Oakland Teachers Strike Again, Demand Better Pay and Protection from Billionaires Hellbent on Destroying Public Education!

 

Oakland Teachers Strike Again, Demand Better Pay and Protection from Billionaires Hellbent on Destroying Public Education!

It's time to give a round of applause to the Oakland teachers who are on strike for the second year in a row. These educators are not only fighting for better pay and working conditions, but they are also standing up against the underfunding of public schools by the state and the influence of billionaires who want to destroy California's public education system. 

Let's face it, the situation in Oakland is not unique. Teachers across the state are facing similar challenges, including a pandemic, staffing shortages, and rising costs of living. It's no wonder that strikes in public education have become more common since the Chicago teachers' strike in 2012. 

But why is this happening? Well, it's because the state has been underfunding public schools for the past 20 years. And if that wasn't enough, billionaires are working to destroy California's public education system. It's like a two-headed monster that teachers have to fight against. 

The root cause of these problems is the lack of funding by the state and the influence of billionaires who want to destroy public schools. Teachers are fighting for better pay and working conditions, but they are also fighting for the future of public education in California. 

It's not just Oakland teachers who are taking action. Teachers in Los Angeles, Marin County, and West Contra Costa Unified School District have all authorized strikes or gone on strike in recent months. Even San Francisco teachers, who haven't gone on strike since 1979, are ramping up pickets this week to demand better pay and working conditions. 

The situation is dire, but teachers are not giving up. They know that they are fighting for something important, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Strikes may cause problems in the short term, but in the long term, they may be what's needed to have strong public education. 

The situation in Oakland is particularly concerning. The district has been without a fully new contract since 2017, and negotiations have been ongoing since October. Teachers are demanding a 22.9% pay raise, improved working conditions, and support for students who are unhoused. 

The district has proposed a new salary schedule that would give teachers varying pay increases depending on their experience and education level, as well as an ongoing 10% raise retroactive to November of last year, and a one-time $5,000 bonus. While this is a step in the right direction, it doesn't go far enough to address the root causes of the problem. 

Teachers are not just fighting for themselves. They are fighting for their students and for the future of public education in California. They know that if they don't take action now, things will only get worse. 

It's time for the state to step up and fund public education properly. It's time for billionaires to stop trying to destroy public schools. And it's time for everyone to support our teachers as they fight for a better future for all of us. So let's give a big shout-out to all the teachers who are on strike right now. Keep fighting the good fight!

Oakland teachers strike to raise some of the state’s lowest salaries | EdSource https://edsource.org/2023/oakland-teachers-threaten-strike-to-raise-some-of-states-lowest-salaries/689841

American Eighth Graders Flunk Civics and History: Experts Warn of Future of Easily Manipulated Adults

American Eighth Graders Flunk Civics and History: Experts Warn of Future of Easily Manipulated Adults

The Nation's Report Card has just been released, and the results are in: American eighth graders' knowledge of civics and history is at an all-time low. In other words, we're raising a generation of kids who are about as informed as a bag of rocks.

Experts are sounding the alarm bells, warning that these kids are going to grow up to be easily manipulated by social media and political liars. And let's face it, if anyone knows how to manipulate people, it's politicians and social media.

The report shows that only 22% of eighth graders scored at or above basic proficiency levels for civics. That means that over three-quarters of students are basically clueless when it comes to understanding how our government works. They don't know the Constitution from a can of beans, and they couldn't tell you what the Bill of Rights is if their lives depended on it.

But wait, it gets worse. Girls performed worse than boys, and whites had steeper declines than blacks and Hispanics. Charter school students performed far worse than students in traditional public schools, while Catholic school students' performance was flat. In other words, we're all screwed.

The steepest decline in civics was in the Midwest. This is alarming because when ignorance of such basics prevails, kids are more vulnerable to manipulation by nefarious individuals. Think Steve Bannon hawking lies about the 2020 presidential election being stolen or Alex Jones claiming that a school mass shooting was a hoax.

And if you thought civics was bad, just wait until you hear about history. Only 14% of students scored at or above proficient. That means that 86% of kids don't know their history from their elbow.

