Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-24-25
Why Authoritarians Fear Comedians https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/23/why-authoritarians-fear-comedians/ via @dianeravitch
Why Authoritarians Fear Comedians explores how authoritarian regimes suppress satire and dissent, fearing ridicule as a potent delegitimizing force. The article highlights historical and contemporary examples of censorship, emphasizing the importance of humor in preserving democracy and truth-telling.### Key Points
- Authoritarians fear ridicule because it undermines their power more effectively than arguments, leading to censorship of satire and comedians.
- Silencing comedians reflects broader efforts to suppress dissent in universities, journalism, and public discourse under authoritarian administrations.
- Censorship arrives gradually, justified as minor exceptions, but collectively erodes democratic freedoms and critical thinking.
- Fictional narratives, like Skyler Fusaro's letter from 2092, warn against the dangers of suppressing curiosity and dissent in education under authoritarian rule.
John Thompson: How to Understand the Conflicting NOLA Narratives https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/23/john-thompson-how-to-understand-the-conflicting-nola-narratives/ via @dianeravitch
The article critically examines the impact of post-Hurricane Katrina education reforms in New Orleans, highlighting conflicting narratives about their success. While some praise the reforms for increasing test scores, graduation rates, and college admissions, others criticize the reliance on test-driven methods, school closures, and inequities. The reforms led to increased segregation, high teacher turnover, and reduced stability for students, with critics questioning whether improvements in test scores truly reflect meaningful learning. Transparency in analyzing outcomes and addressing stakeholder distrust remain ongoing challenges.### Key Points
- The post-Katrina education reforms in New Orleans are debated as either a success or a failure, with conflicting narratives about their impact.
- Critics highlight issues such as segregation, misuse of test scores, and the focus on test-driven reforms that neglect broader educational goals.
- Research shows initial gains in test scores and English language proficiency but stagnation and decline in later years, raising doubts about lasting improvements.
- The reforms led to increased teacher turnover, reduced Black teacher representation, and instability for students due to frequent school closures.
- The reforms prioritized accountability measures that contributed to inequities and strained relationships among stakeholders, with calls for greater transparency and trust-building.
Kristi Noem Oversaw as ICE Broke into a Home at 5:30 AM and Arrested 2 U.S. Citizens https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/23/kristi-noem-oversaw-as-ice-broke-into-a-home-at-530-am-and-arrested-a-u-s-citizen/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points- ICE agents conducted a pre-dawn raid in Illinois, forcibly entering a home, detaining five people, including two U.S. citizens, and damaging property.
- The homeowner, a U.S. citizen born in Texas, was handcuffed and publicly portrayed as a criminal despite being released shortly after proving his citizenship.
- Witness accounts described the raid as aggressive, with agents masked and armed, raising concerns about rights violations and professionalism.
- Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary, was present during the operation, which critics argue was a dangerous and unprofessional photo op.
- ICE's tactics under Trump’s administration have shifted towards more aggressive and controversial practices, drawing comparisons to authoritarian regimes.
- Critics, including former ICE officials, emphasized the risks and ethical concerns of high-ranking officials participating in enforcement actions.
- Public outrage continues over ICE’s methods and the administration’s broader push for unchecked executive power.
Trump Excoriates the United Nations, Praises Himself, Mocks Climate Change https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/23/trump-excoriates-the-united-nations-praises-himself-mocks-green-energy/ via @dianeravitch
Trump's speech at the United Nations General Assembly showcased his combative rhetoric, self-praise, and criticism of global efforts on migration, climate change, and international conflicts. He accused the UN of inefficiency, promoted his administration's achievements, and criticized countries like Russia, China, and India for their roles in global issues. Trump rejected climate change initiatives, opposed Palestinian statehood, and demanded Hamas release hostages, while boasting about his poll numbers.### Key Points
- Trump criticized the UN for inefficiency and claimed it fails to solve global conflicts effectively.
- He portrayed himself as a peacemaker, suggesting he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for ending wars.
- Trump threatened sanctions on Russia while urging Europe to reduce dependency on Russian energy.
- He criticized China and India for supporting Russia through oil purchases and condemned their actions.
- Trump denounced uncontrolled migration, calling it a crisis ruining nations, and dismissed climate change as a scam.
- He opposed Palestinian statehood recognition, demanded Hamas release hostages, and called for unity against terrorism.
