NOVEMBER 18, 2025
- Government Reopens After Shutdown: Federal agencies are resuming operations following President Trump's signing of a funding bill extending operations through January 30, 2026, ending the longest U.S. shutdown in history. Airlines and other services are normalizing schedules.
- Epstein Files Controversy Escalates: Protests continue over the release of Jeffrey Epstein documents, with Democrats revealing emails linking Trump to Epstein's activities. Trump has ordered an investigation into Epstein's ties to political opponents.
- National Guard Deployment Blocked in Memphis: A Tennessee judge temporarily halted the use of National Guard troops in a Trump-ordered crime-fighting operation, citing legal concerns, though the ruling is on hold pending appeal.
- Turkey Prices Surge Ahead of Thanksgiving: Wholesale turkey costs have risen 40% year-over-year, exacerbating holiday affordability issues amid broader inflation pressures.
- Trump Orders Epstein Probe Amid Backlash: Attorney General Pam Bondi is investigating Epstein's connections to Trump's political rivals, following renewed calls for file releases and House votes to declassify documents.
- Bipartisan Trust Program Launches in Minnesota: New state legislators from opposing parties are participating in a pioneering initiative to foster collaboration, highlighted in MPR News discussions.
- UCLA Faces $1.2 Billion Funding Penalty: The Trump administration is demanding repayment for alleged antisemitism on campus, threatening future federal research grants.
- Transgender Military Benefits Denied: The Air Force confirmed it will withhold early retirement for transgender service members with 15-18 years of experience, prompting lawsuits.
- Saudi Crown Prince Visits White House: Mohammed bin Salman meets President Trump to discuss defense, AI, and nuclear cooperation, aiming to expand U.S.-Saudi ties beyond oil.
- Ecuador Rejects U.S. Military Bases: Voters overwhelmingly opposed foreign bases in a referendum, thwarting Trump's plans for regional military support.
- ICC Warrants for Netanyahu and Putin: The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israel's PM on war crimes charges, joining one for Russia's Putin; enforcement by member states is under scrutiny.
- Iran Halts Uranium Enrichment: Iran's foreign minister announced a pause at all sites, amid U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean.
- Decline in International U.S. Student Enrollment: The Institute of International Education reports a potential drop in 2025-26 due to visa delays, safety fears, and rising costs; India remains the top source country.
- UCLA Layoffs from Funding Cuts: The university announces staff reductions after Trump administration penalties for alleged antisemitism, among the deepest cuts in higher education.
- Concerns Over Devices in Classrooms: A New York Times opinion highlights how school-issued laptops and tablets may contribute to declining test scores, calling for parental controls and bans.
- IIT Kharagpur's Young Innovators Programme: The initiative invites school teams for a 2025 innovation challenge with prizes and mentorship in cutting-edge research.
- Delayed U.S. Data Release Begins: A backlog of economic reports, including September nonfarm payrolls, starts rolling out post-shutdown, offering insights into the world's largest economy.
- Dollar Strengthens on Fed Uncertainty: The currency rises against the euro and yen as markets await data and dial back expectations for December rate cuts.
- China's Factory and Retail Growth Slumps: October data shows the weakest expansion in over a year, intensifying pressure on Beijing amid U.S. trade tensions.
- Trump's $2,000 Rebate Proposal: The plan to fund payments via tariffs faces criticism for potentially fueling inflation without addressing long-term affordability.
- Bezos Joins AI Startup Leadership: Jeff Bezos is co-leading a new AI venture in his first major operational role since Amazon, per NYT reports.
- UK Twitter Hacker Repays $5.4M in Bitcoin: A court orders restitution for the 2020 breach of Obama's account, marking a milestone in crypto enforcement.
- OnePlus 15 and iQOO 15 Launches: Flagship smartphones debut with Snapdragon 8 Elite chips and gaming enhancements, set for November 26 release.
- AI Job Cuts Reach 17,375 in 2025: Layoffs tied to automation hit new highs, though studies suggest broader labor impacts are still emerging.
- First Alpha-Gal Syndrome Death Confirmed: Researchers document a fatality from the tick-induced red meat allergy, highlighting risks in affected regions.
