over.html?spref=tw
Seattle Public Schools faces a lawsuit from two former employees alleging retaliation, harassment, and discrimination by the director of culinary services. Despite filing formal complaints, the plaintiffs claim their concerns were ignored, leading to a hostile work environment and their eventual resignations. The lawsuit lists multiple legal violations and accuses the district of negligent supervision and retention. Broader concerns about systemic issues, including nepotism and ineffective HR practices, are highlighted as ongoing challenges within the district.
### Key Points
- Two former Seattle Public Schools employees filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation and harassment by the director of culinary services.
- Plaintiffs claim their formal complaints were ignored, leading to resignations due to a hostile work environment.
- The lawsuit lists nine causes of action, including violations of Title VII, ADA, and Washington state laws.
- Broader issues such as nepotism and ineffective HR practices are noted as systemic problems within the district.
The 3 States That Don’t Allow Charter Schools—and Why - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/the-3-states-that-dont-allow-charter-schools-and-why/
- The article discusses the three U.S. states that do not allow charter schools, emphasizing their strong reliance on and support for rural public schools.
- Carol Burris, executive director of the Network for Public Education, explains that these states prioritize traditional public education and are unlikely to adopt charter schools.
- The Network for Public Education is an advocacy group focused on preserving and improving traditional public schools.
- The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepts tax-deductible donations.
Charter school expansion slows amid closures, low enrollment, report says - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/charter-school-expansion-slows-amid-closures-low-enrollment-report-says/
- Charter school growth is slowing due to low enrollment, underperformance, financial issues, and oversight challenges.
- Increasing numbers of charter schools are closing, and fewer new ones are opening, as highlighted in a report by the National Center for Charter School Accountability.
Schools Matter: Did Robert Reich Predict the Future in 1995? http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/did-robert-reich-predict-future-in-1995.html
- 🔮 Predictions on Labor In 1995, Robert Reich warned about the growing divide between workers and the economy, highlighting that jobs were disappearing even as markets thrived. This commentary reflects ongoing issues in the labor market today. source
- 📊 Economic Insights Reich noted that economic policies could lead to inequality and a diminishing middle class, a concern that remains relevant in current economic discussions. source
- 🗣️ Historical Context As a former Secretary of Labor, Reich's insights were shaped by his experiences in government during a time of significant economic change, which continues to echo in today's political discourse regarding labor and economics. source
glen brown: Scammers https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/scammers.html
- The article discusses the "Phantom Hacker" scam targeting seniors, which unfolds in three phases, involving impersonations of tech support, financial institutions, and government agencies to steal victims' funds.
- The FBI reports over $1 billion stolen since 2024, with most victims aged 60 and above, and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding against scams by avoiding remote computer access and verifying claims independently.
- Experts suggest breaking the secrecy and pressure tactics of scammers by consulting trusted individuals or law enforcement before acting. Victims are encouraged to report crimes to the FBI or Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- The blog combines commentary on scams with broader societal issues, such as political dynamics, social justice, healthcare, and environmental concerns.
CURMUDGUCATION: I Took The PragerU Unwoke Teacher Test https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/08/i-took-prageru-unwoke-teacher-test.html
### Key Points
Choosing Democracy: Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Deportation of Guatemalan Children, https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/08/judge-temporarily-blocks-trump.html
- A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting Guatemalan children, citing violations of their due process rights and ignoring special protections for unaccompanied minors.
- The court issued a 14-day prohibition on deportations, although dozens of children were removed from shelters overnight and prepared for deportation.
- The emergency order was prompted by the National Immigration Law Center's legal intervention.
- An emergency hearing was scheduled to determine the legality of deporting the children.
The Teacher-less School Who needs humans when AI can do it all in two hours? https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/the-teacher-less-school
- A charter school model led by MacKenzie Price uses AI for two hours of instruction, followed by students pursuing personal interests and life skills workshops, eliminating the need for human teachers.
- The schools employ "guides" for motivation and support instead of teachers, with tuition set at $40,000 annually.
- Price seeks approval to expand this AI-based cyber charter school model, branded as the "Unbound Academic Institute," into Pennsylvania's cyber school market.
- The cyber charter schools would operate as "public" schools, funded by state resources despite their unconventional approach.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-31-25
8-31-25
The article is a compilation of various blog posts and news updates, highlighting political controversies, education reforms, societal challenges, and public health issues in the U.S. in 2025. It uses satire, historical references, and critical analysis to discuss topics such as authoritarianism, oligarchy, public education advocacy, gun violence, healthcare reforms, and systemic inequities.
### Key Points
- A satirical critique of Mitch McConnell’s judicial strategies portrays his actions as undermining democracy and tipping the judiciary's balance.
- The Supreme Court’s adoption of the Unitary Executive Theory is criticized for concentrating executive power and weakening checks and balances.
- Allegations of Russian influence on Trump’s presidency suggest deep compromises in U.S. institutions.
- Satirical depiction of Trump’s presidency critiques immigration crackdowns, diversity program eliminations, and alleged ties to Russian oligarchs.
- The IRS decision to allow churches to endorse political candidates without losing tax-exempt status sparks debates on church-state separation.
- ADHD medications are being prescribed too quickly to preschoolers, bypassing behavioral therapy guidelines.
- Concerns about Trump’s Medicare changes and tiered healthcare plans highlight systemic challenges in accessing affordable healthcare.
- Trump’s planned deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops in Chicago mirrors historical military resistance during protests.
- Linda McMahon’s policies are criticized for undermining special education progress and federal oversight, risking harm to students with disabilities.
- Calls for action on investigating pedophile coverups and addressing poverty’s impact on education.
- Gun culture and school shootings are critiqued, with satirical proposals for reforms like taxing firearms and holding manufacturers accountable.
- NIH budget cuts under Trump threaten public health research and innovations.
- RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine policies raise concerns about public health risks.
- California establishes an AI in Education Workgroup to address equity and privacy in schools.
- Decline in pleasure reading among Americans sparks discussions on literacy promotion.
- Satirical allegory critiques the erosion of democratic principles under Trump, highlighting oligarchic influence and authoritarian governance.