Glenn Kessler Fact-Checks Trump's Speech at the UN https://dianeravitch.net/2025/09/23/glenn-kessler-fact-checks-trumps-speech-at-the-un/ via @dianeravitch
Glenn Kessler fact-checks Donald Trump’s speech at the United Nations, highlighting numerous false claims and exaggerations. Trump portrays himself as a peacemaker, economic genius, and global leader while misrepresenting data on inflation, wages, investment, energy, and climate change. Kessler debunks these assertions, providing evidence of inaccuracies and fabricated statistics. Trump’s rhetoric often distorts reality, creating a narrative that aligns with his self-image rather than facts.### Key Points
- Glenn Kessler critiques Trump’s speech, noting his self-aggrandizing and false claims.
- Trump’s statements on inflation, economic recovery, and wages are factually inaccurate.
- Claims about investment figures and ending wars are exaggerated or fabricated.
- Trump misrepresents U.S. isolation and his role in global diplomacy.
- Assertions about climate change predictions and renewable energy are misleading.
- Trump falsely accuses the Biden administration of losing 300,000 children to trafficking.
- His remarks on crime reduction and energy costs distort reality.
- Trump’s rhetoric reflects a pattern of rewriting history and creating an alternate narrative.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS II -TECH TITANS AND TRUST BUSTERS: HOW AMERICA'S GADGET FETISH IS HANDING DEMOCRACY TO THE BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/no-kings-ii-tech-titans-and-trust.html
Lawmakers and activists are calling for investigations into alleged corruption involving Trump administration officials and broader concerns about the erosion of democracy due to corporate monopolies, media consolidation, and unchecked technological advancements. The article highlights historical trust-busting efforts and advocates for renewed antitrust action to counter the growing influence of billionaires and tech giants.
### Key Points
- Allegations of corruption in the Trump administration spark calls for investigations and impeachment proceedings.
- The article critiques America's "gadget fetish," which enables tech billionaires to dominate democracy through monopolies and AI.
- Historical examples of monopolistic practices, such as Standard Oil's dominance, illustrate the dangers of unchecked corporate power.
- Trust-busting laws like the Sherman and Clayton Acts historically curbed monopolies, but deregulation since the 1980s has weakened antitrust enforcement.
- Supreme Court rulings, including Citizens United, have amplified corporate influence in politics, undermining democratic processes.
- Media ownership concentration by figures like Rupert Murdoch and Elon Musk threatens unbiased journalism and civic discourse.
- AI tools are enabling oligarchs to manipulate public opinion and further entrench monopolistic control.
- The article calls for a new wave of trust-busting reforms to dismantle tech monopolies, regulate media mergers, and curb political donations.
Big Education Ape: THE GREAT AI NEWS SMACKDOWN: WHO NAILED IT AND WHO NEEDS A REBOOT? Monday, September 22, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-great-ai-news-smackdown-who-nailed_22.html
The article discusses the performance of four AI models—Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot—in analyzing and reporting major news stories on September 22, 2025. It critiques their approaches, highlights their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately declares Grok the winner for its comprehensive and balanced coverage. The content also touches on global events, political developments, and the role of AI in shaping news consumption.
### Key Points
- Lawmakers are demanding investigations into alleged corruption involving a $50,000 bribe to Trump Border Czar Tom Homan, with calls for impeachment proceedings within the Trump administration.
- Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties due to wildfires.
- The article evaluates the performance of AI news models Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot, highlighting their diverse approaches to news reporting.
- Gemini focused on U.S.-centric stories, including Charlie Kirk’s memorial and Tylenol-autism claims, but lacked depth and global perspective.
- Grok provided comprehensive coverage of global events, including deadly crashes, Pakistan Taliban bomb blasts, and Israeli-Palestinian tensions, but lacked engaging delivery.
- ChatGPT 5 summarized multiple topics neutrally, covering Ukraine, Middle East diplomacy, and humanitarian crises, but lacked flair and depth.
- Copilot delivered dramatic and chaotic news coverage, spanning topics like Palestine recognition, Russian airstrikes, and extreme weather events, but lacked focus.
- Grok was declared the winner among AI models for its balanced and global coverage, despite its corporate-style presentation.
- The article emphasizes the evolving role of AI in news reporting and its imperfections while acknowledging their entertainment value.
- Major global stories include Charlie Kirk’s assassination, international recognition of Palestine, Israeli-Palestinian tensions, and U.S. visa policy changes.
Big Education Ape: OPERATION DESTROY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOILED BY RANDI WEINGARTEN'S NEW BOOK 'WHY FASCISTS FEAR TEACHERS' - A SATIRE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/operation-destroy-public-schools-foiled.html
The article humorously critiques the Trump administration's efforts to undermine public education, focusing on the release of Randi Weingarten's book *Why Fascists Fear Teachers*. The book highlights how education is essential for democracy and counters authoritarian attempts to defund public schools, promote private academies, and ban critical thinking. Through satire, the narrative explores the cultural and political battles over public education and emphasizes the importance of teachers and unions in preserving democratic values.
