Oakland Teachers on Strike DAY 2: Fighting for Better Pay and Services, Billionaires Fight for Profitable Charter Schools

Oakland Teachers on Strike DAY 2: Fighting for Better Pay and Services

Billionaires Fight for Profitable Charter Schools

It's no secret that public education in California is underfunded. But what's even more alarming is the fact that billionaires pushing for school choice are attacking the system in favor of charter schools. And nowhere is this more evident than in Oakland, where teachers have been on strike for two days now.

The Oakland School District has been negotiating with the Oakland Education Association since November of last year. The teachers are seeking better pay, more services for students with disabilities, additional mental health services, and smaller classrooms. Seems reasonable, right? Well, not according to the district.

The district claims that it has offered a historic pay raise of over $69 million, which would give most teachers a 22 percent pay raise and a $5,000 bonus. But the teachers are not satisfied. They want other issues resolved, such as getting transportation for all students and ending student homelessness.

The district says that these are good issues but ones that it can't resolve alone. Enter the state superintendent of public instruction, Tony Thurmond, who will be mediating between both sides. It's not the first time Thurmond has had to step in. He also mediated during the 2019 teacher strike.

But what's really going on here? Why are teachers striking? The answer is simple: underfunding. California ranks near the bottom in per-pupil spending, and Oakland is no exception. The district simply does not have the resources to meet all of the teachers' demands.

And that's where the billionaires come in. They see an opportunity to push their agenda of school choice and charter schools. They want to privatize education and turn it into a profit-making venture. But at what cost?

Charter schools are not a panacea. In fact, many studies have shown that they often perform no better than traditional public schools and sometimes worse. And they often exacerbate the problem of underfunding by draining resources from public schools.

So why are billionaires so eager to promote charter schools? The answer is simple: they stand to profit from them. Charter schools are often run by for-profit companies, and these companies are more concerned with their bottom line than with providing quality education.

But the real losers in this battle are the students. They are the ones who suffer when public education is underfunded and when resources are diverted to charter schools. They are the ones who deserve better.

So let's support our teachers in Oakland and across California. Let's demand that our public schools receive the funding they need to provide a quality education for all students. And let's reject the billionaires' agenda of school choice and charter schools. Our kids deserve nothing less.

Oakland teachers strike enters Day 2 https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/oakland-teachers-strike-enters-day-2/

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: JOB KILLER OR JUST THE LATEST GREAT REPLACEMENT THEORY

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: JOB KILLER OR JUST THE LATEST GREAT REPLACEMENT THEORY

As the world continues to grapple with the rise of AI and its impact on jobs and the economy, one CEO has come out in defense of in-person work. IBM CEO Arvind Krishna claims that working from home could be detrimental to career growth, stating that "moving from there to another role is probably less likely because nobody’s observing them in another context." Well, excuse me, Mr. Krishna, but I don't need someone watching me in order to grow my career. I can do that all on my own, thank you very much.

But as employees return to the office, they may find themselves working alongside a new type of colleague: robots. Yes, you read that right. Robots. And not the cool, futuristic kind that we all imagined growing up. No, these are the kind that are coming for our jobs. In fact, Krishna plans to issue a hiring freeze for roles that can be done by robots instead. He specifically mentioned back-office roles, stating that "I could easily see 30% of that getting replaced by A.I. and automation over a five-year period," resulting in about 7,800 jobs cut.

Now, I don't know about you, but I don't want to work alongside a robot. I mean, what kind of water cooler talk would we have? "Hey, did you catch the latest episode of Westworld?" "No, I was too busy processing data and analyzing spreadsheets." Yeah, real exciting stuff.

But some CEOs, like JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon and Twitter's Elon Musk, are staunch advocates of a return to the office. They believe that in-person work is essential for mentorship, career opportunities, and greater productivity. And I have to admit, they do have a point. I mean, how else am I supposed to network and make connections? Certainly not through LinkedIn. That place is a cesspool.

