TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS
MARCH 27, 2026
Here's a summary of today's top news stories (as of March 27, 2026) across the requested categories. The dominant global theme is the ongoing US-Israel military conflict with Iran (now in its late stages, around day 27-28), with Trump administration statements on negotiations, tariffs, and related impacts rippling across multiple areas.
U.S. News
- Ongoing Iran conflict developments: President Trump extended a pause on striking Iranian energy sites by another 10 days, stating Iran is "begging to make a deal" and has allowed some oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture. He also went on a tangent about Sharpies during a Cabinet meeting discussing the war and airport security lines.
- Immigration enforcement actions: Reports of ICE detaining or deporting individuals, including a Tufts University Ph.D. student from Turkey (and separate mentions of an Iranian student), amid broader anti-immigration efforts.
- Health department cuts and domestic issues: HHS announced further job cuts (around 10,000) and pulled back billions in pandemic-era health grants, redirecting focus to chronic disease under the "Make America Healthy Again" push. Dangerous fires reported in the Carolinas.
Politics
- Trump administration on Iran war: Trump described Iranians as "lousy fighters but great negotiators," pushed a 15-point plan (via intermediaries), and criticized NATO allies. A leaked Signal group chat involving top officials (including on Yemen/Houthi matters) continued to spark security breach debates.
- Tariffs and trade moves: Trump announced or referenced 25% tariffs on imported cars and parts, with potential impacts on allies and broader trade negotiations.
- Congressional activity: House Ethics Committee held a rare hearing on alleged misuse of funds by a Democratic representative; separate bill proposed to ban lawmakers from prediction markets. DHS funding/shutdown negotiations ongoing amid security concerns.
World Affairs
- Escalating Iran-Israel-US war: Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israeli cities (e.g., Haifa, Dimona) and other regional sites; Israel struck Iranian targets and expanded operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon (pushing toward the Litani River). Trump delayed energy site strikes and claimed progress on talks, while Iran rejected aspects of US proposals. IAEA warned of radiological risks if nuclear sites are hit.
- Strait of Hormuz tensions: Iran restricted access but allowed some tankers; US/Indian Navy monitoring energy security. Broader regional ripple effects included attacks or incidents involving Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
- Other international: North Korea and Belarus signed a friendship treaty; ongoing Ukraine-related developments (including deportations of Ukrainian men by ICE).
Education
- Department of Education shifts: Continued moves to dismantle or restructure the department, including shifting student loan oversight toward the Treasury Department and discussions on returning power to states. Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted changes to repayment and operations.
- Campus and immigration intersections: Reports of ICE actions affecting international students (e.g., Tufts University case), tying into broader enforcement.
- Classical education trends: Some academies (e.g., Catholic schools) reported enrollment rebounds driven by demand for humanities-focused, classical models over heavy tech emphasis.
Economy
- Market reactions to Iran conflict: Stock selloffs extended in some indices amid war uncertainty; oil prices volatile but with cautious optimism on potential resolution pushing them lower at times. Indian markets (Nifty/Sensex) monitored closely with oil/LPG impacts.
- Tariffs impact: New or proposed 25% auto import tariffs from Trump, with potential EU and global trade ripple effects.
- Broader indicators: Health system margins turned negative early in 2026 due to revenue drops and rising non-labor/drug costs; ongoing focus on fraud crackdowns to improve affordability.
Technology
- Social media liability verdict: A California jury found Meta and YouTube (Google) liable on counts related to knowingly creating addictive platforms harming young users—this landmark case could reshape social media regulation and open the door to thousands of similar lawsuits.
- AI developments: National AI Literacy Day events (largest in Bay Area with ~1,000 students); AI memory chip shortages emerging as a crunch point amid massive data-center spending projections (~$650B in 2026). Legislative updates on AI in advertising/health claims.
- Other: Rivian secured major Uber investment for EV expansion; Anthropic won a court injunction against Pentagon actions on AI tools.
Health
- HHS and public health funding: Trump administration pulled back over $11B in state/community health grants (originally for pandemic preparedness), redirecting toward chronic disease efforts. Major crackdown on Medicare/Medicaid fraud announced earlier, with task forces and funding deferrals (e.g., Minnesota).