### Key Points
- Allegations of corruption within the Trump administration, including a $50,000 bribe involving Tom Homan.
- Governor Newsom declares a state of emergency in response to fires in California counties.
- Satirical depiction of Trump administration's "Operation Destroy Public Schools," aiming to defund public education and promote private academies.
- Randi Weingarten's book *Why Fascists Fear Teachers* argues that public education is critical for democracy and counters authoritarianism.
- Trump's administration plans to gut the Department of Education, promote vouchers, and rewrite curricula to fit conservative agendas.
- Book bans in red states target works like *To Kill a Mockingbird* and *The Diary of Anne Frank*, with extremist groups leading the charge.
- Randi Weingarten emphasizes the role of teachers in fostering critical thinking and resisting authoritarianism.
- The AFT distributes free books and revives career and technical education programs to counteract educational attacks.
- Public sentiment shifts against the Trump administration's education policies, favoring better schools over censorship.
- Teachers and unions are portrayed as defenders of democracy, with Randi's book gaining widespread acclaim.
- The article concludes with a satirical depiction of the failure of authoritarian attacks on public schools and the resilience of educators.
Big Education Ape: WHY FASCISTS FEAR TEACHERS: A WITTY EXPLORATION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION’S ROLE IN DEMOCRACY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/09/why-fascists-fear-teachers-witty.html
### Key Points
- Randi Weingarten’s book, *Why Fascists Fear Teachers*, explores the critical role of public education in preserving democracy and why authoritarian regimes target schools and educators.
- Public schools are described as incubators for democracy, teaching critical thinking, inclusivity, and collaboration among diverse groups, which authoritarian forces see as threats.
- Teachers are portrayed as defenders of truth and democracy, empowering students to question authority and understand systemic inequality, making them targets for authoritarian regimes.
- The book critiques Trump administration policies like defunding schools, promoting private school vouchers, and misusing critical race theory (CRT) to undermine public education.
- Historical examples show how fascist regimes have consistently attacked education to suppress dissent, from Nazi book burnings to modern censorship.
- Teachers’ unions are highlighted as defenders of democracy and public education, with their importance growing post-COVID due to improved public perception.
- The book emphasizes critical thinking as a cornerstone of democracy, making educated citizens harder to manipulate and resistant to propaganda.
- Weingarten calls for protecting public education, supporting teachers, and encouraging teaching as a transformative career for society.
Ohio Legislature Underfunds Public Schools While Granting Billions of Dollars in Tax Breaks to Business https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/09/23/ohio-legislature-underfunds-public-schools-while-granting-billions-of-dollars-in-tax-breaks-to-business/ via @janresseger
Ohio Legislature Underfunds Public Schools While Granting Billions of Dollars in Tax Breaks to Business### Key Points
- The Ohio Constitution mandates a thorough and efficient public school system, but the legislature has failed to provide adequate funding, undermining the Fair School Funding Plan.
- The legislature underfunded the final phase of the Fair School Funding Plan by $2.75 billion, reducing equity and adequacy in school funding.
- Ohio replaced its graduated income tax with a flat tax, benefiting wealthy individuals and reducing state revenue by $1.1 billion annually.
- State revenue is increasingly diverted to private school vouchers, with funding for vouchers surpassing increases for public schools despite public schools serving far more students.
- Over $12 billion is spent annually on tax breaks, many benefiting private companies, with inadequate oversight since the elimination of the tax expenditure review committee.
- Tax breaks often prioritize special interests over public services, such as K-12 education, Medicaid, and college financial aid.
- The state's share of public school funding is projected to decline significantly in the coming years, exacerbating financial challenges for public schools.
Judas in a Suit: The Body Language Never Lies – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/09/23/judas-in-a-suit-the-body-never-lies/
The article discusses how body language serves as a critical indicator of trust, resistance, and betrayal in leadership contexts. The author, Julian Vasquez Heilig, reflects on his experiences as a provost and dean, emphasizing that nonverbal cues often reveal intentions more honestly than spoken words. Drawing on research in kinesics, oculesics, and proxemics, the piece argues that leaders must train themselves to recognize patterns in body language to detect inequity and duplicity early. The author highlights the importance of interpreting clusters of behaviors over time rather than reacting to isolated gestures. Ultimately, the article underscores the significance of body language as an "early warning system" for leaders to confront betrayal before it undermines organizational goals.### Key Points
- Body language is a reliable indicator of commitment, resistance, and betrayal, often revealing intent more clearly than spoken words.