Politicians and conservative networks are working overtime to convince parents that children should not be taught the full, unvarnished history of slavery and how it continues to impact the Black experience today. Students need to know the historical foundations of the First Amendment and why the separation of church and state is essential.

But let's be real here, today's students are reading less and testing lower on reading abilities. The chances of them sitting down to read a newspaper or knowing how to distinguish between a credible news source and a bogus one are about as likely as a snowball surviving in hell.

Civics and history are the foundations of an informed and engaged public. And right now, those foundations are crumbling faster than a stale cookie. It's time for schools to invest more in these areas and for parents to demand that their children be taught the truth about America's past and present. Otherwise, we risk raising a generation of ignorant citizens who are easily led astray.

So if you see an eighth grader today, give them a hug. They're going to need it when they grow up to be easily manipulated adults.

CURMUDGUCATION: Can We Fix Civics and History Education https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2023/05/can-we-fix-civics-and-history-education.html

Test scores for 8th-grade students decline in US history and civics following prior declines in math and reading, report says | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/04/us/nations-report-card-us-history-civics/index.html

Child-Gender Culture War Must Surrender to the Power of Facts and Logic!

Child-Gender Culture War Must Surrender to the Power of Facts and Logic!

In a world where politics and medicine collide, the debate over child gender transition has become a hot topic. While some states in the US have passed laws to prohibit or restrict the practice, others have embraced it as "lifesaving." But amidst all this polarization, one thing is clear: we need a more nuanced approach.

Take Sunny Bryant, for example. At just 9 years old, she's already a pro at testifying before lawmakers. She and her mother have spoken at the Texas legislature multiple times, advocating for the right to undergo gender transition. But with over 450 bills proposed or passed this year that the American Civil Liberties Union characterizes as anti-LGBTQ, the debate has become increasingly heated.

On one side, we have those who believe in "watchful waiting," preferring talk therapy to medical interventions. On the other side, we have those who advocate for "affirmative care," believing that "kids know who they are." But with little consensus among medical professionals, it's hard to know what's best for gender-nonconforming children.

What we need is a middle ground. We can't simply ban gender-affirming care, nor can we rely solely on medical interventions without proper assessment and therapy. Instead, we should require medical assessment and counseling before prescribing puberty blockers or hormones to minors, and insist on tracking patient outcomes over several years.

This more reasoned approach would represent a triumph over partisans on both sides, and most importantly, do right by the thousands of children seeking care every year. So let's put politics aside and focus on what really matters: the well-being of our children.

The Child-Gender Debate Needs Better Evidence, Not Punitive Bans - The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/05/texas-puberty-blockers-gender-care-transgender-rights/673941/?utm_source=feed

Clarence Thomas Gets Creative with Child Support: Harlan Crow Foots the Private School Bill for 'Son'

Clarence Thomas Gets Creative with Child Support

Harlan Crow Foots the Private School Bill for 'Son'

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has found himself in hot water once again. This time, it's not for his controversial opinions or his questionable behavior on the bench. No, this time it's because he allegedly failed to disclose that a billionaire friend paid for his grandnephew's tuition at a private boarding school.

According to ProPublica, Thomas' teenage grandnephew, Mark Martin, attended Hidden Lake Academy in Georgia, a school that charges over $6,000 a month in tuition. But instead of footing the bill himself, Thomas allegedly accepted payments from billionaire real estate magnate Harlan Crow. The payments reportedly covered Martin's entire time at Hidden Lake Academy, as well as his tuition at Randolph-Macon Academy in Virginia.

If true, this would be a clear violation of federal law, which requires officials to publicly report most gifts. Ethics law experts agree that Thomas should have disclosed the payments, as they appear to be a gift to him.

But Thomas has a history of accepting gifts from Crow. ProPublica previously reported that the justice accepted luxury travel from Crow virtually every year for decades, including international superyacht cruises and private jet flights around the world. Crow also paid money to Thomas and his relatives in an undisclosed real estate deal, and donated much of the budget of a political group founded by Thomas' wife, which paid her a $120,000 salary.