However, there is a difference between a job and a career. Jefferies CEO Rich Handler noted in an Instagram post last year that the difference could be up to where you do your work. "If you want a job, stay remote all the time and be efficient in a very limited way," Handler wrote. "If you want a career, engage with the rest of us in the office and use WFH only when flexibility is essential, mental health calls, and life balance needs help." So basically, if you want to be a drone, stay at home. But if you want to be a boss, come into the office.

But let's not forget about the elephant in the room: AI job killers. The idea that AI will completely replace human jobs is a common concern, but it is important to note that the impact of AI on the job market is complex and multifaceted. While some jobs may be automated, AI can also create new job opportunities and lead to more efficient and productive work. So basically, it's a double-edged sword. On one hand, we may lose our jobs. But on the other hand, we may get even cooler jobs. Like robot wrangler or cyborg therapist.

Ultimately, it is important for individuals and organizations to adapt to the changing job market and to continuously develop new skills and knowledge in order to remain competitive and successful in the age of AI. So if you're worried about losing your job to a robot, just remember: there's always a new job out there waiting for you. And who knows? Maybe you'll even get to work alongside a cool robot like R2-D2 or WALL-E.

IBM’s CEO says we ‘work better when we are together’ on the same week he announced plans to cut all jobs that A.I. can do https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ibm-ceo-says-better-together-184941229.html?

Billionaires Blamed for Failing Education: Standardized Testing to Blame - Yet the Beating Will Continue until the Test Scores Improve

 Billionaires Blamed for Failing Education: Standardized Testing to Blame

Are you tired of hearing about standardized testing being the answer to all our education problems? Well, you're not alone! It seems like the only ones benefiting from this approach are the billionaires behind Citizens United, who keep pushing for more and more testing despite the fact that it hasn't improved learning levels in over two decades.

And if you needed any more proof that billionaires make terrible teachers, just take a look at the recent test scores for U.S. children in social studies, math, and reading. They've all gone down the drain since the beginning of the pandemic, leaving experts and parents alike worried about the future.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, eighth graders' scores in U.S. history and civics are now at the same level as they were in the 1990s. And while COVID-19 is certainly a factor, experts also point to the lack of resources for these subjects and the effect of culture wars in schools.

But despite all of this evidence, the billionaires behind Citizens United keep demanding more testing. It's like trying to fix a leaky roof by putting a bucket underneath it instead of actually repairing the problem. And yet, they keep insisting that standardized testing is the answer.

Well, we're here to tell you that it's not! In fact, it's time to start thinking outside of the box when it comes to education reform. Maybe we need to focus on creating safe environments for students, with things like food security and quiet spaces to study. Or maybe we need to prioritize social studies and civics education instead of just measuring growth in literacy and math.

And let's not forget about the importance of quality social studies instruction. As one teacher pointed out, students aren't getting consistent and high-quality social studies instruction throughout their K-12 experience. It's choppy and sporadic, which is hardly conducive to learning.

So instead of demanding more testing, maybe it's time for billionaires to put their money where their mouths are and invest in real education reform. Because at the end of the day, improving education isn't about test scores or standardized assessments. It's about equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to be actively engaged citizens in a vibrant democratic society.

And let's be honest, billionaires don't really need any more money. Maybe it's time for them to use their wealth for good instead of just hoarding it like a dragon sitting on a pile of gold.

So come on, billionaires! Let's work together to create a better education system for everyone. And who knows, maybe we'll even learn a thing or two along the way.

Why Telling Lies is Always Better than Telling the Truth: A Hilarious Scientific Comparison of the Most Popular Conservative News Outlets

Why Telling Lies is Always Better than Telling the Truth: 

A Hilarious Scientific Comparison of the Most Popular Conservative News Outlets

Let's face it, folks. We've all been taught since childhood that lying is bad and telling the truth is good. But what if we told you that lying is actually better than telling the truth in almost every way? Don't believe us? Well, let's take a scientific look at why lies are superior to the truth.

