Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch condemns political violence and reflects on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, likening it to past political assassinations.
- She critiques the Supreme Court and GOP for blocking gun control measures, citing a Florida court ruling against open-carry bans as an example.
- Gun violence is highlighted as the leading cause of death for children and teens, with active shooter drills becoming a norm in schools.
- Ravitch mourns other victims of gun violence, such as Melissa Hortman, and questions the inconsistency in public tributes.
Greg Olear: Defying Trump: Lessons from 1933. Part One. https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/10/greg-olear-defying-trump-lessons-from-1933-part-one/ via @dianeravitch
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- Greg Olear draws parallels between the rise of Hitler and Trump, emphasizing how authoritarianism can emerge through manipulation and societal complacency.
- Sebastian Haffner's memoir "Defying Hitler" provides insight into how the German people reacted to Hitler's rise, highlighting the dangers of failing to resist authoritarianism.
- The timeline of Hitler's consolidation of power in 1933 is compared to current political events in the U.S., warning against the erosion of democratic norms.
- Haffner's analysis serves as a cautionary tale for modern democracies, stressing the importance of recognizing historical patterns to prevent tyranny.
Susan B. Glasser: Trump's Losing Streak in Federal Courts Continues https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/10/susan-b-glasser-trumps-losing-streak-in-federal-courts-continues/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Susan B. Glasser highlights Trump's repeated losses in federal courts due to his unconstitutional actions.
- Federal judges have blocked Trump's initiatives, including tariffs, troop deployments, and funding cuts, citing legal overreach.
- Trump's assertion of unlimited presidential power is compared to that of a king or dictator.
- The article questions whether the Supreme Court will overturn these rulings against Trump.
- Glasser critiques Trump's governance style as chaotic and authoritarian, prioritizing unchecked power.
Why America Still Needs Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/10/why-america-still-neds-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Public schools were established to serve all children and contribute to societal betterment, ensuring inclusivity through demands from parents, activists, courts, and legislators.
- The Trump administration has undermined public education by cutting funding, weakening the Department of Education, and diverting taxpayer money to private schools.
- Public education is a public good that fosters democracy, equality, and societal well-being, as envisioned by Horace Mann, the pioneer of free public schooling.
- Historical investments in public education have created an educated workforce, supported innovation, and strengthened democracy, exemplified by initiatives like the GI Bill.
- Efforts to promote private education over public schools threaten the principle of universal education and exacerbate inequality in learning opportunities.
- Private schools can select their students, unlike public schools, which aim to educate all children without discrimination.
- Critics argue that dismantling public education serves the interests of the wealthy and undermines democracy, while public schools emphasize factual education and inclusivity.
Big Education Ape: THE AI SMACKDOWN: I CHALLENGED THE AI OVERLORDS ON TEACHER GRIPES ABOUT BOTS IN THE CLASSROOM, AND BOY, DID THEY DELIVER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-ai-smackdown-i-challenged-ai.html
The article provides a detailed exploration of K-12 educators' concerns and criticisms regarding the integration of AI technologies in classrooms. It evaluates five AI models—Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT-4, ChatGPT-5, and Copilot—based on their responses to teacher concerns, highlighting issues such as academic integrity, critical thinking erosion, biases, privacy concerns, and equity gaps. The article concludes with recommendations and strategies for addressing these challenges while emphasizing the importance of preserving authentic learning and teacher-student relationships.
### Key Points
- Teachers express concerns about AI enabling academic dishonesty and hindering skill development, such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
- AI tools often perpetuate biases and inaccuracies, raising ethical concerns about their use in classrooms.
- Privacy and security issues arise from AI's collection of student data, with fears of breaches and misuse.
- Equity gaps are exacerbated as wealthier districts benefit from better AI tools, leaving underprivileged students behind.
- AI's overuse can reduce social interaction, isolate students, and diminish teacher roles, impacting emotional and motivational development.
- Teachers report feeling unprepared due to lack of training and support for integrating AI into their teaching methods.