- Nonverbal cues such as posture, gestures, eye contact, and microexpressions carry significant weight in communication and trust-building.
- Researchers like Ray Birdwhistell and Paul Ekman have shown that a majority of social meaning is conveyed through body language rather than verbal communication.
- Patterns of incongruence between spoken words and body language are key to detecting betrayal, rather than focusing on isolated gestures.
- Leaders must train themselves to observe body language in casual and high-stakes settings to establish baselines for trust and authenticity.
- Paying attention to body language helps leaders confront duplicity before it sabotages organizational missions.
Teacher Tom: The Power of Partnership With Parent https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-power-of-partnership-with-parent.html
The Power of Partnership With Parents### Key Points
- Woodland Park Cooperative School's Halloween celebration is a major community event involving costumes, decorations, food, and participation from children, parents, siblings, and alumni.
- The event includes creative activities like themed photo booths, unique food presentations, and a silent auction that serves as a key fundraiser for the school.
- Adults are encouraged to wear costumes, contributing to the festive atmosphere and enhancing the experience for children.
- Post-party reflections with children help them process their emotions and excitement while planning for the next year's event.
- Circle time led by Teacher Tom becomes a highlight, featuring songs, felt board activities, and engaging the entire community in joyful participation.
- Cleanup after the party showcases the cooperative spirit, with parents, grandparents, and children working together to restore order efficiently.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the value of partnership with parents, highlighting the role of community in creating enriching educational experiences.
- Teacher Tom offers a course on partnering with parents to help educators build supportive learning villages.
CURMUDGUCATION: "Should People Be Polite To AI?" https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/09/should-people-be-polite-to-ai.html
"Should People Be Polite to AI?" explores whether politeness toward artificial intelligence is necessary or beneficial. The article critiques a discussion in *Time for Kids* where children debated the topic. Proponents argue politeness can improve AI responses and foster human kindness, while opponents emphasize AI's lack of feelings and the need for efficiency in interactions. The author dismisses the question as misguided, equating politeness toward AI to treating inanimate objects as sentient beings, and warns against encouraging children to view AI as emotional or conscious entities.### Key Points
- Some argue that politeness improves AI responses and promotes human kindness.
- Critics point out AI lacks feelings, and politeness may hinder clear communication.
- The author questions the validity of treating AI as sentient and suggests the debate is unnecessary.
Google’s New AI-Powered Mixboard Is Somewhat Useful, But Why Didn’t They Just Keep Jamboard & Add AI To It? - Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
The article provides an overview of recent educational resources, tools, and insights shared by the author, including AI tools, videos, infographics, and republished posts. It also highlights instructional strategies for various subjects, resources for English Language Learners (ELL), and initiatives for parental involvement in education.### Key Points
- Google released its AI-powered Mixboard tool, replacing Jamboard, and added features for education.
- A video comparing global GDP trends from 1560 to 2025 was shared as a teaching resource.
- An infographic on future water stress by 2050 was added to educational resources.
- Republished posts from early 2025 offer insights on feedback, translanguaging for ELL teachers, and other topics.
- The AI-powered language-learning tool "Chicky" is introduced as a free resource.
- Civic Futures is a tool for reimagining neighborhoods, useful for civic education.
- Resources for World Tourism Day on September 27th were shared.
- Books by the author provide instructional strategies for various subjects, including Social Studies, Math, Science, and English.
- Tips for student motivation and classroom management are offered, including lesson plans and Q&A responses.
- The author shares additional work, including blog posts, radio shows, and teaching practices focused on autonomy, competency, relatedness, and relevance.
Why Teaching Math for Test Results Is Not Enough | The Jose Vilson https://thejosevilson.com/why-teaching-math-for-test-results-is-not-enough/
Teaching Math for Test Results Is Not Enough### Key Points
- NYC Solves aims to address the math achievement gap through a unified curriculum but faces criticism for limiting teacher autonomy.
- Cultural norms, such as the widespread acceptance of "I'm not a math person," reflect societal attitudes and collective responsibility in math education.
- Unlike literacy initiatives like NYC Reads, math education lacks the same cultural urgency and public awareness.
- Standardized testing has dominated math education since No Child Left Behind, often equating test scores with education quality, which limits broader learning goals.
- Math should be taught as a tool for navigating and understanding the world, rather than solely focusing on standardized outcomes.