- High-Dose Vitamin D Cuts Heart Attack Risk: Customized doses for survivors reduced recurrence by 50%, per Intermountain Health trial.
- Ultra-Processed Foods Disrupt Youth Blood Sugar: New studies link them to early metabolic issues in young adults, beyond adult health risks.
- H3N2 Flu Variant Emerges Globally: Data from Canada, UK, and Japan signal potential impacts on the 2025-2026 season.
- College Football Playoff Rankings Hold Steady: Ohio State tops the list, with Indiana at No. 2 and Texas A&M at No. 3 after key wins.
- Ovechkin Nears Gretzky's Goal Record: The Capitals star returns from injury, needing 24 goals in 44 games to break the NHL mark by fall 2025.
- Alysa Liu Wins Skate America: The world champion claims her first Grand Prix title, edging Japan's Rinka Watanabe in the free skate.
- Sri Lanka A Dominates Asia Cup Rising Stars: They beat Hong Kong, China by 7 wickets in Doha, extending a strong run in the tournament.
Stephen Dyer: How the Ohio Legislature Cheats the Majority of Students, Who Are Enrolled in PUBLIC Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/17/stephen-dyer-how-the-ohio-legislature-cheats-the-majority-of-students-who-are-enrolled-in-public-scools/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Stephen Dyer criticizes Ohio's Republican-led legislature for prioritizing charter schools and vouchers at the expense of public schools, despite claims of increased K-12 spending.
- The reported increase in K-12 funding includes allocations for charter schools and vouchers, misleadingly inflating public school funding figures.
- Adjusted for inflation, public school funding has decreased over the past 15 years, contradicting claims of increased spending.
- State funding now disproportionately favors privatization efforts like charters and vouchers, which have seen over a 100% funding increase above inflation, leaving public schools underfunded.
- The shift in funding priorities has led to higher property taxes and an underfunded Fair School Funding Plan, failing the majority of Ohio's public school students.
- Dyer argues that the state’s current approach is unconstitutional and detrimental to public education, urging a fair distribution of funds based on student enrollment.
Trump's Shocking Destruction of the Department of Justice https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/17/trumps-shocking-destruction-of-the-department-of-justice/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- The article discusses the systematic dismantling of the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration, breaking its traditional independence.
- Trump appointed Pam Bondi as Attorney General and replaced career officials with personal allies, creating a climate of fear and politicization.
- The Justice Department was used to pursue Trump’s personal interests, such as pardoning friends and targeting perceived enemies.
- Civil rights enforcement shifted focus, and the agency responsible for investigating domestic terrorism was weakened.
- The article highlights the early stages of authoritarianism and fascism in the U.S., as documented by The New York Times.
Federal Judge Rules That Trump Regime Cannot Withhold $1.2 Billion from UCLA https://dianeravitch.net/2025/11/17/federal-judge-rules-that-trump-regime-cannot-withhold-1-2-billion-from-ucla/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's plan to withhold $1.2 billion in research funding from UCLA, citing violations of free speech and academic freedom.
- The administration accused UCLA of breaking laws regarding race in admissions, recognition of transgender identities, and handling antisemitism complaints, which UCLA denies.
- Proposed settlement terms included ideological shifts, such as ending diversity scholarships, restricting foreign students, and rejecting gender-affirming healthcare.
- The ruling spares UCLA and the University of California system from further federal funding cuts and ideological demands, which could have severely impacted their operations.
- Faculty and staff unions across UC campuses brought the case, arguing that the federal government violated their First Amendment rights and due process.
- The decision is seen as a major victory for academic freedom and the protection of research institutions from political interference.
Big Education Ape: WHY THE PRESIDENCY IS STILL A SAUSAGE PARTY: AMERICA'S ENDURING BROMANCE WITH THE BOYS' CLUB https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/why-presidency-is-still-sausage-party.html
### Key Points
- The article critiques the U.S. presidency's historical exclusion of women and its "boys' club" culture, highlighting systemic gender biases.
- Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election is analyzed as a reflection of societal preferences for traditional, male-dominated leadership.
- Kamala Harris’s defeat in 2024 underscores the challenges faced by women in politics, including societal biases and the "likability penalty."