- AI's potential for workload reduction is offset by the additional effort required to verify its outputs and adapt its tools effectively.
- Concerns about AI's environmental impact, cost sustainability, and vendor lock-in complicate its implementation.
- Strategies recommended include clearer AI usage policies, professional development, equity-focused access, and process-based grading.
- AI literacy lessons and controlled scaffolding can help mitigate risks while fostering critical thinking and ethical use.
- Teachers emphasize the need for systemic policies to address AI challenges, ensuring it enhances rather than undermines education.
Big Education Ape: THE NATION’S REPORT CARD: A TALE OF DEEP DOO-DOO, BILLIONAIRES, AND THE BIG LIE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-nations-report-card-tale-of-deep.html
The article critiques the decline in America's education system, as highlighted by the Nation's Report Card. It attributes falling scores in science, math, and reading to systemic issues like poverty, privatization, and income inequality, rather than blaming teachers or students. The piece argues that privatization has worsened educational disparities, benefiting wealthy families while underfunding public schools in poorer areas. It calls for reinvestment in public education and addressing poverty to reverse the trend.
### Key Points
- The Nation's Report Card shows significant declines in student performance, with science, math, and reading scores dropping since 2019.
- Poverty and income inequality are major drivers of poor educational outcomes, yet often overlooked in discussions about reform.
- Privatization efforts, including charter schools and vouchers, have deepened inequalities and led to resegregation in education.
- Billionaires and corporate interests push privatization for profit, ignoring its negative impact on public schools and disadvantaged students.
- Addressing poverty and fully funding public schools, especially in low-income areas, are essential steps to improve education.
Charlie Kirt Shot: No More Bullets in Our Politics, No More Blood in Our Communities – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirt-shot-no-more-bullets-in-our-politics-no-more-blood-in-our-communities/
Former WMU provost Julian Vasquez Heilig reflects on his decision to step down from his role and his future plans. He discusses the importance of taking a stand against injustice, his proposed exchange program for students and scholars affected by war, and how setbacks can refine one's path. Vasquez Heilig emphasizes his commitment to civil rights, leadership, and advocacy, and shares his journey of finding his voice again as a scholar. He now teaches leadership-focused courses and continues his work in education policy and equity.
### Key Points
- Julian Vasquez Heilig stepped down as WMU provost to focus on teaching, advocacy, and supporting students during challenging political times.
- He proposed an exchange program for students and faculty affected by war, though it was not implemented.
- Vasquez Heilig highlights that failure can refine rather than define, helping individuals reimagine their paths.
- He actively opposes neutrality in the face of injustice, considering it complicity, and has joined student protests to support their voices.
- He received the NAACP Keeper of the Flame award for his commitment to justice and civil rights advocacy.
- Vasquez Heilig teaches leadership courses and continues his research on equity and accountability in education.
- He authors the "Without Fear or Favor" newsletter and publishes reflections on education, democracy, and politics.
Teacher Tom: When We are Free to Seek Our Own Answers https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/when-we-are-free-to-seek-our-own-answers.html
- The article reflects on the American democratic principle of the "pursuit of happiness," emphasizing the freedom to seek personal answers and explore one's own path in life.
- It highlights the importance of self-directed learning and curiosity, particularly in children, who naturally focus on the immediate pursuit of meaning through play and exploration.
- The author argues that education in a democracy should center on allowing individuals the freedom to discover their own truths and meaning in life.
- The blog includes additional resources for educators and parents, such as free downloadable materials and ideas for fostering play-based learning environments.
- Teacher Tom shares his professional background and invites readers to connect with him for speaking engagements or collaborations.
glen brown: Trump's Attempts at Sabotaging Our Elections https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/trumps-attempts-at-sabotaging-our.html
### Key Points
- Trump falsely claims massive voter fraud and seeks control over state election processes, contradicting constitutional provisions.
- The Justice Department is gathering voter data, including sensitive information, raising concerns about voter intimidation and suppression.
- Efforts to disqualify voters using national data and AI are alarming, reflecting a broader Republican strategy to suppress votes.