- Workforce impacts: CDC facing demoralization from firings, funding cuts, and past incidents; broader HHS job reductions.
- Systemic pressures: Health systems reported negative margins early 2026, with rising drug and non-labor costs forcing tough decisions for providers and patients.
Sports
- IOC transgender policy: International Olympic Committee confirmed a ban on transgender women competing in female categories at the Olympics.
- College basketball (March Madness): Ongoing NCAA Women's Tournament action, including matchups like North Carolina vs. UConn in the Sweet 16; men's tournament highlights with teams advancing to Elite Eight.
- Other: MLB season developments (e.g., Yankees opening games); Formula One engine manufacturers agreeing to reduce battery capacity; various soccer/international qualifiers and boxing notes (e.g., Israel Adesanya).
These stories are drawn from major outlets and live updates; the Iran conflict continues to drive much of the global and economic narrative. For real-time developments, check reliable news sources directly.
Azar Nafisi: "When I Think of Iran, I Think of Light" https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/26/azar-nafisi-when-i-think-of-iran-i-think-of-light/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- A former tech coordinator shares his experience implementing technology in special education programs in NYC, noting the shift from tools to dominance by technology.
- Concerns are raised about the growing influence of AI in classrooms, with skepticism about promises of teacher involvement in decision-making.
Jennifer Rubin: The Republican Crack-Up https://dianeravitch.net/2026/03/26/jennifer-rubin-the-republican-crack-up/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Jennifer Rubin critiques Republicans for privately opposing Trump but publicly supporting his controversial actions, predicting electoral consequences.
- Republicans are criticized for supporting Trump's Iran war, DHS shutdown, and SAVE Act, leading to economic and political fallout.
- Trump’s deployment of ICE agents to airports is described as a performative and authoritarian move, drawing backlash from civil society groups.
- The GOP faces internal divisions between Trump loyalists and those concerned about the party's direction under his leadership.
- Rubin highlights the long-term damage to democracy and the economy caused by Trump's policies and the Republican Party's complicity.
Big Education Ape: NO KINGS 3.0 THIS SATURDAY UP YOURS, BILLIONAIRE EDUCATION OLIGARCHY: HOW REGULAR PEOPLE ARE RECLAIMING AMERICA'S CLASSROOMS #NoKingsMar28 #NoKingsInAmerica #NoKings https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/no-kings-30-this-saturday-up-yours.html
Big Education Ape highlights the ongoing battle for public education in the U.S., focusing on grassroots movements, political shifts, and resistance to privatization efforts. The "No Kings" movement and the "Non-Permission Slip" campaign are pivotal strategies in opposing billionaire-backed education reforms and promoting community ownership of schools.
### Key Points
- The "No Kings" movement is rallying millions across the U.S. to protest billionaire-backed privatization of public education and executive overreach.
- Grassroots efforts are flipping traditionally Republican districts, such as Florida's House District 87 and Iowa's Senate District 1, by focusing on education issues like school funding and opposition to private school voucher programs.
- Democrats are adopting a strategy of naming and targeting billionaires funding privatization efforts, such as Jeffrey Yass and Betsy DeVos, in their campaigns.
- The "Non-Permission Slip" initiative empowers parents to formally oppose federal voucher programs, ICE cooperation in schools, and censorship in curriculums.
- Books like Diane Ravitch’s *Slaying Goliath* and Josh Cowen’s *The Privateers* are being used as intellectual tools to challenge the privatization narrative.
- Local and national organizations are providing tools, training, and resources to help citizens run for school boards and advocate for public education.
Big Education Ape: WHO TOOK A BITE OF THE AI APPLE? SIX CHATBOTS WALK INTO A CLASSROOM… https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/who-took-bite-of-ai-apple-six-chatbots.html
The article discusses the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, exploring its potential benefits and risks. It highlights key predictions made by six AI chatbots and examines existing AI ethics policies in various school districts. The article emphasizes the importance of value-driven decision-making to ensure AI's positive impact on education and avoid repeating the mistakes made with social media integration in schools.
### Key Points
- AI in education is predicted to bring hyper-personalized learning, turning teachers into mentors, offering 24/7 tutoring, making AI literacy a core subject, and transforming assessments.