- Michelle Obama discusses America’s unpreparedness for a female president, citing cultural immaturity and lingering sexism.
- The article reflects on historical female political trailblazers, such as Hillary Clinton, Shirley Chisholm, and Victoria Woodhull, and their struggles against systemic barriers.
- The Jeffrey Epstein scandal is used as a metaphor for unchecked male entitlement and the flaws in patriarchal systems.
- The article advocates for systemic change, promoting more women in leadership roles to challenge the status quo.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 17, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_0700131299.html
### Key Points
- Ohio Republicans have been accused of cheating public school students, favoring charter schools, and neglecting public education needs.
- The U.S. government shutdown lasted 43 days, causing disruptions and economic strain before ending with bipartisan pressure.
- President Trump urged the release of Epstein files, reversing his earlier opposition, amid growing political tensions.
- Torrential rains caused severe flooding in California, resulting in fatalities and ongoing recovery efforts.
- International students in U.S. colleges reached 1.2 million, accounting for 6% of higher education enrollment.
- COP30 climate talks emphasized urgent emissions cuts and stronger commitments to phase out fossil fuels.
- The U.S. military deployed advanced aircraft carriers to the Caribbean, escalating tensions with Venezuela.
- Arizona's ESA school voucher program now costs $1 billion annually, diverting funds from public to private schools without accountability.
- AI tools are increasingly being used in education for teacher evaluations, raising ethical concerns about their impact on human-centered assessments.
- The digitization of education has led to excessive screen time, reduced academic performance, and mental health challenges.
- Rising housing costs, institutional investor dominance, and student loan debt lock Generation Z out of homeownership.
- New research links ultra-processed foods to higher colorectal cancer risks and highlights the health benefits of Vitamin D.
- The NCAA tournaments are underway, with significant developments in college football, basketball, and volleyball.
- A new Illinois law mandates safe gun storage to prevent access by minors and at-risk individuals.
- Calls for transparency and the rejection of NDAs are growing, as seen in James Ryan’s letter addressing institutional secrecy.
- Starbucks workers are striking for better wages and union representation, criticizing union-busting practices.
- Advances in AI and renewable energy, including a novel engine generating power from space, are highlighted.
- The Rhodes Scholarships for 2026 were awarded to U.S. students focusing on sustainability and health outcomes.
- Media monopolies controlled by elites are criticized for eroding democracy and knowledge dissemination.
- Chronic absenteeism in Michigan schools worsened post-pandemic, driven by socioeconomic factors.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/morning-news-update-november-17-2025.html
### Key Points
- Ohio Republicans are accused of undermining public schools in favor of charter schools.
- President Trump reverses his stance, urging Republicans to release Jeffrey Epstein files amid party pressure.
- U.S.-Venezuela tensions rise with military buildup and potential talks with the Maduro regime.
- Former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death, sparking international debate.
- International student enrollments in U.S. colleges decline due to visa restrictions and economic issues.
- Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway invests $4.9 billion in Alphabet, signaling confidence in AI tech.
- Bangladesh increases security ahead of major tribunal verdicts.
- New research links postpartum depression to higher autism risks in children.
- Cristiano Ronaldo set to play in his record 6th World Cup after Portugal’s qualification.
- Chicago Bears secure a key win, boosting playoff hopes in the NFL.
Big Education Ape: THE OLIGARCH'S MONOPOLY: HOW THE BILLIONAIRE CLASS IS STEALING THE AMERICAN DREAM ONE STARTER HOME AT A TIME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-oligarchs-monopoly-how-billionaire.html
The article explores the challenges Generation Z faces in achieving homeownership amidst systemic barriers such as skyrocketing housing costs, institutional investor dominance, student loan debt, and stagnant wages. It highlights the role of corporate influence, restrictive policies, and technological advancements in exacerbating the housing crisis. The piece concludes with a call to collective action and systemic reform to restore the American Dream of homeownership.
### Key Points
- Generation Z is systematically locked out of homeownership due to rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and student loan debt.
- Institutional investors dominate the housing market, buying entry-level homes and converting them into rental properties, driving up prices and reducing ownership opportunities.