“This is way outside the norm. This is way in excess of anything I’ve seen,” said Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush.

And yet, Thomas seems unfazed by the controversy. He has not responded to questions about the tuition payments, and in response to previous reporting on gifts of luxury travel, he said that the Crows “are among our dearest friends” and that he understood he didn’t have to disclose the trips.

It's not just Thomas who should be concerned about this scandal. Crow has long been an influential figure in pro-business conservative politics, and has given millions to efforts to move the law and the judiciary to the right. He serves on the boards of think tanks that publish scholarship advancing conservative legal theories. The fact that he may be using his wealth to influence a Supreme Court justice is deeply troubling.

But perhaps the most troubling aspect of this story is the fact that Martin himself was seemingly unaware that Crow was paying for his education. Martin, now in his 30s, told ProPublica he was not aware of the payments. This raises serious questions about who was really benefiting from Crow's largesse.

All in all, this is just the latest example of how money and influence can corrupt even the highest levels of government. It's up to us to demand accountability from our elected officials and hold them to the highest ethical standards. Because if we don't, who will?

Clarence Thomas Had a Child in Private School. Harlan Crow Paid the Tuition. https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-harlan-crow-private-school-tuition-scotus

FOX NEWS CONTINUES TO PILE ON AFT LEADER RANDI WEINGARTEN

THE RIGHT WING PROPAGANDA ORGAN SINCE 1996

FOX NEWS CONTINUES TO PILE ON AFT LEADER RANDI WEINGARTEN 

In a recent Congressional hearing, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin decided to take a swing at American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten for her supposed role in school closings during the COVID pandemic. But let's be real, we all know who the real culprit is here: Fox News.

Youngkin accused Weingarten of keeping schools shut and blamed her for Virginia's educational decline. However, Weingarten testified that the Biden transition team was the first to contact her union for guidance on school closures during the pandemic. So, who's really to blame here?

But it's not just Youngkin who's attacking Weingarten. Trump administration education secretary Betsy Devos accused her of "revisionist history," and even Democrat Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called out her testimony. It seems like everyone wants to point fingers, but no one wants to take responsibility for the disastrous effects of the pandemic on our education system.

Let's not forget that remote learning was not a substitute for opening schools, as Weingarten pointed out during her testimony. Yet, Youngkin and other critics seem to ignore this fact and instead blame the teachers union for everything.

But what about the impact of school closures on children's mental health and academic performance? According to data released by the National Center for Education Statistics, 70% of U.S. public schools have reported an increase in students seeking mental health services since the start of the pandemic. And math scores saw their largest decreases ever in the aftermath of COVID, while reading scores dropped to levels not seen since 1992 for fourth and eighth graders across the country.

So, while Youngkin and others may want to blame Weingarten and the teachers union, the real issue here is the lack of support and resources provided to schools during the pandemic. And let's not forget about Fox News, which has become nothing more than a propaganda organ for the MAGA right wing.

It's time to stop pointing fingers and start taking action to support our education system and our children. As Weingarten said during her testimony, "We spent every day from February on trying to get schools open." Let's focus on solutions instead of scapegoats. And let's give credit where credit is due – Randi Weingarten deserves praise for her tireless efforts to support education during these challenging times.

Virginia governor blasts teachers' union boss over lockdown history rewrite attempt: 'Can't spin' her way out https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/virginia-governor-blasts-teachers-union-boss-lockdown-history-rewrite-attempt #FoxBusiness

Top Billionaires in Education Reform: Who's Making the Grade - Who's Not?

Top Billionaires in Education Reform: 

Who's Making the Grade - Who's Not?

Education reform has been a hot topic for years, and with the Culture Wars it seems like everyone has an opinion on how to fix our failing schools. But when it comes to putting their money where their mouth is, there are a select few who have really stepped in it. We're talking about the billionaires who have used their wealth to influence education policy and push for profit. So who are these education reform a-holes? Let's take a look at the top 20 billionaires who have most influenced Public Education destruction since 2000, according to Forbes' list of the World's Billionaires.

1. Bill Gates: The king of education reform, Gates has poured billions into his pet project of Common Core standards and charter schools. But critics argue that his approach is too standardized and ignores the individual needs of students.