- NYC Solves presents an opportunity to address deficit thinking and create authentic professionalism and student learning, but cultural shifts are necessary.
glen brown: "Donald Trump humiliates himself on the world stage with unhinged, insulting speech at the United Nations" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/donald-trump-humiliates-himself-on.html
This article critiques former President Donald Trump's erratic behavior and controversial statements during a United Nations speech, highlighting his self-aggrandizing claims, dismissive remarks about climate change, and perceived diplomatic failures. It also touches on broader themes such as political oppression, social justice, and the role of writers in addressing societal issues.### Key Points
- Trump delivered an unhinged speech at the UN, claiming he ended seven wars and criticizing global approaches to immigration and climate change.
- He dismissed climate change as a "con job" and bragged about campaign merchandise, drawing ridicule from foreign diplomats.
- The article reflects on societal injustices, political failures, and the writer's role in resisting oppression.
- Various topics like pensions, healthcare, education reform, and political violence are referenced throughout the blog.
glen brown: "Donald Trump has, allegedly, found 'the answer to autism': Tylenol"/"Trump administration has taken steps to undermine pregnant women’s access to Covid vaccines and antidepressants" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/09/donald-trump-has-allegedly-found-answer.html
### Key Points- The Trump administration has made unsubstantiated claims about the link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism, despite no scientific evidence supporting this.
- Medical experts warn that untreated conditions like fever during pregnancy can pose significant risks to maternal and infant health.
- The administration has actively undermined access to proven medical interventions like Covid vaccines and antidepressants for pregnant women, prioritizing "natural" approaches that lack scientific backing.
- Mental health conditions are a leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, and untreated depression can have fatal consequences.
- The administration promotes "restorative reproductive medicine" (RRM) as an alternative to IVF, despite limited evidence of its effectiveness.
- These efforts are rooted in the "appeal to nature" fallacy, which falsely equates natural approaches with superiority, often at the expense of women's health and autonomy.
- The broader political agenda includes pronatalist policies like "baby bonuses," which pressure women into motherhood without adequate support systems.
- The cultural expectation for women to manage motherhood without external help perpetuates shame and diminishes access to necessary resources like maternity leave and healthcare.
A Message from the Nonviolent Left https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/09/23/a-message-from-the-nonviolent-left/ via @plthomasEdD
A Message from the Nonviolent Left### Key Points
- The author identifies as part of the nonviolent Left, contrasting with the caricature of violence often attributed to the Left in the U.S.
- Rejects the glorification of violence and condemns the pervasive gun culture in the U.S.
- Critiques celebrity progressivism as shallow and perpetuating conservative norms, distancing from figures like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel.
- Reflects on growing up in a conservative Southern Baptist environment in South Carolina and evolving into a humanist influenced by Kurt Vonnegut and Eugene V. Debs.
- Expresses love for the promise of America rooted in ideals of life, liberty, and human rights, while acknowledging the country's failure to fulfill these promises.
- Highlights interconnectedness and mutual responsibility within society, quoting MLK's views on justice and community.
- Advocates for decency, fairness, and honor in society, inspired by Vonnegut's humanist philosophy.
“A Third of Teachers Are Terrorists” | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2025/09/23/a-third-of-teachers-are-terrorists/
### Key Points- The article critiques Steve Bannon's claim that one-third of teachers are "terrorists," highlighting it as part of a broader right-wing attack on public education.
- The right-wing narrative, led by figures like Bannon and Ryan Walters, accuses educators of promoting values like tolerance and cooperation, which they oppose.
- Public education is under threat from voucher programs and other initiatives that divert funds to non-public schools, often at a significant cost to taxpayers.
- These programs have grown rapidly, but evidence of their effectiveness is mixed, and voters have consistently rejected vouchers in referenda.
- The author urges readers to support public education by thanking teachers, engaging with schools, attending board meetings, and advocating for public education policies.
- Public education is framed as essential for democracy, equality, and citizenship, echoing the beliefs of historical figures like FDR and Martin Luther King Jr.
A Conservative Argument Against Federal School Vouchers Federal dollars create a mechanism for control https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/a-conservative-argument-against-federal
### Key Points- Federal school vouchers, such as those proposed in Trump’s "Big, Beautiful Bill," redirect taxpayer funds to private schools, creating concerns about federal control over education.
- The tax-credit scholarship program allows individuals to donate to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) for a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit, which shifts K-12 funding responsibilities from states to private entities.
- Critics argue that federal funding mechanisms often become tools for promoting federal social policy goals, undermining local control over education.
- Trump's administration has threatened to cut federal funding for local school districts over issues like transgender policies, highlighting the risks of increased federal influence.
- The proposed voucher scheme coincides with significant budget cuts to public education programs, including English language learners, teacher training, college prep, and mental health services, totaling billions of dollars.
- Cuts also target programs supporting rural schools, unhoused children, arts education, and civil rights enforcement, further weakening public education infrastructure.