- The political system has been captured by wealthy interests, with policies favoring corporate profits over affordable housing solutions.
- Restrictive zoning laws, developer incentives, and labor shortages contribute to the housing supply crisis.
- The gig economy complicates mortgage qualification due to inconsistent income and outdated underwriting standards.
- Student loan debt prevents Generation Z from saving for down payments and building wealth.
- Rent prices are so high they trap renters in a cycle of financial instability, preventing savings for homeownership.
- Technology, like algorithmic rent-setting and automated tenant screening, worsens housing access and affordability.
- Solutions such as zoning reform, affordable housing investment, regulating institutional investors, and campaign finance reform are feasible but blocked by corporate interests.
- The psychological toll of the housing crisis includes blame-shifting and gaslighting, discouraging collective action.
- Collective action, voting, and systemic reforms are necessary to combat the housing crisis and restore economic mobility.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POST NOVEMBER 16, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/11/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_046208999.html
The article is a compilation of recent news and developments across various domains, including politics, education, healthcare, technology, global affairs, and public health. It highlights systemic issues, policy changes, and societal impacts shaping the U.S. and the world in November 2025. Topics range from government shutdowns and political controversies to advancements in AI, education reforms, and health breakthroughs.
What Should Schools Do As The Numbers Of ELL Newcomers Decrease? Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- The blog shares the latest educational news, resources, and posts, including topics like active learning, culturally responsive teaching, and student identity activities.
- Highlights videos and infographics such as Playing For Change music videos, global population trends, and the largest countries by land area.
- Discusses World Toilet Day and Ruby Bridges’ historical integration of an all-white school, providing teaching resources for these topics.
- Features weekly free AI tools for classroom use and a list of the best online learning games for 2025.
- Offers books and resources with research-based instructional strategies for various subjects, including Social Studies, English, Math, and Science, as well as tools for ELL classrooms.
- Shares practical strategies for student motivation, parental involvement, and classroom management, with lesson plans and steps to improve engagement.
- Includes multimedia content like videos, radio shows, and blog posts that support educational practices and teacher development.
Will Trump attack Venezuela and then claim credit for 'ending' another war? Now he wants to chat up Maduro and Mamdani. MICHAEL KLONSKY https://klonsky.substack.com/p/will-trump-attack-venezuela-and-then
### Key Points
- Trump reverses his position on releasing Epstein’s files, giving Republicans permission to vote for their release amidst party dissent.
- ICE raids in North Carolina spark criticism, with federal agents detaining immigrants at a local car wash.
- Epstein’s files reveal his negative opinions about Trump, describing him as untrustworthy and borderline insane.
- Rep. Thomas Massie warns Republicans about the political consequences of protecting Trump over releasing the files.
- Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll highlights the war in Ukraine as a “weapons laboratory,” with massive casualties on both sides.
- NYC Mayor Eric Adams visits Israel and emphasizes his connection to the country.
- JFK’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, criticizes Trump’s obsession with the Kennedy family.
- Michael Cohen describes Trump’s governing philosophy as rooted in hypocrisy and grievance.
- Commentary on Cory Booker’s political decisions and the controversy around The New York Times censoring ads calling for an end to genocide in Gaza.
Speaking the Truth in a Time of Retaliation: Why Professors Must Discuss Matters of Public Concern – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/11/17/speaking-the-truth-in-a-time-of-retaliation-why-professors-must-discuss-matters-of-public-concern/
### Key Points
- Faculty in higher education are increasingly scrutinized for public commentary, with pressure from political entities and institutional leaders, but the Constitution and Supreme Court affirm their right and responsibility to speak on matters of public concern.
- Landmark cases like Pickering v. Board of Education (1968) and Givhan v. Western Line School District (1979) established that public employees, including faculty, retain First Amendment protections when addressing issues of public importance, whether publicly or privately.
- Garcetti v. Ceballos (2006) raised concerns about academic freedom but left a crucial exception for faculty engaged in academic scholarship or teaching, reaffirming that their speech is a public good.
- The Supreme Court has consistently recognized universities as “marketplaces of ideas” and emphasized the unique constitutional protection of academic freedom, essential for democratic dialogue and critique.