2. Mark Zuckerberg: The Facebook founder has made headlines for his $100 million donation to Newark public schools, but the results have been mixed at best. Some argue that Zuckerberg's approach is too top-down and doesn't involve enough input from teachers and parents.

3. Laurene Powell Jobs: The widow of Steve Jobs has focused her education efforts on promoting technology in the classroom, but critics say that her approach is too focused on gadgets and not enough on actual teaching.

4. Michael Bloomberg: The former mayor of New York City has been a vocal proponent of charter schools, but his policies have been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the city's education system.

5. Sergey Brin: The Google co-founder has invested in a number of education startups, but some argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't take into account the social and emotional needs of students.

6. Larry Page: Like his Google co-founder Brin, Page has invested in a number of education startups, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on data and doesn't take into account the human element of teaching.

7. Pierre Omidyar: The eBay founder has invested in a number of education initiatives around the world, but some argue that his approach is too focused on privatization and doesn't address the root causes of educational inequality.

8. James Simons: The hedge fund billionaire has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on standardized testing and doesn't take into account the diversity of students' needs.

9. George Soros: The philanthropist has invested in a number of education initiatives around the world, but some argue that his approach is too focused on top-down solutions and doesn't involve enough input from teachers and parents.

10. Eli Broad: The real estate mogul has invested heavily in charter schools, but his approach has been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the education system.

11. John Arnold: The former hedge fund manager has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on privatization and doesn't address the root causes of educational inequality.

12. Steve Ballmer: The former Microsoft CEO has invested in a number of education initiatives, but some argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't take into account the social and emotional needs of students.

13. David Einhorn: The hedge fund manager has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on standardized testing and doesn't address the diversity of students' needs.

14. Ray Dalio: The hedge fund billionaire has invested heavily in education reform, but some argue that his approach is too focused on data and doesn't take into account the human element of teaching.

15. Reed Hastings: The Netflix CEO has invested in a number of education startups, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't take into account the social and emotional needs of students.

16. Steven Cohen: The hedge fund billionaire has invested in a number of education initiatives, but some argue that his approach is too focused on privatization and doesn't involve enough input from teachers and parents.

17. Rupert Murdoch: The media mogul has invested in a number of education startups, but critics argue that his approach is too focused on profit and doesn't take into account the diversity of students' needs.

18. John Doerr: The venture capitalist has invested in a number of education reform efforts, but some argue that his approach is too focused on technology and doesn't address the root causes of educational inequality.

19. Jim Walton: The Walmart heir has invested heavily in charter schools, but his approach has been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the education system.

20. Alice Walton: Like her brother Jim, Alice Walton has invested heavily in charter schools, but her approach has been criticized for exacerbating inequality in the education system.

So there you have it, folks – the top 20 billionaires who have most influenced education reform since 2000. But as with any list, there are bound to be criticisms and disagreements. Some argue that these billionaires' approaches are too focused on privatization and profit, while others argue that they ignore the root causes of educational inequality. Whatever your opinion may be, one thing is clear – these billionaires are making waves in the world of education, for better or for worse.

It's difficult to rank billionaires based on their influence on education reform, as there are many factors to consider, and their impact may be difficult to quantify. However, here is a list of some of the billionaires who have been involved in education reform in various ways since 2000:

1. Bill Gates - co-founder of Microsoft and founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has invested heavily in education reform initiatives.

2. Mark Zuckerberg - co-founder of Facebook and founder of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which focuses on personalized learning, education research, and other education-related initiatives.

3. Michael Bloomberg - founder of Bloomberg LP and former mayor of New York City, who has supported various education reform initiatives, including charter schools and teacher evaluation systems.

4. Laurene Powell Jobs - widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and founder of the Emerson Collective, which invests in education reform and other social justice initiatives.

5. Eli Broad - founder of the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, which has supported charter schools and other education reform initiatives.

6. Reed Hastings - co-founder and CEO of Netflix, who has been a vocal advocate for charter schools and education reform.