- Different AI chatbots provided unique perspectives on the future of AI in education, with consensus on benefits but varied opinions on challenges like equity, trust, and ethics.
- Concerns about AI in education include cognitive offloading, the attention economy, deepfakes, equity gaps, and surveillance.
- Some school districts, like Chicago, New York City, Tucson, Seattle, and Boston, are leading with proactive AI ethics policies and frameworks.
- Key elements of a model AI ethics policy include mandatory disclosure, bias audits, human oversight, age-appropriate access, and community input.
- The article provides a phased timeline for implementing AI policies in schools, from foundational steps to continuous reviews.
- Parents and the public are encouraged to ask critical questions about AI tools, data privacy, academic integrity, and equity in schools.
- The article draws parallels between the rise of AI in education and the unregulated introduction of social media, emphasizing the need for proactive policies to avoid similar negative outcomes.
- The six AI chatbots — Gemini, Grok, ChatGPT, Claude, Llama, and Copilot — were assessed for their insights, with differing strengths such as equity focus, risk assessment, and optimism.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MARCH 26, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01878991568.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of various topics, including education policies, political developments, global conflicts, technology, and health. It highlights significant issues such as the U.S.-Iran conflict, school voucher controversies, the Trump administration's policies, and the impact of AI and digital surveillance. The article also discusses grassroots movements, education reforms, and the importance of equity, democracy, and evidence-based decision-making in addressing societal challenges.
### Key Points
- The U.S.-Iran conflict continues to escalate with additional troop deployments, missile exchanges, and ceasefire negotiations.
- The partial DHS/government shutdown has caused disruptions to TSA operations, airport delays, and federal programs.
- Stephen Miller is pushing for state laws to deny public education to undocumented students, reflecting ongoing immigration policy debates.
- Paul Krugman accuses Trump of insider trading related to oil and stock markets, alleging misuse of national security secrets for financial gain.
- The Science of Reading Act of 2026 (H.R. 7890) is criticized for being based on outdated and flawed scientific principles, potentially harming children's cognitive and emotional development.
- Diane Ravitch advocates for replacing NYC's mayoral control of public schools with a more democratic governance structure to address systemic issues like segregation and funding disparities.
- Nebraska lawmakers attempted to reintroduce school vouchers through the state budget, despite previous voter rejection, causing the state budget to collapse.
- California is highlighted as a testing ground for public school privatization, with billions spent by billionaires to promote charter schools, exacerbating inequality and harming public schools.
- The Trump administration's policies, including voter ID laws, immigration enforcement, and school privatization, are criticized for undermining democracy and equity. The "No Kings" movement is organizing protests against these measures.
- Digital surveillance through cookies and tracking pixels raises privacy concerns, with practical tips provided to enhance online privacy.
- The Trump administration faces legal challenges, including a defamation lawsuit against CNN and a federal court blocking RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine agenda.
- Grassroots movements like "No Kings" and local campaigns, such as Bobbi Boudman's victory in New Hampshire, emphasize the importance of defending public education and democratic principles.
- The role of teachers as improvisers is explored, highlighting their adaptability and decision-making in classrooms.
- AI integration in education sparks debates over its impact on privacy, equity, and mental health, with calls for a moratorium on its use in NYC schools.
- The article critiques the overuse of robotic teachers in education, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human adaptability and empathy.
- The Founding Fathers' warnings about mixing religion with state funding are used to critique modern school voucher systems, which foster inequality and sectarian strife.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MARCH 26, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/morning-news-update-march-26-2026.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the major news stories as of March 26, 2026, covering topics such as education, U.S. and world politics, the economy, technology, health, and sports. Key highlights include the U.S./Israel-Iran conflict, significant education policy changes, economic challenges due to rising oil prices, advancements in AI technology, and global protests against the Trump administration's policies.
### Key Points
- The U.S. government shutdown has caused TSA staffing shortages, leading to record-long wait times at airports.
- A landmark jury verdict found Meta and YouTube liable for harm to children and teens, marking a critical moment for big tech accountability.
- A pilot and his two daughters survived a plane crash in Alaska and were rescued by the Alaska Army National Guard.