The Moral Famine: A Poem By Jesse Hagopian – I AM AN EDUCATOR https://iamaneducator.com/2025/09/23/the-moral-famine-a-poem-by-jesse-hagopian/
Jesse Hagopian’s blog post features his poignant poem, "The Moral Famine," which critiques the moral decay of those profiting from oppression, particularly the siege on Gaza. The poem uses vivid imagery to highlight the suffering of Palestinians, especially children, under blockades and systemic starvation. The post also promotes Hagopian’s broader activism in education, including his work on antiracist teaching and his publications advocating for justice in schools.
### Key Points
- Jesse Hagopian’s poem "The Moral Famine" condemns the moral erosion of those benefiting from oppression, focusing on the Gaza siege's impact on children like Mohammed Mustafa Yassin.
- The poem critiques the use of empty slogans and justifications by policymakers while Palestinians endure starvation and blockades.
- The blog promotes Hagopian’s activism, including his work with the Teach Truth movement and his books advocating for antiracist education.
- Information about Hagopian’s other initiatives, including the #TeachTruth National Day of Action and his publications, is shared.
NYC Comptroller audits of the Dept. of Education 2003-2025 | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/nyc-comptroller-audits-of-the-dept-of-education-2003-2025/
### Key Points- NYC Comptroller Brad Lander has conducted only four audits of the Department of Education from 2003-2025, fewer than his predecessors.
- NYC schools are mandated by a 2022 law to phase in smaller class sizes across all grades, with updates available for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Dr. Betty Rosa was honored for her advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs in public schools during the "Skinny Award" dinner on June 18.
- "Talk out of School," a radio show and podcast, discusses public school issues in NYC, statewide, and nationally.
- A petition urges NYC to implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce class sizes without exempting a significant portion of students.
- Resources such as newsletters, videos, and workshops highlight the importance of class size and provide updates on related initiatives.
- The article includes links to events, presentations, and subscription options for staying informed about educational matters.
NYC Public School Parents: Success Academy charters: their documented history of flouting the law including requiring teachers to engage in political activity https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2025/09/success-academy-charter-schools-their.html
The article highlights the controversial practices of Success Academy charter schools in New York City, including allegations of legal violations, coercive political mobilization of staff and families, misuse of public funds, and repeated infractions against student rights and privacy. It discusses the rally held by charter networks to advocate for expansion, Eva Moskowitz's directives to staff for political activism, and documented cases of civil rights and privacy violations by Success Academy over the years.### Key Points
- Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz required staff to engage in political activities, including attending rallies and making calls to elected officials, raising concerns about legality.
- Charter networks like Zeta Charter Schools also mandated participation in rallies for staff, parents, and students, with strict attendance requirements.
- Senators Liu and Mayer called for an investigation into whether forcing participation in political events violated state law and misused instructional time.
- Governor Hochul signed a law in 2023 prohibiting employers from coercing employees into attending meetings for political purposes, potentially applicable to these actions.
- Success Academy has a history of legal violations, including denying services to students with special needs, imposing harsh discipline, and pushing out students who don't meet behavioral or academic standards.
- Success Academy has repeatedly violated student privacy laws, including publishing sensitive records and improperly disclosing grades and test scores.
- DOE has overspent on charter school rental subsidies, including inflated payments to Success Academy, and failed to provide matching funds for public school upgrades.
- Calls for Comptroller Brad Lander to audit DOE spending on charter rent and matching funds for public schools remain unaddressed.
- Advocacy groups and elected officials have consistently raised concerns about charter schools draining public resources and violating laws.
June 2025 School Pulse Panel results - Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
The article presents the results of the June 2025 School Pulse Panel conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The report provides insights into various aspects of public K-12 education, including attendance rates, absenteeism, learning strategies, and other key topics. It highlights trends and statistics from the 2024–25 school year, offering a detailed breakdown by school demographics and other factors. ### Key Points
- The average daily attendance rate for all public schools during the 2024–25 school year was 91%.
- 42% of public schools reported that student absences have "remained about the same" compared to the previous school year.
- 70% of public schools stated that students missed too much school due to staying home unnecessarily for minor symptoms.
- 62% of public schools utilized a universal screening tool to identify at-risk students systematically.
- 73% of public schools offered incentives to encourage students to improve attendance during the 2024–25 school year.
- 50% of public schools noted that teacher absences have "remained about the same" compared to the previous school year.
- 45% of public schools reported that the ease or difficulty of finding substitute teachers was "about the same" compared to the previous school year.
- The report includes additional topics such as absenteeism, mental health, after-school programs, arts education, school safety, and more.
