WORKING TO REPAIR THE BILLIONAIRE'S DAMAGE - OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE: A VICTORY FOR ALL INVOLVED

WORKING TO REPAIR THE BILLIONAIRE'S DAMAGE 

 OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE: A VICTORY FOR ALL INVOLVED

After eight long days of negotiations, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and the Oakland Education Association (OEA) have finally reached a tentative agreement. The teachers strike has come to an end, and teachers are expected to return to their classrooms on Tuesday. But how do parents and teachers feel about the strike and the agreement? And how does the district plan to fund the historic $70 million compensation package for teachers? Let's take a closer look.

Mixed Feelings

Parents and teachers have mixed feelings about the strike and the agreement. Some parents are relieved that the strike is over and that their children will be able to return to school. Others are angry that the strike went on for so long, and that their children missed out on valuable instruction time.

As for teachers, some are happy that they were able to secure significant pay raises and improvements to working conditions. Others are disappointed that they were not able to get everything they wanted, and that they had to strike in order to get the district to listen to their demands.

But despite these mixed feelings, the Oakland teachers strike is a victory for all involved.

Funding the Compensation Package

The $70 million compensation package is a significant investment in Oakland's teachers, and it is a sign that the district is committed to providing its students with a high-quality education. But how will the district fund this package?

The district has announced plans to use a combination of revenue sources, including increased state funding, increased property taxes, increased enrollment, and cuts to other programs. However, some parents and teachers are concerned that the district will be forced to make cuts to other programs in order to make ends meet.

The district has also promised to be transparent about how it is using the revenue to fund the compensation package. A website has been created where parents and teachers can track how the money is being spent.

A  Takeaway

Despite the challenges ahead, the Oakland teachers strike is a victory for all involved. It is a victory for teachers, who will now be able to earn a fair wage and have a say in their working conditions. It is a victory for students, who will now have access to high-quality teachers. And it is a victory for the community, which will benefit from a strong and vibrant public school system.

But let's not forget the power of humor in difficult times. As Mark Twain once said, "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place."

So let's raise a glass to the Oakland teachers strike. Here's to the power of humor, the importance of education, and the victory of all involved. Cheers!

Oakland parents and teachers have mixed feelings about strike, next steps https://www.ktvu.com/news/oakland-parents-and-teachers-have-mixed-feelings-about-strike-and-next-steps

How OUSD plans to fund historic $70M compensation package for teachers following end of strike https://abc7news.com/ousd-strike-update-oakland-teachers-oea-teacher-salary/13256867/

THE DARK HISTORY OF PRIVATIZATION OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

THE DARK HISTORY OF PRIVATIZATION

OF CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The privatization movement in California public education has a long and complex history. It can be traced back to the early 1990s, when a group of conservative activists began to argue that public schools were failing and that the only way to improve them was to privatize them. These activists were funded by a number of wealthy individuals and foundations, including the Walton Family Foundation, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In 1992, these activists helped to pass Proposition 174, which allowed for the creation of charter schools in California. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that are run by private organizations. They are not subject to the same regulations as traditional public schools, and they are not required to unionize their teachers.

Since the passage of Proposition 174, the number of charter schools in California has exploded. Today, there are over 1,300 charter schools in the state, serving over 600,000 students. This growth has been driven by a number of factors, including the support of wealthy individuals and foundations, the lack of regulation, and the perception that charter schools are more effective than traditional public schools.

However, there is no evidence to support the claim that charter schools are more effective than traditional public schools. In fact, a number of studies have found that charter schools do not have a significant impact on student achievement. Additionally, charter schools have been criticized for their lack of accountability, their high turnover rates, and their use of public funds for private gain.

The privatization of public education in California is a complex issue with a long history. It is driven by a number of factors, including the support of wealthy individuals and foundations, the lack of regulation, and the perception that charter schools are more effective than traditional public schools. However, there is no evidence to support the claim that charter schools are more effective than traditional public schools. Additionally, charter schools have been criticized for their lack of accountability, their high turnover rates, and their use of public funds for private gain.

Who funds the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA)?

The CCSA is funded by a number of sources, including individual donations, foundation grants, and corporate sponsorships. Some of the largest donors to the CCSA include the Walton Family Foundation, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Which billionaires advocate for privatization of public education?

A number of billionaires have publicly advocated for the privatization of public education. Some of the most prominent advocates include:

* Walmart heiress Carrie Walton Penner

* Netflix CEO Reed Hastings

* Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

* Education reformer Betsy DeVos

Which districts are most privatized in California?

The districts in California that are most privatized are those that have the highest number of charter schools. These districts include:

* Los Angeles Unified School District

* Oakland Unified School District

* San Francisco Unified School District

* Long Beach Unified School District

* Sacramento City Unified School District

Is public education underfunded in California?

