Protect My Students: Florida Teachers Speak Out on New State LGBTQ+ Policies, But It Seems That It Is the Teachers That Also Need Protection from the MAGA Madness That DeSantis Is Subjecting Public Schools as He Plots to Destroy Florida Public Schools Florida teachers are in a tizzy over new state laws that are impacting LGBTQ+ students and faculty. But it seems that it's not just the students w
CHAOS REIGNS SUPREME COBB COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD EMBRACES ITS INNER WILD CHILD In a stunning turn of events, the Cobb County school board in Georgia has officially rebranded itself as the Chaos County School Board. Yes, you read that right. Chaos is now the name of the game for this illustrious educational institution. But hey, at least they're being honest about it. The chaos erupted at a recent sc
FROM BORROWER TO CHUM THE SAD REALITY OF STUDENT LOANS College Tuition Payment Plans: Loan Sharks Are Back, More Bullshit Lost in the Fine Print with Constipated Disclosures and Kafkaesque Repayment Terms In a world where student loans have become the modern-day equivalent of swimming with hungry sharks, it's no wonder that college tuition payment plans have taken a turn for the worse. Gone are t
In a shocking turn of events, Senator Mitt Romney has declared "F*ck Trump" and called for a new conservative movement to resist his fascism and madness. Yes, you read that right. The man who once groveled at Trump's feet and begged for a job in his administration has finally seen the light and decided to stand up for democracy. Romney's new biography, "A Reckoning," by McKay Coppins, offers a c
JULIE HUPP ROCKLIN USD BOARD PRES. JESUS SAVES TEACHERS UNION DOESN'T Julie Hupp, Rocklin USD Board President and Super Christian Bible Thumping MAGA Mama, has been causing quite a stir in the education community lately. With her fervent prayers to White Jesus and her disdain for the teachers union, she's been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. But let's take a step back and get to know
National Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some good ol' MAGA madness? Yes, you heard that right. In the latest episode of "As the Trump World Turns," U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen has agreed with Texas and eight other states suing to stop the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. And what's the best way to commemorate this occasion?
FELIZ HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH VIVA LA CULTURA National Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and it's time to celebrate the incredible culture and contributions of our Hispanic friends! So grab your sombrero and get ready for a fiesta of fun facts and witty observations. First off, did you know that there are a whopping 62.1 million people of Hispanic origin in the United States? That's like a whole l
Ah, educational equity. The elusive yet crucial goal of our education system. We all know that every student deserves a fair shot, but how do we make that a reality? Well, according to the Equity in Education Dashboard, we're not doing so hot. There are disparities based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and more. But fear not, my fellow educators! I have a solution that could, maybe, hop
In a world where knowledge is power and books are the gateways to infinite wisdom, there exists a group of unsung heroes who tirelessly dedicate their lives to the preservation and dissemination of information. They are the librarians, the guardians of public knowledge, and they are under attack. But fear not, dear readers, for this is no ordinary battle. It is a battle of wits, a battle of word
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE BECAUSE HUGS ARE BETTER THAN HANDCUFFS Who knew that the solution to ending the school to prison pipeline was as simple as implementing restorative practices? Apparently, the University of Chicago Education Lab did, and they have the data to back it up. In a recent study, it was found that moving away from suspensions and towards restorative practices has led to a significant
FLORIDA'S NEW TEACHER CONDUCT STANDARDS A BALL OF MAGA CONFUSION In a recent move that has left many educators scratching their heads, the state of Florida has introduced a set of new professional conduct standards for teachers. These guidelines include a laundry list of prohibitions that range from the absurd to the downright offensive. First on the list: don't say gay. Yes, you read that right.