THE TIKTOK RAPTURE: A CONSPIRACY OF 'HEAVY SODA' AND GLOBAL OLIGARCHS https://ru4people.substack.com/p/the-tiktok-rapture-a-conspiracy-of
The article presents the results of the June 2025 School Pulse Panel conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The report provides insights into various aspects of public K-12 education, including attendance rates, absenteeism, learning strategies, and other key topics. It highlights trends and statistics from the 2024–25 school year, offering a detailed breakdown by school demographics and other factors. ### Key Points
- The average daily attendance rate for all public schools during the 2024–25 school year was 91%.
- 42% of public schools reported that student absences have "remained about the same" compared to the previous school year.
- 70% of public schools stated that students missed too much school due to staying home unnecessarily for minor symptoms.
- 62% of public schools utilized a universal screening tool to identify at-risk students systematically.
- 73% of public schools offered incentives to encourage students to improve attendance during the 2024–25 school year.
- 50% of public schools noted that teacher absences have "remained about the same" compared to the previous school year.
- 45% of public schools reported that the ease or difficulty of finding substitute teachers was "about the same" compared to the previous school year.
- The report includes additional topics such as absenteeism, mental health, after-school programs, arts education, school safety, and more.
Choosing Democracy: Why Do Fascists Fear Teachers ? https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/09/why-do-fascists-fear-teachers.html
Choosing Democracy: Why Do Fascists Fear Teachers?
### Key Points- Education serves two purposes: utility and culture, with the latter enabling critical thinking and protecting against propaganda, as emphasized by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Critical thinking is essential for democracy, fostering rationality, engagement, and the ability to discern truth from falsehood. Fascists aim to weaken this capability.
- Democracies often fall through electoral manipulation rather than coups, with authoritarian leaders dismantling democratic systems from within.
- Higher levels of education correlate with stronger democracies; educated populations are less likely to support authoritarianism.
- Authoritarian leaders attack truth and critical thinking, as uninformed publics are easier to control. This aligns with psychological studies on authoritarian followers' avoidance of critical thinking.
- Support for authoritarianism often correlates with lower education levels, as seen in global studies and political trends.
Why Do Fascists Fear Teachers? : Randi Weingarten Because We Want Kids to Think—and Read—for Themselves https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/09/why-do-fascists-fear-teachers.html
Choosing Democracy: Why Do Fascists Fear Teachers?### Key Points
- Education serves dual purposes: utility (skills for life goals) and culture (critical thinking essential for democracy).
- Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized that education enables individuals to discern truth from propaganda, fostering democracy through critical thinking.
- Critical thinking is fundamental to democracy, enabling citizens to analyze societal issues, engage with differing viewpoints, and resist authoritarianism.
- Fascists aim to weaken critical thinking because it empowers individuals to challenge authoritarian control.
- Research shows higher levels of education correlate with stronger democracies and reduced support for authoritarian leaders.
- Authoritarian leaders manipulate uninformed populations by attacking truth and degrading public education to suppress independent thought.
- Psychological studies reveal authoritarian followers avoid critical thinking, making them susceptible to manipulation.
This Saturday!! https://billayers.org/2025/09/23/this-saturday/ PILSEN COMMUNITY BOOKS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH @ 6:00PM ABOUT FACE THE HISTORY OF G.I. RESISTANCE Aaron Hughes & Arti Walker-Peddakotla in conversation with Bill Ayers
Join us to discuss the long history of Gls rebelling against US militarism and fascism. Viewed through an abolitionist framework, this discussion will highlight the legacy and revolutionary power of GI resistance against the backdrop of military mobilizations to violently suppress people's movements.
PILSENCOMMUNITYBOOKS.COM/EVENTS
James Kirylo: America’s Peculiar Love Affair | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2025/09/23/james-kirylo-americas-peculiar-love-affair/
America's Peculiar Love Affair### Key Points
- The article discusses the recurring and tragic phenomenon of school shootings in America, highlighting their devastating impact on communities and families.
- It emphasizes the normalization of school shootings and the lack of effective preventative measures, attributing this failure to America's strong attachment to guns and gun culture.
- The role of lax regulations, such as background check loopholes and the prevalence of semi-automatic weapons, is criticized as contributing to the epidemic of gun violence.
- The article critiques the influence of the National Rifle Association and the firearm industry's profit-driven motives, which perpetuate the gun problem in the U.S.