Yes, public education in California is underfunded. In 2019, California ranked 47th in the nation in per-pupil spending on public education. This underfunding has led to a number of problems, including overcrowded classrooms, a lack of qualified teachers, and a shortage of resources.

The privatization of public education in California is a serious problem. It is driven by a number of factors, including the support of wealthy individuals and foundations, the lack of regulation, and the perception that charter schools are more effective than traditional public schools. However, there is no evidence to support the claim that charter schools are more effective than traditional public schools. Additionally, charter schools have been criticized for their lack of accountability, their high turnover rates, and their use of public funds for private gain.

The privatization of public education is a threat to the future of our children. It is important to stand up to this movement and fight for the right of all children to a quality public education.

Privatization of California Public Schools: A Bad Idea

Well, well, well, it seems like the privatization movement in California public education is the new MAGA meat. Everyone is talking about it, from billionaires to politicians to parents to teachers. But what is it exactly and why should we care? Let me give you a brief overview of this hot mess.

First of all, let's go back to the 1970s and 1980s when conservative think tanks and foundations started to promote market-based reforms and vouchers as alternatives to traditional public schools. They argued that public schools were failing, inefficient, and unaccountable, and that parents and students deserved more choice and competition in education. Sounds reasonable, right? Wrong.

The problem with this argument is that it's based on a false premise. Public schools are not failing, they are underfunded and undervalued. Teachers are not lazy or incompetent, they are overworked and underpaid. Students are not apathetic or stupid, they are diverse and disadvantaged. The solution to these problems is not to abandon public education but to invest in it, support it, and improve it.

Enter the California Charter School Association (CCSA), the largest statewide charter school organization in the country, representing over 1,300 charter schools serving more than 660,000 students. The CCSA advocates for charter school expansion, autonomy, accountability, and funding at the state and local levels. But who funds the CCSA? Oh, just a bunch of billionaires like Dick and Betsy DeVos, the Walton family, Reed Hastings, Doris Fisher, Eli Broad, John Arnold, Bill Gates, and others. These folks have poured millions of dollars into supporting pro-charter candidates, ballot initiatives, lobbying efforts, research, media, and litigation. They share a common vision of undermining public education and promoting private interests in the name of school choice.

Now, some of these billionaires are also involved in other sectors, such as technology, energy, finance, retail, and defense. For example, Betsy DeVos is the current Secretary of Education under President Trump and the sister of Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater (now Xe), a private military contractor. Reed Hastings is the CEO of Netflix and a former board member of Microsoft. John Arnold is a former Enron trader and hedge fund manager. Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the richest people in the world. What do they know about education? Apparently, enough to buy it.

The privatization movement has had a significant impact on California's public education system, especially in urban areas with high concentrations of low-income students and students of color. Charter schools have proliferated across the state, often at the expense of traditional public schools that lose funding, resources, and enrollment. Charter schools have also been accused of cherry-picking students, excluding those with special needs or behavioral issues, and creating segregation and inequality in education. In other words, they are not the solution but the problem.

But wait, there's more. The privatization movement has also faced resistance from various stakeholders, including teachers' unions, parents' groups, community organizations, civil rights advocates, and researchers. They have challenged the claims and practices of charter schools and their supporters, exposing cases of fraud, mismanagement, corruption, discrimination, and poor performance. They have also advocated for more democratic governance, transparency, accountability, and equity in education. In other words, they are the solution but the underdogs.

So, what's the bottom line? The privatization of California public schools is a bad idea because it undermines public education, promotes private interests, exacerbates inequality, and ignores the real problems of underfunding and undervaluing. We need to invest in public education, support teachers and students, and improve the system from within. We also need to hold accountable those who seek to profit from education and those who seek to undermine it. It's not a matter of choice, it's a matter of justice.

FATHER KNOWS BEST: GEORGE WASHINGTON'S RULES OF CIVILITY

 

FATHER KNOWS BEST: GEORGE WASHINGTON'S RULES OF CIVILITY

Are you tired of being a regular Joe or Jane in today's society? Do you want to stand out and be remembered for your manners and etiquette? Well, look no further than the one and only George Washington, the first president of the United States and a master of civility.

Yes, you heard that right. George Washington was not only a brilliant leader and a brave soldier, but he was also a gentleman who followed a set of 110 rules that he called "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation." And let me tell you, some of these rules are so outdated and hilarious that they will make you wonder how Washington ever managed to follow them.

But fear not, my fellow modern citizens. We can still learn a thing or two from good ol' George. Let's take a look at some of his rules and see how we can apply them to our modern society.

Rule 1: Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

This rule is still important today. We should always be respectful to the people we meet, even if we don't know them very well. But let's take it a step further and show them some love. Give them a high-five, a fist bump, or even a dab. Make them feel welcome and appreciated in a way that speaks to our modern culture.