Ah, charter schools. The beloved darling of the billionaire class. They're like a shiny new toy that the super-rich just can't resist playing with. And why not? They get to feel like they're doing something good for society while also getting to pat themselves on the back for being so darn smart. It's a win-win! But here's the thing: when billionaires fund research into charter schools, they mir
QUEEN FOR A DAY AN EDUCATOR FOR LIFE Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, gather around because we have a story that will make you laugh, cry and maybe even gasp a little. It's the tale of Shane Murnan, the principal of John Glenn Elementary School in Oklahoma, who also happens to be a drag queen named Shantel Mandalay. Now, before you start clutching your pearls and fainting from shock, let me
Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your hats (or MAGA caps, if you prefer) because we have a new hero in town. Meet Ryan Rasputin Walters, the Mad MAGA Monk of Oklahoma Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction. This guy is a real hoot. Just last Sunday, he spoke to a crowd in Tulsa and declared that PragerU content will be in every school instead of just being an option. I mean, who needs
CHARTER SCHOOL GIRLS TICKET TO RIDE THE PURPLE MENSTRUAL PASS In the wacky world of charter schools, where rules can be as unpredictable as a chameleon on roller skates, one school in San Antonio, Texas has taken the concept of bathroom passes to a whole new level. Brace yourselves, folks, because we're about to dive into the absurdity that is Great Hearts Western Hills. Now, let's start with the
POLICE IN SCHOOLS COPS DOING THE JOB OR WINDOW DRESSING Ah, school. A place of learning, growth, and the occasional dodgeball to the face. But in recent years, schools across the United States have seen an increase in something far more alarming than a rogue rubber ball: gunfire. And in response, many districts have turned to an unlikely solution – the good old boys in blue. Yes, ladies and gentl
In a move that has left many Florida educators feeling like they don't know whether to "shit or go blind," Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a slew of new MAGA-inspired rules that are leaving teachers scratching their heads. But the ACLU is fighting back, with a lawsuit aimed at protecting free speech in the classroom. The new rules, which have been added to the Principles of Professional Cond
SCHOOL VOUCHERS A RACIST WET DREAM Are you tired of being educated? Do you hate the idea of learning new things? Well, good news! Both MAGA fascist and libertarian billionaires are working hard to defund public education and establish a two-tiered system of education in the US - one for the poor and another for the wealthy. And if you think this is just a conspiracy theory, think again. The destr
Attention all students! Get ready to say goodbye to the boring and mundane standardized tests you've been taking for years because the Classic Learning Test (CLT) is here to make testing great again! And by great, we mean godly. That's right, folks. The CLT is not just any old test. It's a test that reflects a classical education, with questions based on great works of literature, philosophy, hi
NORTH CAROLINA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO CHARTER SCHOOLS YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF US In a move that has left charter school advocates scratching their heads, the North Carolina State Board of Education has told the Charter Schools Advisory Board to "slow your roll" and stop trying to destroy public education on their watch. In a statement that was equal parts stern and sassy, the board reminded t
In the latest episode of "Charter School Scandal," we have Utah's Spectrum Academy taking center stage. This charter school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders has been federally investigated for classroom-related civil rights concerns, and let's just say, it's not looking good for them. The investigation found that the school violated Section 504 of Title II of the Civil Rights Act by r
In a recent press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proudly announced that he has finally found someone dumber than himself. And who might this person be, you ask? None other than his very own state's surgeon general, Dr. Joseph "Kevorkian" Ladapo. Yes, you read that correctly. The man responsible for the health and well-being of millions of Floridians is being touted by DeSantis as the
ARIZONA GOV ACCUSES STATE SUP OF PUBLIC ED OF PLAYING FAVORITES WITH FEDERAL FUNDS In a recent feud between Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Superintendent of Public Education Tom Horne, the topic of discussion is federal school funding. Hobbs is accusing Horne of withholding up to $27.5 million in funding, while Horne is accusing Hobbs of putting politics before pupils. It's a classic case of he
TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-9-23 Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-2-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-9-2-23.html Big Education Ape: ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA THE 1776 FAIRY TALE CURRICULUM TAKES OVER SCHOOLS http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/once-upon-time-in-america-1776-fairy
Protect My Students: Florida Teachers Speak Out on New State LGBTQ+ Policies, But It Seems That It Is the Teachers That Also Need Protection from the MAGA Madness That DeSantis Is Subjecting Public Schools as He Plots to Destroy Florida Public Schools
Florida teachers are in a tizzy over new state laws that are impacting LGBTQ+ students and faculty. But it seems that it's not just the students who need protection, as the MAGA madness that DeSantis is subjecting public schools to is also affecting the teachers. In fact, some teachers are so fed up with DeSantis' antics that they're considering forming their own club: the "Stressed-Out Educators Alliance."