- Iran rejected a U.S. 15-point ceasefire plan, escalating tensions in the U.S./Israel-Iran conflict.
- Economic anxiety is rising, with 65% of Americans believing the country is on the "wrong track," and women of color citing affordability as a primary concern.
- President Trump faces scrutiny over a Signal chat scandal involving national security officials and Yemen strike plans.
- Protests against the Trump administration's policies, including the 2026 Iran War and ICE operations, are planned nationwide under the "No Kings" movement.
- The U.S. Treasury Department has taken over federal student aid management to modernize the system.
- UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report highlights that 273 million children are out of school globally, with significant declines in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Rising oil prices due to the U.S./Iran conflict are causing inflation and economic strain, with gas prices averaging $3.98 per gallon nationally.
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of parents' rights to be notified about student gender transitions in schools, overturning California policies.
- A bipartisan group is pushing for AI data center regulations to address safety and environmental concerns.
- The U.S. House passed the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act to enhance fighter protections in boxing.
- Major sports updates include NCAA March Madness, NBA games, and MLB season developments.
Big Education Ape: OPERATION EPIC FURY - THE REAL REASONS: A TOTALLY PERFECT, MAYBE THE BEST EVER, WAR (Satire) https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/operation-epic-fury-real-reasons.html
The article is a satirical commentary on a fictional military operation called "Operation Epic Fury," led by former President Donald Trump. It humorously critiques the exaggerated justifications for the war, the reactions of Trump's supporters and critics, and the broader political and media landscape surrounding such a conflict. The piece highlights the absurdity of decisions made based on "fact-based feelings" and mocks the rhetoric used to justify military actions.
### Key Points
- The article is a satirical take on a fictional war initiated by Donald Trump, named "Operation Epic Fury," targeting Iran.
- The war is justified by Trump with exaggerated claims, such as Iran being on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons and plotting to assassinate him.
- Trump lists several reasons for the war, including historical grievances like the 1979 hostage crisis and his belief that the Iranian people support him.
- Trump's supporters, including Senator Lindsey Graham and Fox News hosts, enthusiastically support the war, often using hyperbolic and patriotic rhetoric.
- Critics of the war, including some of Trump's former supporters, accuse him of breaking his anti-war promises and starting a conflict for self-serving reasons.
- Alternative theories for the war include distracting from Trump's legal issues, potential real estate interests in Iran, and external influence from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- The article mocks the idea that Trump's "gut feeling" and "fact-based feelings" were sufficient reasons to launch a military operation.
- The satirical piece highlights the economic and geopolitical fallout of the war, including rising oil prices and missile strikes on U.S. bases.
- The media's reaction to the war is parodied, with Fox News hosts either praising Trump or questioning the motives behind the conflict.
- The article concludes with a humorous depiction of the ongoing war and the reactions of various political figures, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.
Big Education Ape: THE BILLIONAIRE'S CLASSROOM: HOW CALIFORNIA BECAME THE PROVING GROUND FOR THE GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOL HEIST https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-billionaires-classroom-how.html
The article examines how California has become a testing ground for the privatization of public education, driven by billionaires investing over $250 million to reshape the state's educational system. Through strategic funding, political influence, and selective research, these wealthy individuals have advanced charter schools while undermining traditional public schools, exacerbating inequality and creating a system that favors advantaged students.
### Key Points
- California has been targeted by billionaires as an opportunity to privatize public education under the guise of social justice.
- Between 2015 and 2025, over $250 million was spent by wealthy individuals to influence school board elections and reshape the educational landscape.
- Major donors like Reed Hastings, Walton Family, Doris Fisher, Eli Broad, and Michael Bloomberg have led efforts to promote charter schools through PACs, lobbying, and research funding.
- Los Angeles Unified School District's 2017 school board election became the most expensive in history, with over $15 million in outside spending to secure a pro-charter majority.
- Charter schools use strategies like selective lotteries, counseling out high-need students, and focusing on less expensive demographics to achieve better results compared to traditional public schools.
- Charter schools serve fewer English learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities compared to traditional public schools, creating demographic disparities.