Credibility

Firstly, lies are designed to seem true. The expert liar carefully uses elements that seem probable and logical, making them easy to believe. On the other hand, the truth is often illogical, wildly improbable, and hard to explain. Let's face it, lies are simply more believable than the truth.

Reliability

The truth is spontaneous, accidental, and unpredictable. Lies, however, can be planned in detail long in advance and are thus guaranteed to turn out as predicted. Lies are more dependable than the truth.

Economy

To be the truth, an account of a given event must be completely accurate. This requires painstaking resourcefulness, expensive research, time-consuming attention to detail, complex logistics, and thoroughness. In spite of all that, some people will believe it, and others will not. Lies will produce identical results without all the fuss and bother. Lies are simpler than truth; lies cost less than truth in time, money, and effort.

Value

The truth can be found anywhere; it belongs to anybody who finds it, absolutely free. Lies are custom-made! Often by experts, and the best ones are highly polished works of art. Lies are worth more money than truth. Have you ever heard of anybody bribing a witness to tell the truth?

Respectability

Great fortunes have been made by selling lies to the public. The people who sell these lies are often grateful to the gullible consumers, so they endow libraries and universities and cultural centers. Nobody ever made a fortune selling the truth. First of all, as already stated, the truth is free. The only people who will pay money for the truth are people who are being blackmailed-and they are only buying the truth so they can hide it before anybody else sees it. Lies lead to libraries and universities, while the truth leads to blackmail.

Stability

Take one thousand parts truth, add one part lies. Result: lies. Take one-thousandth part lies, add one part truth. Result: again, lies. Note that you can make lies out of the truth, but you can't make the truth out of lies. Lies are stronger and last longer than the truth.

Imagination

In reporting the truth, a person must research the precise facts and stick to them exactly as they occurred. The liar can report the same incident without doing any research, merely saying whatever comes to his mind and filling in "details" according to his fancy. Lies are more creative than truth.

Recognizability

People are accustomed to hearing lies all the time. If you tell the truth, people will think you are lying. If you convince them you are telling the truth, they will become suspicious. Why is he suddenly telling the truth? What's going on?

Supply and Demand

In describing any given incident, only one version can possibly be the truth, whereas the number of lies possible is unlimited. Obviously, lies are in far greater supply than truth. There is a great demand for lies if they are flattering, if they build up one's hopes, if they help one escape reality or if they promise health, wealth, power or potency. Nobody is very anxious to hear the truth. The only people who demand the truth are those who are investigating something (lawyers, etc.)-and they only want the truth to prove somebody is lying.

Now that we've established why lying is better than telling the truth let's take a look at some companies that have mastered this art.

Fox News (United States)

If you're looking for a news channel that tells you what you want to hear rather than what's actually happening in the world, then Fox News is your go-to channel. They have mastered the art of sensationalizing news stories and presenting them in a way that appeals to their target audience. They have also been known to twist facts and present false information as if it were true.

Breitbart News (United States)

If Fox News isn't conservative enough for you then Breitbart News is your next stop. They have been known to spread conspiracy theories and promote extremist views. They also have a habit of presenting false information as if it were true.

The Daily Caller (United States)

The Daily Caller is a news website that has been known to publish false information and conspiracy theories. They have also been accused of promoting racist and sexist views.

The Blaze (United States)

The Blaze is a news website founded by Glenn Beck that has been known to promote conspiracy theories and extremist views. They have also been accused of presenting false information as if it were true.

The Washington Times (United States)

The Washington Times is a newspaper that has been known to present biased news stories and promote conservative views. They have also been accused of presenting false information as if it were true.

The Daily Telegraph (United Kingdom)

The Daily Telegraph is a newspaper that has been accused of presenting biased news stories and promoting conservative views. They have also been known to twist facts and present false information as if it were true.