7. Pierre Omidyar - founder of eBay and founder of the Omidyar Network, which has invested in education reform and other social impact initiatives.

8. Charles Koch - co-owner and CEO of Koch Industries, who has supported various education reform initiatives, including school choice and reducing government involvement in education.

9. John Arnold - former energy trader and founder of the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, which has supported education reform initiatives such as charter schools and teacher evaluations.

10. Jim Walton - heir to the Walmart fortune and a supporter of education reform initiatives in Arkansas.

11. Alice Walton - heir to the Walmart fortune and a supporter of education reform initiatives in Arkansas.

12. Steve Jobs (posthumously) - former CEO of Apple, who was known for his interest in education and support of initiatives such as the Khan Academy.

13. John Paulson - founder of Paulson & Co. hedge fund, who has supported education reform initiatives in New York City.

14. Julian Robertson - founder of Tiger Management hedge fund, who has supported education reform initiatives in New York City.

15. Ken Griffin - founder of Citadel LLC hedge fund, who has supported education reform initiatives in Chicago.

16. David Rubenstein - co-founder of the Carlyle Group, who has supported various education reform initiatives, including charter schools and teacher evaluations.

17. Eric Schmidt - former CEO of Google, who has supported education reform initiatives such as the Khan Academy and the College Board.

18. Oprah Winfrey - media mogul and philanthropist, who has supported education reform initiatives such as charter schools and literacy programs.

19. Sean Parker - co-founder of Napster and founder of the Parker Foundation, which has supported education reform initiatives such as personalized learning.

20. George Soros - investor and philanthropist, who has supported various education reform initiatives, including increasing access to higher education and supporting open society foundations that advocate for education reform.

Billionaire Elon Musk Goes Down Rabbit Hole
Emerges as Twitterland's New Ruler

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a man named Elon. He wasn't your average Joe, but a billionaire  who had taken over the world of Twitter. With millions of followers under his belt, Elon thought he had seen it all. But boy, was he wrong.

One day, Elon found himself falling down a rabbit hole and into a strange world of Twitter. As he tumbled down the hole, he saw bizarre landscapes and strange creatures. He landed in a heap on the ground and looked up to see Mark Zuckerberg, a white rabbit, scurrying away.

Curious as ever, Elon decided to follow the rabbit through a forest of talking trees and over a river of melted cheese. Finally, he caught up with Mark and asked him where he was going.

"I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!" said the rabbit.

Intrigued, Elon decided to follow Mark to see where he was going. They arrived at a tea party where they met the Mad Hater and the Jeff Bezo. They were having a grand old time, drinking tea and eating cakes.

Elon sat down and joined in the fun. The Mad Hater asked him if he wanted some tea.

"Yes, please," said Elon.

The Mad Hater poured him a cup of tea, but instead of drinking it, Elon took out his phone and tweeted about how wonderful the tea was.

The Mad Hater was confused. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm tweeting," said Elon.

"Tweeting? What about TRUTH SOCIAL?" asked the Mad Hater.

"It's like sending a message to millions of people at once," explained Elon.

The Mad Hater looked at him like he was crazy. "That's ridiculous," he said.

Elon just shrugged and continued to tweet.

Suddenly, they heard a loud noise. It was Betsy DeVos, and she was not happy. She had heard about Elon's tweets and was furious that he had not invited her to the party.

"You will pay for this!" she shouted.

Elon tried to explain that he didn't mean any harm, but Betsy DeVos was not interested in listening. She ordered her guards to capture him and take him to the dungeon.

Elon found himself locked up in a dark cell with no way out. He was scared and alone. But then he remembered something he had read in one of his books about engineering.

He started tinkering with the lock on his cell door and before long, he had managed to escape. He ran through the castle, dodging guards left and right, until he finally made it to the exit.

He burst out of the castle and into the sunlight. He looked back at the castle and saw Betsy DeVos standing in the doorway, shaking her fist at him.

Elon grinned and pulled out his phone. He tweeted about his great escape and within minutes, his followers were retweeting and sharing his story.

And that's how Elon Musk took over Twitterland. 