- Faculty must resist political and institutional pressures to remain silent, as their role is to challenge systems, expose inequities, and guide society toward justice and equity, even when it provokes discomfort.
- Academic freedom is not just a legal right but a moral imperative tied to the democratic responsibility of universities to serve the public good by fostering open inquiry and critique.
Teacher Tom: What is Play? https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/what-is-play.html
Teacher Tom explores the concept of play, likening it to love—difficult to define but universally understood through experience. He discusses how play is often misunderstood due to its varied motivations and purposes, such as fun, satisfaction, and preparation for life. While play may appear purposeless, it serves evolutionary functions like preparing for unpredictability and developing critical skills. Tom emphasizes that play is a natural way for children (and adults) to explore, learn, and ask questions, and shares insights from his years of observing children at play.
### Key Points
- Play is challenging to define but universally recognized through experience, often driven by fun, satisfaction, and novelty.
- The motivations behind play are complex and personal, often beyond external understanding.
- Play is essential for personal growth, mastery, and preparation for life's unpredictability, providing evolutionary benefits.
- Risky play and social play help develop critical skills, including adaptability and pre-frontal cortex growth.
- Exploration and play are deeply intertwined, as both involve asking and answering questions about the world.
- Children define play as freedom from external control, highlighting its intrinsic and self-directed nature.
- Teacher Tom reflects on his own play-based learning journey and its importance in fostering creativity and discovery.
Violent Peers at School Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- The U.S. hosted 1.2 million international students in the 2024/2025 academic year, contributing $55 billion to the economy and supporting over 355,000 jobs. Undergraduate enrollment increased by 4%, while graduate enrollment decreased by 3%.
- STEM fields attracted 57% of international students, with India as the top-sending country (363,019 students), followed by China. Community colleges saw the fastest growth in international student enrollments.
- U.S. students studying abroad increased by 6% in 2023/24, with Europe and Asia as the top destinations. Italy, Spain, the UK, and France were the most popular countries.
- A study revealed that aggregate test scores in education miss critical item-level data, which could provide valuable insights into student outcomes and decision-making.
- Exposure to violent peers negatively impacts academic performance, particularly in girls, by disrupting learning environments and increasing conflicts.
- Curriculum reform in higher education is essential to prepare students for an AI-driven world. Key strategies include interdisciplinary AI literacy, active learning, and dynamic curriculum updates.
- Small group counseling interventions in middle schools improve students' emotional regulation, academic skills, and sense of belonging, fostering stronger school communities.
- Rising ADHD and autism diagnoses highlight the need for clearer distinctions between typical behavior and neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing individualized support for children.
- Therapeutic education is reshaping moral and values education in British primary schools, blending psychology, therapy, and spirituality to teach empathy and resilience.
Schools Matter: On Horny Racist, Epstein Pal, and Former Harvard President, Larry Summers http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/11/on-horny-racist-epstein-pal-and-former.html
### Key Points
- Criticism of Larry Summers, his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, and his attempts to suppress media coverage.
- Focus on poverty as a key factor affecting education, rather than teacher quality.
- Discussion on the influence of corporate agendas, such as Big Pharma and reformer schools, on education.
- Analysis of over-testing in schools and its implications for students and teachers.
- Broader political and societal commentary, including corruption and systemic failures in governance.
glen brown: This week, we’ll be keeping our eyes out for developments in a number of different areas by Joyce Vance https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/this-week-well-be-keeping-our-eyes-out.html
- The article discusses the complexities of writing, referencing quotes from Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus, emphasizing the resistance to oppression and isolation as key aspects of a writer's nobility.
- It highlights various social, political, and cultural topics, including pensions, education reform, social justice, healthcare, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Updates on the Chicago National Guard case and Portland litigation are presented, focusing on the administration's appeal and arguments regarding federal troop deployment under Title 10.
- Trump’s stance on releasing the Epstein files is explored, alongside his political maneuvers and DOJ investigations targeting Democrats.
- Trump’s controversial use of presidential pardons is analyzed, particularly his pardoning of Dan Wilson, emphasizing loyalty within his political base.