- Budget cuts to traditional public schools have worsened their ability to serve high-need students, while charter schools draw funding away despite serving less expensive populations.
- Charter schools gained 168,000 students over a decade while traditional public schools lost 582,000 students, intensifying financial crises in districts like Oakland Unified.
- Research supporting charter schools, such as Stanford’s CREDO and PPIC, is funded by the same foundations promoting charter expansion, raising questions about bias.
- Metrics showing charter schools' advantages often omit the role of demographic selection bias, which accounts for 40% of their reported gains.
- The achievement gap between wealthy and low-income students persists, with minimal improvement in English learner outcomes and math proficiency for the bottom quartile.
- Despite billions spent on privatization efforts, California’s educational inequities remain largely unchanged.
Big Education Ape: COOKIES & PIXELS: NOT A DISNEY MOVIE — THEY'RE WATCHING YOUR EVERY CLICK https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/cookies-pixels-not-disney-movie-theyre.html
The article also delves into digital privacy concerns, focusing on cookies and tracking pixels, their functions, and methods to block them. It provides practical tips for improving online privacy and highlights tools and settings for browsers and email platforms to combat digital surveillance.
Big Education Ape: TODAY'S TOP NEWS - YESTERDAY'S BEST BLOG POSTS MARCH 25, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/todays-top-news-yesterdays-best-blog_01059730271.html
The article provides a wide range of topics covering education, politics, technology, health, and cultural issues. Key themes include the impact of federal policies on democracy, the challenges in public education, the role of AI in schools, geopolitical tensions, and the resilience of Black culture. It also highlights grassroots movements like "No Kings" and critiques harmful practices such as grade retention, school vouchers, and privatization efforts.
Big Education Ape: MORNING NEWS UPDATE: MARCH 25, 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2026/03/morning-news-update-march-25-2026.html
The article provides a comprehensive overview of current events spanning education, politics, global conflicts, technology, health, and sports. Key topics include the U.S.-Iran conflict, education policy shifts, legal battles over curriculum, AI integration in classrooms, and major developments in technology and health.
### Key Points
- Stephen Miller is pushing for state laws to challenge Plyler v. Doe, a decision protecting free public education for undocumented children.
- The Heritage Foundation is strategically promoting these laws to provoke a Supreme Court case to overturn Plyler.
- Critics argue that these efforts are cruel, unjust, and harmful to children, emphasizing the societal and economic benefits of Plyler.
- Advocacy groups are resisting these moves, highlighting the injustice and long-term harm of denying education to children.
Cesar Chavez Is Not the Whole Story. Here’s What We’re Missing – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2026/03/26/cesar-chavez-is-not-the-whole-story-heres-what-were-missing/
The article reflects on the complexity of the civil rights movement, emphasizing that while Cesar Chavez is a prominent figure, the broader movement involved many individuals, organizations, and struggles. It highlights the importance of understanding the imperfect and multifaceted nature of activism, using the story of Mario Vasquez, a young Chicano activist, as an example. The article also underlines the risks and sacrifices made by activists, the systemic challenges they faced, and the ongoing relevance of their struggles in today’s fight for justice.
### Key Points
- Cesar Chavez is often seen as a symbol of justice and sacrifice, but the civil rights movement is far more complex and involved many people, organizations, and localized efforts.
- The movement was marked by courage, contradictions, tensions, and mistakes, which make its history more human and relatable.
- Activists made difficult decisions in uncertain conditions, often without the benefit of hindsight, as depicted in the Oscar-winning film *One Battle After Another*.
- Understanding the complexities of history is essential for continuing the work of justice.
- The author shares the story of their uncle, Mario Vasquez, a young Chicano activist who left the University of Michigan to join the Crusade for Justice, a Denver-based Chicano civil rights organization.
- The Crusade for Justice was a significant organization in the Chicano movement, emphasizing political advocacy, cultural affirmation, and community-based education.
- The 1970s were marked by intense surveillance and confrontation against civil rights organizations, with federal agencies actively monitoring and attempting to disrupt movements.
- On March 17, 1973, Mario Vasquez was involved in the St. Patrick’s Day incident, which highlighted the risks and volatility of activism during that era.
- The “Free Mario Vasquez” campaign emerged as a response to his arrest, representing a broader struggle for justice.