Rule 2: When you Speak to one, turn your Eyes on him, as well as your Face.

In today's world of constant distractions, this rule is harder to follow. It's tempting to check our phones or look around when we are talking to someone. But let's try to resist that urge and give them our full attention. Let's look them in the eye and show them that we care about what they are saying. And if we do need to check our phone, let's be honest and say, "Sorry, I just got a notification. Let me check this real quick and then I'm all yours."

Rule 3: Be not forward, but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear and answer, & be not pensive when it's a time to converse.

This rule encourages us to be friendly and polite. Let's take it up a notch and be the life of the party. Let's be the first to start a dance party, the first to tell a joke, and the first to offer a round of shots. Let's show people that we are fun and outgoing and not afraid to let loose.

Rule 4: In the Company of others, put not your Hands to any Part of your Body, not usually discovered.

This rule is about body language. Let's try to be aware of our body language and avoid any gestures that might make us look nervous or uncomfortable. But let's also remember that body language can be a powerful tool. Let's use it to our advantage. Let's strike a pose, do a little dance, or even a dab to show people that we are confident and in charge.

Rule 5: Be no Talker, but a good Hearer; and rather ask Questions, than make assertions.

This rule encourages us to be good listeners. Let's take it to the next level and be great listeners. Let's ask questions, show interest, and really try to understand what the other person is saying. And if we do have something to say, let's say it with a meme or a GIF that perfectly captures our thoughts.

Rule 6: Speak not in yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.

Let's be real, nobody wants to see us yawn. But if we do feel a yawn coming on, let's do it in style. Let's put on a fake mustache or a pair of sunglasses and yawn like a boss. And if we see someone else yawning, let's join in and make it a group activity.

Rule 7: When you cough, sneeze, sigh, or laugh, do it not loud, but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.

This rule is similar to the previous one. Let's try to be courteous and considerate of others when we are experiencing bodily functions. But let's also remember that laughter is contagious. Let's laugh loud and proud, and spread some happiness in the world.

Rule 8: When you eat, be not greedy, neither lick your Fingers, nor talk with your Mouth full; cut your Meat with a Knife, and not with your Fingers.

This rule is a reminder to be polite and considerate when we are eating. Let's try to avoid making a mess, and let's not talk with our mouths full. But let's also remember that food is meant to be enjoyed. Let's savor every bite, and let's not be afraid to lick our fingers or even use our hands if the situation calls for it. And if we do make a mess, let's clean it up with a meme or a funny comment.

Rule 9: Be neat and cleanly in your Dress; Apparel; and Furniture; but not foppish.

Let's try to look our best, whether it's in our dress, our appearance, or even our furniture. But let's also remember that it's not just about how we look, it's about how we feel. Let's be comfortable in our own skin, and let's not be afraid to show off our unique style. And if someone else is rocking a bold outfit or a funky piece of furniture, let's give them a shoutout and some love.

In conclusion, George Washington may have lived in a different time, but his rules of civility still hold some value in our modern society. Let's take his advice and be respectful, courteous, and considerate of others. But let's also have some fun and show off our unique personalities. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be known as the George Washingtons of our time.

The Rules of Civility · George Washington's Mount Vernon https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/rules-of-civility/

110 rules of Civility & Decent Behavior | Classical ConversationsClassical Conversations https://classicalconversations.com/blog/110-rules-of-civility-decent-behavior/

DIANE RAVITCH: SAVE PUBLIC EDUCATION, LET IT BE

DIANE RAVITCH: SAVE PUBLIC EDUCATION, LET IT BE

Sung to the tune of the great Beatles classic, Let It Be

When I find myself in times of trouble

Diane Ravitch comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom

Save public ed

And in my hour of darkness

She is standing right in front of me

Speaking words of wisdom

Save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

Whisper words of wisdom

Save public ed

And when the corporate reformers

Living in their world of greed

There will be an answer

Save public ed

For though they may be powerful

There is still a chance that they will see

There will be an answer

Save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

There will be an answer

Save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

Whisper words of wisdom

Save public ed

And when the night is cloudy

There is still a light that shines on me

Shinin' until tomorrow

Save public ed

I wake up to the sound of music

Diane Ravitch comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom

Save public ed

And save public ed, save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

Whisper words of wisdom

Save public ed

And save public ed, save public ed

Save public ed, save public ed

Whisper words of wisdom

Save public ed

WHO KNEW: COMMON CORE IS A MAGA CORE VALUE

 

WHO KNEW: COMMON CORE IS A MAGA CORE VALUE

Education is the key to success, but what if the key is being handed over to the wrong hands? That seems to be the case with Hillsdale College and American Classical Education (ACE), two institutions that are promoting MAGA policies and ending public schools. Who knew that Common Core is a MAGA core value?