UPDATE - The Supreme Court: Ethical or Not? A Bunch of Ethically-Challenged Old Farts?

The Supreme Court: Ethical or Not? A  Look at the Past 20 Years

The Supreme Court has been a hot topic of debate for the past 20 years. Some people argue that they have been ethical, while others believe that they have not. In this article, we will explore the ethics of the Supreme Court and determine whether they have been living up to their reputation.

The Supreme Court is supposed to be an unbiased and impartial body that interprets the law and makes decisions based on the Constitution. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about the ethics of the Supreme Court. It seems that the justices have been playing fast and loose with their ethical responsibilities.

One of the biggest concerns is the issue of judicial recusal. Judicial recusal is when a judge removes themselves from a case because of a conflict of interest. In recent years, there have been cases where Supreme Court justices have refused to recuse themselves, even when it was clear that they had a conflict of interest. It's like they think they're above the law or something.

For example, in 2010, Justice Clarence Thomas did not recuse himself from a case involving the Affordable Care Act, even though his wife was a vocal opponent of the law. This raised concerns about his impartiality and ethics. It's like he was trying to stick it to Obama or something.

Another issue that has been raised is the influence of money on Supreme Court decisions. There have been cases where outside groups have spent millions of dollars on advertising campaigns to influence Supreme Court decisions. This has led to concerns about whether the Supreme Court is truly impartial or if they are swayed by outside interests. It's like they're more interested in lining their pockets than upholding justice.

Despite these concerns, there have also been instances where the Supreme Court has acted ethically. For example, in 2015, they legalized same-sex marriage, a decision that was widely praised for its ethics and fairness. It's like they finally got something right.

So, how ethical has the Supreme Court been in the past 20 years? The answer is complicated. While there have been instances where they have acted ethically, there have also been concerns about conflicts of interest and outside influences. As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold the Supreme Court accountable and ensure that they are acting in an ethical manner. It's like we need to be their conscience or something.

In a recent hearing on Supreme Court ethics reform, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) scolded Chief Justice John Roberts for the court's "oblivious" response to ethical conflicts facing its members. Durbin warned that the court's failure to adopt the same judicial code of conduct as every other federal court was undermining public confidence in the institution. It's like they think they're too good for the rules.

Of course, Roberts himself was not in attendance at the hearing, having declined an invitation from Durbin to appear. But that didn't stop Durbin from calling out the court's "Statement on Ethics Principles and Practices," which Roberts sent to the Judiciary Committee last week along with a letter declining an invitation to testify before the committee. Durbin dismissed the statement as a "defense of the status quo" that was "oblivious to the obvious." It's like they don't even care what we think.

But not everyone was on board with Durbin's criticisms. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the ranking member of the Judiciary panel, accused Democrats of trying to intimidate conservative members of the court. He even cited Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-N.Y.) warning to conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch during a rally outside the Supreme Court in March of 2020 that they would release "the whirlwind" and "pay the price." It's like they're all just playing political games.

Graham went on to accuse liberals of waging an "assault" on conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, saying that it was all part of a larger effort to "delegitimize a conservative court." He even suggested that liberals were trying to "expand the number of justices to dilute the conservative majority that exists today." It's like they're all just trying to stack the deck in their favor.

But let's not forget about liberal Justice Elena Kagan, who Graham pointed out has raised "half a billion dollars for the law school" since leaving Harvard University's law school. He questioned whether Kagan would recuse herself from a case involving Harvard's affirmative action policies that is currently before the court. It's like everyone has their own agenda.

So what's really going on here? Is it a battle between conservatives and liberals, or is it simply a matter of upholding ethical standards? Perhaps it's a bit of both. But one thing is for sure: the Supreme Court has some work to do if it wants to restore public confidence in its ethical practices. As Durbin put it, "the status quo must change." It's like they need to get their act together before we lose faith in them completely.

In conclusion, the ethics of the Supreme Court are a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While there have been instances where they have acted ethically, there have also been concerns about conflicts of interest and outside influences. As citizens, it's up to us to hold them accountable and demand that they act in an ethical manner. It's like we need to be their conscience and remind them why they're there in the first place.