- Historical context shows similar attempts by Trump allies in 2017, which failed due to public backlash.
- Michigan and Missouri examples illustrate attempts to subvert democracy through redistricting and fake elector schemes.
- The article calls for activism to protect voting rights, emphasizing their role in preserving democracy.
Breaking News: Tarbiyah School Closed https://exceptionaldelaware.wordpress.com/2025/09/10/breaking-news-tarbiyah-school-closed/ via @ExcptlDelaware
### Key Points
- The Tarbiyah School in Bear, Delaware, an Islamic-centered institution run by Dr. Amna Latif, has closed due to shrinking enrollment and controversies related to financial improprieties during a pandemic food drive.
- Allegations include over-reporting meals distributed during the Covid pandemic, leading to $12 million in federal reimbursements, which should have been significantly less.
- Dr. Naveed Baqir, Latif's husband and a Christina Board of Education member, has been in Pakistan since January 2024, claiming to attend medical school but providing no proof. He remains on the board despite legislative efforts to remove him and is reportedly under federal investigation.
- Baqir has avoided indictments by staying in Pakistan.
- The school's website has disappeared, and parents are now seeking alternative schools for their children, with Christina School District preparing to accommodate these students.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Race, District 5 - White v Song https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/seattle-school-board-race-district-5.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- The race between Janis White and Vivian Song is notable, as both candidates are highly qualified with distinct expertise: White excels in Special Education, while Song specializes in budget matters.
- Both candidates oppose school closures, emphasizing the need for transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes.
- They share concerns about SOFG governance, citing limitations on board discussions and a lack of transparency in test-focused goals.
- Song advocates for Board representation on the Weighted Staffing Standards Committee to address budget issues, while White suggests better explanations for spending on Special Education students sent outside the district.
- White supports maintaining cohort schools for Highly Capable students for now, while emphasizing the need for a strategic plan for Special Education.
- Song highlights cultural challenges within Seattle Public Schools, focusing on improving service to schools and addressing the district's attitude toward parents.
- Both candidates express dedication to serving their full terms and prioritize student welfare in their decision-making.
Schools Matter: Where Are Media Investigative Teams? Victims of Pedophiles Want to Know http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/09/where-are-media-investigative-teams.html
### Key Points
- The article highlights James Coleman's perspective that peer characteristics influence a child's learning more than teacher traits.
- Raises concerns about the lack of investigative media teams addressing pedophilia cases, linking it to figures like Trump and Epstein.
- Discusses broader issues such as poverty's impact on education, the increase in standardized testing, and corporate influence on education reform.
- Mentions various educational topics, including teacher experiences, pharmaceutical practices in schools, and the effects of "No Excuses" teaching.
- Provides a historical and critical review of education policies, testing practices, and their implications on public schools.
Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: The Puzzle of Similar Teaching in Universities and High Schools: Using High-Tech Devices | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/puzzle
### Key Points
- Incremental changes in teaching include more group work, guided discussions, and technology use, but overall methods remain similar.
- High school and university teaching share patterns despite differences in governance, goals, and student attendance.
- Technology integration in classrooms has increased but has not significantly altered teaching methods.
- Universities prioritize research and knowledge dissemination, influencing class structures and teaching approaches.
- High schools focus on content absorption and skill development, with widespread technology endorsement among teachers.
The UN vote that never happened Apology and retraction. https://klonsky.substack.com/p/the-un-vote-that-never-happened
The UN vote that never happened
- The author initially reported a false story about the UN General Assembly voting to relocate its session from New York to Geneva due to U.S. visa restrictions on Palestinian officials.
- The story was widely circulated on social media and seemed plausible due to historical precedents, such as the 1988 relocation to Geneva for Yasser Arafat.
- The false information originated from the International Middle East Media Center and was further validated by AI tools, which provided inaccurate sources and analysis.
- The UN officially denied the claim, stating no vote occurred and that the General Assembly's session would remain in New York.
- The author apologized for the mistake, emphasizing the importance of rigorous verification and accountability in storytelling.