One teacher, William Rizzo, who heads the Stallion Pride Club at a middle school in Palm Beach County, said the club is shrinking in size due to new laws that require parent permission slips for all clubs. This means that some students are unable to participate for fear of their parents' reaction. Rizzo suggested that the school board should create a new club called the "MAGA Meltdown Club," where parents can give permission for their children to participate in activities like throwing tantrums and blaming immigrants for all of their problems.
In addition, preferred pronouns can no longer be inquired about and parents must officially register any nicknames a student wishes to be called. This has led to some interesting situations, such as when a student asked to be called "Supreme Overlord" and the school had to contact their parents to confirm that this was indeed their preferred nickname. One teacher joked that they were considering asking to be called "Your Majesty" in order to assert their authority over their unruly students.
Rizzo asked the school board what they plan to do to protect LGBTQ+ teachers and students and how they plan to show they understand his concerns. The board has yet to address the issue within legal boundaries, but some teachers have come up with their own solutions. One teacher suggested that they start wearing rainbow capes to school as a show of solidarity with their LGBTQ+ students. Another teacher suggested that they start putting up posters of RuPaul in their classrooms to promote diversity and inclusivity.
A workshop called "Everyday Teaching 4 Joy & Justice" was held in West Palm Beach, Florida to help the community understand the new school legislation in Florida and how to advocate for their rights. The workshop discussed laws including the "Stop WOKE Act," the "Don't Say Gay" law, and the new law limiting the use of preferred pronouns. The event was led by Dr. Bianca Nightengale-Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Florida Atlantic University, and this was the first of a series of workshops in partnership with the bookstore.
One teacher who attended the workshop said that they learned a lot about how to navigate the new laws while still supporting their LGBTQ+ students. They said that they plan to start using code words with their students, like "rainbow" instead of "gay," in order to avoid running afoul of the new legislation. Another teacher said that they plan to start wearing rainbow socks to school as a subtle way of showing their support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite the challenges posed by DeSantis' new laws, Florida teachers are determined to continue fighting for their students' rights. As one teacher put it, "We may not be able to change DeSantis' mind, but we can change the hearts and minds of our students." And with a little bit of humor and creativity, they just might succeed.
COBB COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD EMBRACES ITS INNER WILD CHILD
In a stunning turn of events, the Cobb County school board in Georgia has officially rebranded itself as the Chaos County School Board. Yes, you read that right. Chaos is now the name of the game for this illustrious educational institution. But hey, at least they're being honest about it.
The chaos erupted at a recent school board meeting when the district decided to change its public comment procedures. As if public comment procedures weren't already confusing enough, the board decided to move the sign-up process outside, causing a frenzy of yelling, shoving, and general mayhem. It was like Black Friday shopping meets a WWE wrestling match, with parents and concerned citizens duking it out for a chance to have their voices heard.
To add insult to injury, many people showed up wearing "Replace Ragsdale" t-shirts. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale must have been feeling the love that day. But hey, who needs order and civility when you can have a good old-fashioned brawl at a school board meeting?
The meeting was called to discuss Ragsdale's leadership, or lack thereof, according to some disgruntled attendees. A "Replace Ragsdale" rally even took place beforehand, complete with catchy chants and witty signs. It was like a political campaign, but for a school board superintendent. Who knew education could be so entertaining?
But the chaos didn't stop there. Oh no, it spread like wildfire into the classrooms themselves. Take, for example, the case of Katherine Rinderle, a fifth-grade teacher who was fired for reading a book discussing gender identity to her gifted students. Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of chaos, I think of gender identity discussions in fifth-grade classrooms. It's like throwing a match into a fireworks factory.
Apparently, Georgia has a law against "divisive concepts" in the classroom. Because nothing says unity and harmony like silencing important discussions about race and identity. But hey, who needs open dialogue when you can just sweep everything under the rug and pretend it doesn't exist?
Rinderle's attorney argues that teachers statewide are receiving little guidance on what is legal under this new law. It's like they're playing a game of educational Russian roulette, never knowing if their lesson plans will land them in hot water or not. Talk about job security.
And let's not forget about Alayna Brown, the Cobb County teacher who was fired for reading "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" to her 11th-grade class. Ah yes, nothing says chaos like racial slurs in the classroom. Mark Twain would be proud.