The Sun (United Kingdom)

The Sun is a tabloid newspaper that has been known to publish sensationalized news stories and present false information as if it were true. They have also been accused of promoting sexist views.

The Daily Mail (United Kingdom)

The Daily Mail is a newspaper that has been accused of promoting racist and sexist views. They have also been known to present false information as if it were true.

So there you have it folks! These companies have mastered the art of lying and presenting false information as if it were true. But let's not forget that lying is always better than telling the truth. Lies are simpler, more creative, and more dependable than the truth. So go ahead and believe everything these companies tell you-you'll be doing yourself and everyone else a favor!

The Secret Conservative Scholar Who's Shaping GOP Education Policy

The Secret Conservative Scholar Who's Shaping GOP Education Policy

Have you heard of Stanley Kurtz? No? Well, you're not alone. But this little-known conservative scholar has been quietly shaping the right's recent offensives in the education culture wars, particularly when it comes to civics education.

Kurtz has spearheaded a campaign to cleanse classrooms of what he calls "woke civics," arguing that hands-on civics lessons, such as students writing to their legislators, will lead to "school-sponsored indoctrination and political action in support of progressive policy positions." In other words, he's worried that "frothing-at-the-mouth Democratic teachers [could] create little warrior bands of students to go out and fight their political wars for them."

But here's the thing: Kurtz's arguments amount to a fabricated "boogeyman," according to Derek Black, a University of South Carolina law professor. There's simply no evidence that liberal bias in civics classes has become a widespread problem. Nonetheless, Kurtz's depiction of "woke civics" is now being felt in America's classrooms.

At least eight bills proposed in five states have pulled from Kurtz's 2021 "Partisanship Out of Civics" model legislation, according to a PEN America report, making the scholar one of the key thought leaders driving the recent surge in classroom censorship bills. And his advocacy in Texas led to the 2021 passage of an unprecedented state law banning assignments that involve "direct communication" between students and their federal, state or local lawmakers.

The problem with Kurtz's approach is that it undermines the very purpose of civics education. The central philosophy of "action civics," which Kurtz opposes, is that "students learn civics best by doing civics." In this approach, students learn to navigate local government by picking an issue they care about, studying it and presenting their findings to officials. It's a hands-on, real-world approach that prepares young people for active citizenship.

But Kurtz would rather students not engage in political protest or lobbying at all. He believes such activities should be done by students outside of school hours and independently of any class projects or grades. This is a narrow and misguided view of what civics education should be.

Kurtz's influence is not limited to the classroom. His writings are regularly shared by GOP heavy hitters, including Fox News analysts, groups like Parents Defending Education and sitting U.S. senators. And when U.S. Senators Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, and John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, introduced a bill in June 2022 to expand grants for civics education, Kurtz was quick to sound the alarm.

In a National Review op-ed, Kurtz claimed the bill would "allow the Biden administration to push Critical Race Theory (CRT) on every public school in the country," calling the Republican co-sponsors "naive" victims of a hidden leftist agenda. This set off a firestorm of criticism from the right, with groups like 1776 Action and America First Policy Institute publishing dire reports pulling directly from Kurtz's article.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis even got in on the act, stating in a press release that the $1 billion federal civics bill would "award grants to indoctrinate students with ideologies like Critical Race Theory." This is despite the fact that there is no evidence that the bill would do any such thing.

Kurtz's influence on GOP education policy is troubling. His narrow view of civics education undermines the very purpose of teaching young people how to be active citizens in a democracy. It's time for lawmakers to reject his misguided ideas and focus on providing young people with the tools they need to participate fully in our democracy.

The Conservative Scholar Who Convinced GOP Lawmakers Civics Conceals CRT – The 74 https://www.the74million.org/article/the-conservative-scholar-who-convinced-gop-lawmakers-civics-conceals-crt/

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.