- Historical records show that Mario was later cleared of charges, but the incident underscores the personal and collective sacrifices of activists.
- Conversations with those involved, including Ernesto B. Vigil, reveal the lasting emotional impact of the era and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
- The legacy of the civil rights movement lives on, reminding us that history is created through choices, risks, and collective efforts.
- The physical spaces where the movement occurred may have changed, but their historical significance remains, symbolizing the courage and sacrifices of past activists.
- The struggle for justice continues today, with recent events like the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti highlighting the ongoing risks of activism.
- The author reflects on the importance of understanding the full history of the civil rights movement to inspire and inform future generations in the fight for equality.
On Dignity [On CEC3 And The Racial Justice Work Ahead Of Us] https://thejosevilson.com/on-dignity-on-cec3-and-the-racial-justice-work-ahead-of-us/ via @TheJoseVilson
### Key Points
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted a Black History Month Centennial event, addressing the contributions and struggles of Black New Yorkers and apologizing for past remarks, highlighting a shift in leadership tone.
- A controversy arose when a Black student defended their school at a Community Education Council (CEC) meeting, and racist remarks were allegedly made by an attendee, sparking outrage and mobilization among education advocates.
- The concept of "parent voice" in education is discussed, emphasizing the complexities of race, identity, and equity in school decisions.
- The article highlights the importance of dignity in education, framing it as recognizing students' worthiness and advocating for their rights to equitable and quality education.
- Historical resistance to educational equity for Black families in NYC is contrasted with the broader need for empathy, compassion, and justice in schools.
- The writer reflects on the role of culturally responsive education in fostering shared humanity and the challenges of implementing such curricula amidst political and systemic barriers.
- NYC School Chancellor Kamar Samuels' efforts to elevate Black studies in schools are acknowledged, though questions remain about the long-term impact and resistance to such initiatives.
glen brown: Soulless Trump https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2026/03/soulless-trump.html
- The blog reflects on the role of writers, emphasizing freedom from societal doctrines and the nobility of resisting oppression, citing Ambrose Bierce and Albert Camus.
- Iran rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal during ongoing conflicts, stating it will end the war on its own terms. The toll of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran has been devastating, with thousands dead across affected regions.
- Gulf states and Qatar expressed skepticism about Trump’s claims of mediation efforts in the Iran conflict.
- The blog discusses Trump’s controversial actions, including his alleged illegal war on Iran, foreign policy decisions, and domestic governance failures.
- Illinois has implemented strict gun control laws, ranking second nationally in gun law strength.
- Bernie Sanders criticized the Trump administration's demand for $200 billion for the Pentagon while healthcare remains unaffordable for many Americans.
- The blog highlights various social and political issues, including racism, healthcare, social justice, education reform, and environmental concerns.
Teacher Tom: The Love of Children v. the Love of Money https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-love-of-children-v-love-of-money.html
- The article highlights a cultural conflict between prioritizing the welfare of children and prioritizing monetary gains, citing examples such as the underfunding of education and systemic failures to protect children.
- The Iowa state legislature is set to pass a law mandating play-based learning in preschool and kindergarten, requiring a minimum of three hours of child-directed play daily. Other states like Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma have also introduced play-based learning policies.
- The federal government has historically imposed educational mandates like No Child Left Behind and Common Core, which have contributed to high-stakes testing even for young children, often at the expense of play and experiential learning.
- States like Connecticut and New Hampshire have defined the teacher’s role in play-based learning as a "facilitator," but implementation varies widely, with some teachers turning play into a structured activity rather than allowing free exploration.
- The author advocates for clearer definitions of play and better training for educators to ensure that play-based learning is implemented effectively and not treated as a mere reward or break from "serious learning."
- The article emphasizes the importance of outdoor play and minimizing screen time for children to preserve authentic childhood experiences.
- The author expresses hope and encouragement for the progress made by states and calls for continued advocacy to prioritize children's well-being over profit-driven systems.
Low-income students and girls are steered away from “risky” creative careers at school Education Research Report https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/
### Key Points
- Inclusive high school environments benefit both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ students, with high self-esteem reducing anxiety among LGBTQ teens.