But fear not, dear readers, for there may be hope on the horizon. Brown has appealed her termination and will have her case heard by a tribunal board later this year. It's like a courtroom drama unfolding right before our very eyes. Will she be vindicated? Will chaos prevail once again? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, let's raise a glass to the Chaos County School Board. May their reign of disorder and confusion continue to entertain us all. After all, who needs order and structure when you can have chaos? It's like a never-ending circus, and we're all just along for the wild ride.
College Tuition Payment Plans: Loan Sharks Are Back, More Bullshit Lost
in the Fine Print with Constipated Disclosures and Kafkaesque Repayment
Terms
In a world where student loans have become the modern-day equivalent of
swimming with hungry sharks, it's no wonder that college tuition payment
plans have taken a turn for the worse. Gone are the days of simple interest
rates and manageable repayment terms. Instead, we find ourselves swimming in
a sea of fine print, constipated disclosures, and absurdly Kafkaesque terms
that would make even the most seasoned borrower scratch their head in
confusion.
But why, you may ask, do the billionaires of this world seem so intent on
defunding public education and turning students into chum for the loan
sharks? Well, my dear readers, it's a tale as old as time – greed, power,
and a dash of sadistic pleasure in watching young minds drown in debt.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the murky waters of college
tuition payment plans and explore just how ridiculous they've become. But
fear not, dear readers, for we shall navigate this treacherous sea with wit
and humor, because if there's one thing that can keep us afloat in this
madness, it's laughter.
Ah, the loan sharks – those delightful creatures who lurk in the shadows,
waiting to pounce on unsuspecting students with their predatory tactics.
They may not have fins or gills, but make no mistake, they are just as
dangerous as their aquatic counterparts. With interest rates that could make
your head spin faster than a shark in a feeding frenzy, these loan sharks
are here to remind you that swimming with them is anything but safe.
Picture this – you're sitting at your kitchen table, armed with a
magnifying glass and a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger), trying
to decipher the fine print on your college tuition payment plan. As you
squint your eyes and strain your brain, you can't help but wonder if you've
accidentally stumbled into a Kafka novel. The terms and conditions seem to
be written in a language only loan sharks and lawyers can understand. It's
like trying to find your way out of a maze with no exit – frustrating,
confusing, and utterly absurd.
Ah, repayment terms – those delightful little nuggets of joy that make you
question your life choices. You thought you were signing up for a simple
payment plan, but instead, you find yourself facing terms that would make
even Franz Kafka scratch his head in confusion. From balloon payments that
seem to come out of thin air to interest rates that resemble the stock
market on a bad day, these repayment terms are like a rollercoaster ride
through the Twilight Zone. Buckle up, dear readers, because it's going to be
a bumpy ride.
Why are the billionaires defunding public education? Well, my friends, it's
simple – they want to turn students into chum for the loan sharks. By
dismantling public education and making it increasingly unaffordable, they
ensure a steady supply of fresh meat for their predatory friends. It's a
win-win situation for them – they get to line their pockets with the
hard-earned money of struggling students while simultaneously ensuring a
future generation that is drowning in debt. How thoughtful of them!
In this twisted game of financial survival, students have become nothing
more than chum for the loan sharks. They are lured in with promises of a
brighter future, only to find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of
debt. It's like being thrown into a tank full of hungry sharks and being
told to swim for your life. But fear not, dear readers, for there is hope on
the horizon. With enough wit, humor, and determination, we can expose these
loan sharks for what they truly are – predators who feed off the dreams and
aspirations of young minds.
So, my dear readers, as we navigate these treacherous waters of college
tuition payment plans, let us not lose sight of our wit and humor. For in
the face of absurdity and greed, laughter is our greatest weapon. Together,
we can expose the loan sharks, challenge the billionaires, and fight for a
future where education is affordable and debt is not a life sentence. Stay
witty, stay funny, and most importantly, stay afloat!
In a shocking turn of events, Senator Mitt Romney has declared "F*ck Trump" and called for a new conservative movement to resist his fascism and madness. Yes, you read that right. The man who once groveled at Trump's feet and begged for a job in his administration has finally seen the light and decided to stand up for democracy.
Romney's new biography, "A Reckoning," by McKay Coppins, offers a candid and revealing portrait of the senator's political journey over the past few years. It's a story of highs and lows, triumphs and failures, and lots and lots of flip-flopping.