- The blog features announcements, including Joyce Vance’s book signing event in Birmingham, Alabama, and commentary on societal issues like corruption and adjunct faculty struggles.
- Historical and cultural topics such as the Babyn Yar Massacre, Gordon Lightfoot’s legacy, and Gwendolyn Brooks’ poetry are mentioned.
glen brown: Epstein, Epstein, Epstein... https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/11/epstein-epstein-epstein.html
- The article discusses the legislative efforts surrounding the "Epstein Files Transparency Act" (H.R. 4405), which aims to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and related investigations. It highlights the political dynamics and challenges in passing the bill through the House and Senate.
- The bill faces potential veto from Trump, but gaining veto-proof support in the House and Senate could ensure its passage. The importance of constituent pressure on Republican representatives is emphasized.
- The article calls for actions such as emailing representatives, demanding leadership changes among Senate Democrats, boycotting Spotify due to ICE ads, and supporting voter outreach for flipping a red congressional seat in Tennessee.
- It critiques political corruption, Trump’s influence on legislative processes, and the need for solidarity to counter oppressive systems.
CURMUDGUCATION: AZ: Money-Sucking Vouchers https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/11/az-money-sucking-vouchers.html
### Key Points
- Arizona's voucher program expanded to include all families, increasing usage from 12,000 to 90,000 students.
- The majority of voucher users are from affluent, high-achieving, predominantly white districts, shifting the program away from its original focus on students with special needs.
- The program cost taxpayers $888 million in 2024-2025, serving only 7% of students, with 28% of voucher funds unspent.
- Private school tuition has increased since the voucher program's expansion, raising concerns about financial barriers and equity.
Annual SNP Verification Requirements This email provides school food authorities (SFA) with information on annual school nutrition program (SNP) verification reporting requirements. https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/snpverificationreqs.asp
### Key Points
- SFAs must submit annual verification reports for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) by January 15, 2026, via CNIPS.
- Verification reports must include results of free and reduced-price meal application processes and direct certification data.
- SFAs not required to conduct verification activities must still complete and submit the verification report.
- Direct certification data must include eligibility from programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs, and Medi-Cal.
- SFAs without access to CALPADS must use local match processes for reporting data.
- Resources, including training videos and job aids, are available to help SFAs complete the verification process.
- For assistance, SFAs can contact their SNP County Specialist or email snpinfo@cde.ca.gov.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Here's One Big Job for the New Superintendent https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/11/heres-one-big-job-for-new-superintendent.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools faces criticism for protecting problematic teachers and principals and lacking clear policies for handling complaints.
- Principals have significant discretion, such as excusing absences, which leads to inconsistent practices across schools and dissatisfaction among parents.
- A case involving a teacher, James Johnson, at Meany Middle School resulted in a student being punched, leading to an $8M jury award for the student. The district was found liable for discrimination but not for negligence in hiring Johnson.
- The district admitted to failing to keep the student safe and negligently retaining and supervising Johnson, who had a history of disciplinary issues.
- Another high-profile case involved a principal at View Ridge Elementary who placed a student in a fenced area, referred to as "the cage," raising serious concerns about isolation practices and bias.
- The district approved the use of the fenced area but later acknowledged the treatment was unacceptable and violated policies.
- The principal at View Ridge Elementary was eventually removed, but the process took over a year, highlighting delays in accountability.
- Parents were not properly informed about their children’s isolation incidents, further compounding the issue.
- The district has a history of nepotism and promoting individuals with personal connections, which undermines trust and accountability.
- The article emphasizes the need for clearer hiring, firing, and complaint procedures to protect students and improve the district’s performance.
Diane Ravitch's Blog: Play is Returning to Kindergarten! | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/play
### Key Points
- The NCLB policy increased academic pressure on young children, leading to the decline of play in early education.
- Play-based learning has started to regain attention, with states like New Hampshire and Connecticut adopting policies to reintroduce it in classrooms.
- Guided play, as opposed to unstructured free play, is shown to improve both academic and soft skills, including collaboration and critical thinking.
- Research supports the positive impact of play-based learning on early academic and social development.
- Educators and policymakers are advocating for play-based learning to foster a positive school culture and improve school climate.