- Research shows that majority-group students with increased openness to LGBTQ peers feel more connected to society over time.
- School-based efforts that promote self-esteem and affirming environments are crucial for alleviating anxiety among LGBTQ youth.
- Robots teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) in Chicago classrooms were effective, especially those using factual dialogue rather than fictional personalities.
- Factual robots encouraged deeper engagement with SEL concepts and minimized distractions compared to robots mimicking human emotions.
- Robots are seen as supplements to teachers, not replacements, helping provide individualized attention in classrooms.
- High school GPA is a stronger predictor of academic success and graduation rates at public universities compared to SAT scores.
- Cannabis use disorder in young people is linked to higher risks of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.
- Heavy cannabis use may alter brain development in young users, predisposing them to psychiatric conditions.
- Academic freedom and institutional autonomy are declining globally, with the U.S. experiencing a significant drop in university autonomy due to federal and state actions.
- Institutional autonomy is vital for protecting academic freedom and ensuring viewpoint diversity in universities.
- Toddlers as young as two can predict conversational turn-taking using linguistic cues, even without fully understanding sentences.
- Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) can also predict turn-taking but are slower in doing so. Asking questions that begin with verbs and use the pronoun "you" can help them improve.
Is he ignorant, lying, or both? Trump claims that the US is “the only country that does mail‑in voting.” MICHAEL KLONSKY https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/is-he-ignorant-lying-or-both
- Donald Trump falsely claimed that the U.S. is “the only country that does mail-in voting,” despite evidence showing that dozens of countries use mail-in voting, including Canada, Germany, and Australia.
- Mail-in voting is falsely described by Trump as inherently corrupt, although he has personally used mail-in ballots and encouraged supporters to do so in past elections.
- Critics argue Trump’s repeated falsehoods are either due to ignorance or intentional messaging aimed at undermining trust in elections and benefiting conservative voter turnout.
- The concept of the “big lie,” originally formulated by Adolf Hitler, is relevant to Trump’s strategy of repeating disproven claims to maintain political power.
Becoming a Better Writing Teacher in an Era of AI Slop "The ease of generating content with AI enables people to submit low-quality articles to publications." Adam Nemeroff, The Conversation (September 2, 2025) PAUL THOMAS https://paulthomas701128.substack.com/p/becoming-a-better-writing-teacher
- The rise of AI-generated content has led to concerns about the submission of low-quality, plagiarized, or fabricated work by students.
- Common responses to AI misuse, such as increasing AI detection or adopting AI ethically, are insufficient. A "no AI" policy and rethinking how writing is taught are proposed alternatives.
- Emphasis should be placed on the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, feedback, revising) as a learning experience that cannot be outsourced to AI.
- Transparency in the writing process, such as working with librarians, submitting annotated bibliographies, and using in-class peer reviews, helps combat AI misuse and fosters skill-building.
- Assignments should focus on unique, meaningful topics and processes that encourage student engagement and reduce reliance on AI-generated content.
- Understanding why students turn to AI (e.g., feeling overwhelmed or disengaged) can help educators design assignments that are more meaningful and relevant.
- The prevalence of AI highlights pre-existing flaws in education, such as meaningless assignments and lack of engagement, which should prompt a reevaluation of teaching and learning priorities.
Diane Ravitch's Blog: Andy Spears: Vouchers in Arizona Are a Morass of Fraud | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/andy-spears
- The article highlights widespread fraud in Arizona's Education Savings Accounts (ESA) voucher program, which was expanded despite voters rejecting its growth in 2018.
- Around 7-8% of Arizona students use vouchers, costing nearly $1 billion annually, with most beneficiaries already attending private or religious schools, effectively subsidizing their tuition.
- Reports from 12News and Save Our Schools Arizona revealed that about 20% of ESA transactions (84,000 out of 385,000 reviewed) were for unallowable purchases, including items like diamond rings, luxury clothing, and gift cards.
- Arizona's Department of Education (ADE) claims to use risk-based auditing to address fraudulent spending, but concerns remain about its effectiveness.
- The blog post was originally published on Diane Ravitch's Blog and is shared with the author's permission. Diane Ravitch is a noted education historian and policy activist.