The book starts with Romney's early life and career, including his Mormon faith, his successful business ventures, and his failed presidential bids in 2008 and 2012. It's all pretty boring stuff, to be honest. But things get interesting when Romney decides to run for the Senate in 2018, hoping to be a voice of reason and conscience in a chaotic and divisive era.
At first, Romney seems like he might be the hero we need. He's critical of Trump from the get-go, calling him a "phony" and a "fraud" during the 2016 campaign. He even gives a speech in which he warns that Trump's presidency would be a disaster for America. But then, just when we think he's going to take a stand, he goes and has dinner with Trump and begs for a job as Secretary of State. What a wimp.
Romney's relationship with Trump is one of the main themes of the book. We see him go from critic to sycophant to critic again, depending on which way the wind is blowing. At one point, he even considers voting for impeachment but then chickens out at the last minute. What a spineless weasel.
But it's not just Trump that Romney has to deal with. He also has to contend with his fellow Republicans, many of whom privately share his disdain for Trump but publicly support him out of fear or ambition. Romney is constantly torn between doing what he thinks is right and not pissing off his colleagues too much. It's like watching a kid try to navigate a playground full of bullies.
One of the most interesting parts of the book is when Romney reveals his preoccupation with his own death. Apparently, he's been getting death threats from Trump's loyalists, which has made him paranoid and anxious. He even received a warning from a senior Pentagon official about right-wing extremists planning something bad on the day of Trump's rally in D.C. Romney's name had been popping up in some frightening corners of the internet, which is why the official was concerned about his safety. It's like watching a spy thriller, except the spy is an old white guy from Utah.
Despite all the drama, Romney still manages to come across as a likable guy. He's self-deprecating, funny, and genuinely concerned about the future of America. He knows that the Republican Party needs to change if it wants to survive, and he's not afraid to speak out against Trump and his followers.
In the end, Romney announces his retirement from the Senate in 2023 and calls for a new generation of leaders to emerge. He believes that there's still hope for America, that we can overcome our divisions and come together as a nation. And who knows? Maybe he's right. Maybe there is still some good left in this crazy world.
So there you have it, folks. Mitt Romney: The Wreckening of America. It's a story of courage, cowardice, and lots and lots of Mormonism. But most importantly, it's a story of hope. Hope that we can rise above our differences and build a better future for ourselves and our children. Or at least hope that Mitt Romney will stop flip-flopping so damn much.
Romney: A Reckoning, a new biography of Senator Mitt Romney by McKay Coppins. This book is based on two years of exclusive interviews and access to Romney's personal journals, emails, and texts. It offers a candid and revealing portrait of one of the most influential and controversial figures in American politics today.
Here are some of the main topics covered in the book:
- Romney's early life and career, including his Mormon faith, his successful business ventures, and his failed presidential bids in 2008 and 2012.
- Romney's decision to run for the Senate in 2018, hoping to be a voice of reason and conscience in a chaotic and divisive era.
- Romney's relationship with Donald Trump, from his harsh criticism of the then-candidate in 2016, to his brief flirtation with joining his administration, to his eventual role as the lone Republican senator to vote for his impeachment in 2020.
- Romney's behind-the-scenes interactions with his fellow senators, many of whom privately shared his disdain for Trump but publicly supported him out of fear or ambition.
- Romney's personal struggles and doubts, as he faced isolation, ridicule, and death threats from Trump's loyalists, and grappled with the question of whether he was doing the right thing for his country and his party.
- Romney's vision for the future of America and the Republican Party, as he announced his retirement from the Senate in 2023 and called for a new generation of leaders to emerge.
Bing, 9/15/2023
(1) What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate - The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/11/mitt-romney-retiring-senate-trump-mcconnell/675306/.
(2) All the Biggest Revelations From Sen. Mitt Romney’s New Book Extract. https://www.thedailybeast.com/all-the-biggest-revelations-from-senator-mitt-romneys-new-book-extract.
(3) Mitch McConnell told Mitt Romney that Trump is an 'idiot' who 'doesn't think when he says things:' book. https://www.businessinsider.com/mitch-mcconnell-told-mitt-romney-that-trump-is-an-idiot-2023-9.