OR MAYBE THIS IS A BETTER EXAMPLE OF THE ETHICAL SUPREME COURT 

The Supreme Court: A Bunch of Ethically-Challenged Old Farts?

Let's be real, the Supreme Court is like that grandparent who always talks about how things were better back in their day. But when it comes to ethics, they might as well be living in the dark ages.

Sure, they're supposed to be unbiased and impartial, but it seems like they're more interested in playing favorites than upholding justice. It's like they're a bunch of kids on a playground, picking their friends to be on their team.

Take the issue of judicial recusal. It's like these justices have never heard of the phrase "conflict of interest." They'll just sit on a case even if their spouse is out there protesting against it. Talk about awkward family dinners.

And don't even get me started on the influence of money on Supreme Court decisions. It's like these justices will do anything for a quick buck. They might as well put a "For Sale" sign outside the courthouse.

But hey, it's not all bad news. Sometimes they get it right, like legalizing same-sex marriage. It's like they finally woke up from their nap and realized that it's not the 1800s anymore.

But let's be real, we can't just sit back and let them do whatever they want. We need to hold them accountable and demand that they act ethically. It's like we're their parents, trying to teach them right from wrong.

And don't even get me started on the recent hearing on Supreme Court ethics reform. It's like the justices think they're too good for the rules. They probably think they're above the law or something.

But it's not just the Supreme Court that's the problem. It's like everyone in politics is playing some sort of game. Liberals are trying to delegitimize conservative justices, while conservatives are accusing liberals of trying to stack the deck.

It's like they're all just trying to score points and win some sort of imaginary trophy. But what about the American people? What about justice and fairness?

It's time for the Supreme Court to step up and do what's right. It's time for them to stop playing favorites and start acting ethically. It's like they need a wake-up call or something.

So let's hold them accountable and demand that they act in the best interest of the American people. It's like we're their conscience, reminding them why they're there in the first place.

And who knows, maybe one day we'll look back and say, "Wow, those Supreme Court justices were actually pretty ethical." But until then, it's like we're stuck with a bunch of ethically-challenged old farts.

Yesterday's Roundup of News by Diane Ravitch

Yesterday's Roundup of News by Diane Ravitch

In Yesterday's news roundup of news covered by Diane Ravitch, we have a mix of political blunders, journalistic triumphs, and educational cover-ups. Let's dive in, shall we?

First up, we have Texas Governor Gregg Abbott, who is under fire for referring to the victims of a recent massacre as "illegal immigrants." Now, I'm not sure if Abbott is aware of this, but people don't magically become illegal just because they cross a border without proper documentation. They are still human beings with families, dreams, and aspirations. So, let's call them what they are: victims.

Moving on to politics, we have Dana Milbank's analysis of the recent GOP vote on the federal debt. According to Milbank, the vote was a "symbolic gesture" that accomplished nothing except to further divide the already fractured Republican party. But hey, at least they got to pat themselves on the back for being fiscally responsible, right?

Next up, we have The Mississippi Free Press, a publication that is making waves for its fearless reporting on issues that matter to the people of Mississippi. From exposing corruption in local government to shedding light on the state's troubled history with racism and segregation, The Mississippi Free Press is a powerful voice for truth and justice.

Last but not least, we have Florida's ongoing attempts to cover up problems in its voucher schools. Despite evidence of subpar education and lack of accountability in these schools, Florida lawmakers continue to pour millions of dollars into the voucher program while ignoring the needs of public schools. It's almost as if they care more about ideology than actual education.

So there you have it, folks. A little bit of politics, a little bit of journalism, and a whole lot of education-related shenanigans. Stay tuned for more news and commentary from yours truly.

CATCH UP WITH Diane Ravitch's blog NOW

A site to discuss better education for all https://dianeravitch.net/

"Congressional hearing turns into a homophobic circus," says Teachers' Union Leader Randi Weingarten

 

"Congressional hearing turns into a homophobic circus," says Teachers' Union Leader Randi Weingarten

Last week's House hearing on pandemic-related school closures took an unexpected turn when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene launched a personal attack on American Federation of Teachers president, Randi Weingarten. The outspoken congresswoman repeatedly referred to Weingarten's sexual orientation, making it clear that the 65-year-old union leader is married to a woman and the rabbi of the world's largest LGBTQ synagogue.