Schools Matter: Last Chance! http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2026/03/last-chance.html
March’s Parent Engagement Resources Engaging Parents In School... | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement" https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/
### Key Points
- Strategies for engaging parents go beyond mere involvement, focusing on meaningful engagement, autonomy support, and addressing parental concerns about AI, screen time, and education trends.
- Resources include practical tips for fostering family engagement, such as student-led conferences, STEM nights, bilingual resources, and culturally responsive strategies.
- Articles highlight the importance of communication between schools and families through emails, apps, and other tools, emphasizing clear, honest, and consistent messaging.
- Addressing challenges like screen time, absenteeism, and homework motivation is key to strengthening family-school partnerships.
- Insights into engaging diverse families, including multilingual learners and immigrant parents, aim to create inclusive environments for student success.
- New tools, including AI chatbots and family playbooks, are being developed to support parent engagement in schools.
- Studies and expert advice underline the critical role of parents in shaping their children’s academic and social-emotional development.
- Creative strategies, such as video projects, storytelling prompts, and gamified activities, can make family engagement more impactful and enjoyable.
Update on DOE’s testimony on class size and inadequate guidance on AI | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/update-on-does-testimony-on-class-size-and-inadequate-guidance-on-ai/
### Key Points
- The Department of Education (DOE) lacks a concrete plan to meet the class size reduction law passed in 2022, with officials admitting they are unlikely to meet the 80% compliance benchmark by fall 2026.
- The School Construction Authority (SCA) revealed that only 12,000 out of the needed 70,000 school seats are expected to be completed by the law’s deadline, with no updated target figures available yet.
- The DOE has not adopted proposals from the Class Size Working Group, which could save significant time and resources. Mayor Mamdani and Chancellor Samuels are seeking an extension to the class size law timeline, despite criticism of past mayoral control over such initiatives.
- The DOE released weak AI guidance, criticized for insufficient privacy protections and lack of transparency regarding AI tools used in schools. A full list of AI products will not be disclosed until June 2026.
- Concerns about AI’s impact on student privacy, critical thinking, creativity, and mental health remain unaddressed. Teachers have been using AI tools like ChatGPT, which pose risks to students under 18, without clear warnings in the DOE guidance.
- The AI Moratorium Coalition is advocating for a halt on AI use in schools until stronger safeguards are implemented. Parents and community members are encouraged to provide feedback during the DOE’s 45-day comment period.
TRUMP IN THE NEWS TODAY
Today, March 26, 2026, the news cycle is dominated by several major moves from the Trump administration, primarily centered on addressing the ongoing budget impasse and internal federal policies.
Top Stories: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Emergency Order to Pay TSA Workers
In the most significant story of the day, President Trump announced via social media that he will sign an emergency order instructing Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay TSA agents.
The Context: This move follows a 41-day funding impasse for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that has left TSA workers without paychecks since January.
The Impact: The shutdown has caused "chaos at the airports," with callout rates exceeding 40% at major hubs like Houston and Atlanta.
Nearly 500 agents have reportedly quit during this period. The Controversy: While Republicans have praised the "leadership" move, Democrats—including House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro—have questioned why the administration waited 41 days to exercise this authority if they believed they had it.
Executive Order Eliminating DEI for Federal Contractors
President Trump signed an Executive Order today aimed at eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices among federal contractors and subcontractors.
The Goal: The administration states the order is designed to restore "merit-based" hiring and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.
Enforcement: The order authorizes agencies to suspend or debar contractors who fail to comply and directs the Attorney General to prioritize claims under the False Claims Act against violators.
Trump Signature to Appear on U.S. Currency
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that President Trump’s signature will appear on future U.S. paper currency to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the United States.
A Historical First: This marks the first time in history a sitting president’s signature will appear on legal tender alongside the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Rationale: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the move as a way to recognize the "historic achievements" and economic growth under the current administration.
Historic Lows in Net Migration
The White House released data today claiming net negative migration across every U.S. metropolitan area over the past year.
The Stats: Illegal border crossings are reportedly at their lowest levels since the 1970s.
Administration Stance: The President is framing this as a "total control" victory for his "America First" border policies.