School Privatizers Fundamentally Change Public Schools Today, 201 Ohio public school districts have students who are 90% or more economically disadvantaged. In 2005-2006, there were only 5 districts that fit that bill. https://10thperiod.substack.com/p/school-privatizers-fundamentally School Privatizers Fundamentally Change Public Schools Ohio's public education system has seen a dramatic rise in economically disadvantaged students over the last 20 years, coinciding with the introduction of EdChoice vouchers. In 2005-2006, only five districts had student populations where 90% or more were economically disadvantaged; today, that number has risen to 201 districts. EdChoice vouchers disproportionately impact poorer districts, exacerbating inequality and affecting test scores. While some districts have managed to improve performance despite challenges, the majority have experienced declines in academic achievement. The article advocates for ending the EdChoice program and reallocating funds to support public schools more effectively.
### Key Points
- The number of Ohio school districts with 90% or more economically disadvantaged students has risen from 5 in 2005-2006 to 201 in 2025.
- EdChoice vouchers disproportionately affect poorer districts, with 47% of voucher students coming from the 201 poorest districts.
- Test scores in poorer districts often reflect poverty rather than student achievement, with a typical 10% drop in Performance Index (PI) scores over 20 years.
- Some districts saw improved PI scores despite significant increases in economically disadvantaged populations, but 91% of districts experienced declines.
- The article calls for ending the EdChoice program and reallocating its nearly $1 billion annual budget to public schools.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Wednesday Work Sessions, September 24, 2025. https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/09/seattle-school-board-wednesday-work.html?spref=tw
Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses upcoming Seattle School Board Work Sessions, focusing on enrollment, budget, high school lunch, and a detailed Strategic Resource Analysis report. The report, prepared by Education Resource Strategies, highlights resource allocation issues, inequities, and challenges in strategy implementation, offering insights into spending patterns and areas for improvement. Key concerns include funding alignment, inequitable access to experienced educators, and transportation costs. Additionally, the district faces challenges with small schools, enrollment loss, and transparency in funding distribution.### Key Points
- Seattle School Board Work Sessions will address enrollment, budget, high school lunch, and a 212-page Strategic Resource Analysis report.
- The report highlights inequities in resource allocation, such as funding misalignment, access to advanced coursework, and inequitable distribution of experienced educators.
- Transportation spending in Seattle exceeds local and national averages, raising concerns about efficiency and costs.
- Challenges with small schools include higher costs and enrollment loss, prompting suggestions for reconfiguration and programming changes.
- Principals report dissatisfaction with fairness in resource allocation and central office support, with many being inexperienced.
- District operations are unsustainable due to fiscal deficits, despite efforts to mitigate losses through budget adjustments.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
9-23-25
The article provides a broad overview of various topics, including political controversies, education reforms, AI advancements, societal issues, and global conflicts. It highlights significant events such as the Trump administration's actions, public education challenges, AI's role in news reporting, and debates over democracy and free speech.
### Key Points
- Idaho's legislature passed a $50 million voucher program, mainly benefiting wealthy families, and potentially harming rural public schools.
- Parents argue the program violates the Idaho Constitution's mandate for a "uniform" public school system.
- Voucher systems in other states have faced legal challenges due to fraud, waste, and the creation of non-uniform school systems.
- Charlie Kirk's legacy includes white supremacy, misogyny, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, which Ta-Nehisi Coates critiques in Vanity Fair.
- Larry Ellison aims to acquire CNN, HBO, and TikTok, consolidating media power and raising concerns about democracy due to his ties to Donald Trump.
- CNN staff are worried about Larry Ellison's potential takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, fearing editorial changes and cost-cutting measures.
- Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel for comments about MAGA but reinstated him after public outcry, raising free speech concerns.
- The Supreme Court ruled that Trump could fire the last Democratic member of the FTC without cause, signaling increased executive power.
- Allegations of corruption within the Trump administration spark calls for investigations and impeachment proceedings.
- Randi Weingarten's book, *Why Fascists Fear Teachers*, explores the critical role of public education in democracy and critiques authoritarian attacks.
- Seattle debates the presence of school resource officers amid safety concerns and racial disparities, emphasizing mental health services over policing.
- Arizona's school voucher program is exploited by Christian Nationalist private schools to fund extremist agendas with minimal accountability.
- AI models like Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT 5, and Copilot are evaluated for their news reporting capabilities, with Grok declared the winner for comprehensive coverage.
- Higher education faces challenges due to rising costs, declining public perception, and AI integration, calling for leadership reforms.
- Allegations of bribery against Trump Border Czar Tom Homan raise concerns about corruption and political shielding.
- Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency for California counties due to wildfires, with disaster relief guidelines issued for affected programs.
- Public resistance grows against Trump administration policies targeting education, free speech, and dissent.
- Teachers and unions are portrayed as defenders of democracy, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in education.
- Seattle Schools face challenges with enrollment, nepotism concerns, and student protests over lunch schedule changes.