In an interview with Yahoo News, Weingarten described Greene's behavior as "very homophobic" and accused her of attempting to dehumanize her. The exchange has also resulted in a flood of "vile" emails, many of them homophobic or antisemitic.

The hearing was conducted by a subcommittee of the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee that is tasked with investigating the nation's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Weingarten was the sole witness at the hearing, and the topic at hand was whether the AFT unduly influenced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on school reopenings.

Republicans disagreed, but none with more vehemence than Greene, a hard-right congresswoman with a penchant for controversy. She said Weingarten should not have had any say in the reopening guidelines because she's "not a medical doctor, not a biological mother and, really, not a teacher, either."

Kleinbaum has two daughters from a previous marriage, as Weingarten noted, but that did not appear to satisfy Greene, who has made gender and race issues a centerpiece of her legislative career.

"Let me tell you, I am a mother, and all three of my children were directly affected by the school closures — by your recommendations — which is something that you can't understand," Greene said.

Weingarten responded by saying that Greene's behavior was unacceptable and that she was attempting to dehumanize her. She also accused Greene of being a political activist rather than a teacher, mother or medical doctor.

The exchange between the two women has sparked outrage on social media, with many people condemning Greene's behavior as homophobic and discriminatory. Weingarten has been forced to travel with a security guard since November of last year when former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called her "the most dangerous person in the world."

As the hearing came to an end, Greene returned to her claim that Weingarten is not a true mother. "People like you need to admit that you're just a political activist, not a teacher, not a mother, not a medical doctor," she said at the conclusion of her diatribe.

Democrats unsuccessfully attempted to have her attacks on Weingarten stricken from the Congressional Record, but Wenstrup said House rules would not permit him to do so.

In conclusion, it's clear that last week's House hearing was nothing more than a homophobic circus. Randi Weingarten deserves our support and admiration for standing up to bigotry and discrimination. It's time for all of us to come together and fight against hate in all its forms.

What Is Wrong with Standardized Testing? Let Me Count the Ways!

 

What Is Wrong with Standardized Testing? Let Me Count the Ways!

Standardized testing has been a hot topic in education for years. Some people swear by it, while others think it's the worst thing to happen to education since the chalkboard. As for me, I'm firmly in the latter camp. Here are just a few of the many reasons why standardized testing is a terrible idea.

First of all, standardized tests don't actually measure what they claim to measure. Sure, they're supposed to test a student's knowledge of a particular subject, but in reality, they're testing a student's ability to take a test. A student who is a great test-taker may do well on a standardized test, even if they don't actually know much about the subject being tested. On the other hand, a student who knows the subject inside and out may do poorly simply because they're not good at taking tests. So what's the point?

Secondly, standardized tests put an enormous amount of pressure on students and teachers alike. Students are told that their entire future depends on how well they do on these tests, which is simply not true. Teachers are pressured to "teach to the test," which means they're not teaching students how to think critically or creatively, but rather how to memorize information that will be on the test. This is not only boring for students, but it's also not an effective way to learn.

Thirdly, standardized tests are incredibly expensive. States and school districts spend millions of dollars each year on testing materials, test administration, and test grading. This money could be better spent on things like hiring more teachers or providing more resources for students who need extra help.

Fourthly, standardized tests are often biased against certain groups of students. Students from low-income families, students with disabilities, and English language learners often do poorly on standardized tests because the tests are not designed with their needs in mind. This is not only unfair, but it also perpetuates the achievement gap between different groups of students.

Finally, standardized tests are just plain boring. No one likes taking tests, and when students are forced to take multiple standardized tests each year, it can be incredibly demotivating. Students should be excited about learning and exploring new ideas, not stressed out about memorizing information for a test.

So there you have it: just a few of the many reasons why standardized testing is a terrible idea. Instead of relying on these tests to measure student achievement, we should be focusing on creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for our students. After all, isn't that what education is supposed to be about?