Choosing Democracy: The Steady Work of Moral Resistance https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-steady-work-of-moral-resistance.html
- The article discusses the ongoing resistance to authoritarianism in the United States, focusing on moral movements and public demonstrations like "No Kings Day" against the Trump regime's abuses.
- Actions by the administration, such as illegal firings, canceling federal grants, corporate shakedowns, and violations of Congressional authority, are highlighted as part of a strategy to overwhelm opposition.
- The importance of sustained moral resistance and organizing efforts to counter authoritarianism and protect democracy is emphasized.
- The blog post is part of a broader platform advocating for anti-racism, labor organizing, and resisting fascism, reflecting the author's commitment to democratic education and activism.
The Responsible Opposition The oxymoron at work. https://arthurgoldstein.substack.com/p/the-responsible-opposition
The Responsible Opposition
- The author critiques Unity Caucus for lack of transparency in contract negotiations, particularly regarding health plans, and calls for clarity and accountability.
- Retiree Advocate (RA), initially seen as opposition to Unity, is criticized for aligning with Unity and failing to represent rank-and-file members effectively.
- Unity uses fear tactics to push Medicare Advantage plans, threatening premiums for municipal employees if retirees don’t comply.
- Medicare Advantage plans were blocked due to efforts by Marianne Pizzitola and NYC Retirees, not Unity Caucus. Unity is accused of hypocrisy and misleading narratives.
- The article emphasizes the need for genuine opposition to Unity that prioritizes transparency and member representation over political alliances.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-10-25
https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0451183421.html
### Summary
The article provides a compilation of blog posts and discussions covering a wide range of societal, political, and educational topics. It highlights issues like privatization in education, AI integration, systemic inequalities, and political controversies, emphasizing the need for equity, transparency, and grassroots activism.
### Key Points
- Denver school board elections are increasingly shaped by campaigns funded by billionaire-backed organizations promoting charter schools, undermining local governance.
- Trump ordered an attack on a boat in international waters, killing 11 people, raising concerns about unchecked presidential power and lawlessness.
- Authoritarian leaders mock Trump as unserious, citing diminished global influence and manipulation by Vladimir Putin.
- Teachers express concerns about AI tools in classrooms, citing issues like academic dishonesty, biases, privacy, and equity gaps.
- The privatization of education deepens inequalities, with billionaires pushing charter schools and vouchers for profit.
- Ohio charter schools spend significantly more on administration compared to public schools, highlighting inefficiencies in private sector education funding.
- Judge Burroughs' decision protects academic freedom by blocking Trump administration efforts to impose ideological control on educational institutions.
- The Supreme Court's decision on racial profiling in immigration enforcement contrasts with its rejection of race-conscious college admissions, showcasing double standards.
- Trump's misuse of military resources and symbolic gestures undermines morale and public trust in the armed forces.
- Self-directed learning fosters creativity and critical thinking, contrasting with traditional schooling's rigid methods that suppress curiosity.
- New Mexico becomes the first U.S. state to offer free universal child care, promoting financial stability and equitable access.
- Trump's "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago targets undocumented immigrants, sparking criticism for ideological motives and fear-driven tactics.
- AI's societal impacts, including disinformation, exploitation, and environmental costs, are criticized for prioritizing profit over ethical considerations.
- NEPC emphasizes learning about LGBTQ topics in schools and provides resources to improve educational equity.
- Teachers are often excluded from decisions about technology adoption in classrooms, undermining their professional judgment.
- The Nation’s Report Card reveals declines in student performance due to systemic issues like poverty and underfunding of public schools.
- AI technologies are critiqued for lacking true intelligence and posing ethical, environmental, and societal challenges.
- Advice for younger generations often ignores structural challenges like unaffordable housing and low wages, emphasizing the need for systemic changes.
- Gavin Newsom’s combative approach against Trump could position him as a strong contender for the 2028 elections, but immediate action is needed.
- Advocacy for equitable education, transparency, and community engagement remains a priority amidst privatization and funding cuts.