Hillsdale College, a private liberal arts college in Michigan, is known for its conservative political views. In fact, its president, Larry Arnn, is a close advisor to former President Donald Trump. Arnn has been a vocal critic of public education, claiming that it is "failing" and "indoctrinating" students with "left-wing ideology." Well, we can't have that, can we? We need to make sure our children are indoctrinated with the right-wing ideology instead.

But that's not all. ACE, a charter school group affiliated with Hillsdale College, has also been accused of promoting right-wing policies and ideologies. In 2019, it was revealed that ACE had received funding from the Koch brothers, a wealthy conservative family known for their support of school choice and charter schools. Because who needs public education when you can have private schools that promote your own agenda?

And if that's not enough to make you raise an eyebrow, ACE schools have also been using a curriculum that includes lessons on the "Great Replacement Theory," a white supremacist conspiracy theory that claims white people are being replaced by non-white people. I mean, why teach actual facts and evidence-based theories when you can teach conspiracy theories instead?

All of these ties to right-wing groups and ideologies have raised concerns about the future of public education. Critics worry that these groups are trying to undermine public education and replace it with a system of private schools that promote their own agenda. But hey, at least they're transparent about their lack of transparency.

The rise of Hillsdale College and ACE is part of a larger trend of conservative groups working to undermine public education. These groups are motivated by a desire to promote their own agenda and reduce the role of government in education. Because who needs a government that promotes education for all when you can have a government that only promotes education for those who can afford it?

But it's not just the ideological agenda that's concerning. The lack of transparency from both Hillsdale College and ACE is equally alarming. ACE has refused to release information about its finances and curriculum, making it difficult to assess the impact of ACE schools on students and public education as a whole. Because who needs accountability when you can just trust that they're doing what's best for your child?

It's time to take a step back and ask ourselves: what kind of education system do we want for our children? Do we want a system that promotes a narrow ideological agenda and lacks transparency? Or do we want a system that provides a quality education for all students, regardless of their background or ability to pay? Because let's face it, the only thing worse than an uneducated populace is an uneducated populace with an agenda.

As the saying goes, "the pen is mightier than the sword." So let's use our pens (or keyboards) to advocate for a better education system, one that puts the needs of students and society first. Let's not hand over the key to education to those who are more interested in promoting their own agenda than in providing a quality education for all. Because at the end of the day, the only thing that should matter in education is the education itself, not the political agenda behind it.

Hillsdale applications hint at links between charter school and Common Core – Tennessee Lookout https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/05/16/hillsdale-applications-hint-at-links-between-charter-school-and-common-core/

YO DOG, AI GONNA HELP ME ACE MY EXAMS FO SHIZZLE

 

YO DOG, AI GONNA HELP ME ACE MY EXAMS FO SHIZZLE 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the world, and the classroom is no exception. Students are excited about the potential of AI to help them learn, but they also have some hilarious reactions to it.

One student said, "I can't wait to have an AI best friend. It can do my homework, answer my questions, and even write my essays. I'll finally have time to binge-watch Netflix!" Another student said, "I'm not worried about AI taking over my job as a student. It will just make my job easier. I can focus on procrastinating, and AI can focus on doing my work for me."

Despite the humorous reactions, students believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize education. A recent survey found that 80% of students believe that AI will have a positive impact on education. They are particularly interested in using AI for personalized learning, real-time feedback, and access to information. They also believe that AI can help them develop critical thinking skills and creativity.

Of course, there are some challenges to using AI in the classroom. One challenge is that AI is still under development, and there is a risk that it could be used in a way that is harmful to students. Another challenge is that AI can be expensive, and not all schools can afford to implement it. But students are optimistic about the potential of AI to improve education.

So, what does this mean for teachers? It means that we need to start thinking about how we can use AI to enhance learning. We need to be open to new ideas and new ways of teaching. We need to be willing to experiment and to learn from our mistakes.

But most importantly, we need to remember that AI is not a threat to teachers. It is a tool that can help us do our jobs better. It can help us reach more students and help them learn more effectively. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have an AI teacher that can handle all the grading and paperwork while we sip margaritas on the beach. A teacher can dream, right?

In conclusion, students are excited about the potential of AI to revolutionize education. They have some hilarious reactions to it, but they also recognize the challenges and potential risks. As teachers, we need to embrace AI and use it to make education better for everyone. And who knows, maybe one day we'll have an AI principal that can handle all the discipline while we sneak off to the teacher's lounge for some much-needed gossip. The possibilities are endless!

'Please do not assume the worst of us': students know AI is here to stay and want unis to teach them how to use it https://theconversation.com/please-do-not-assume-the-worst-of-us-students-know-ai-is-here-to-stay-and-want-unis-to-teach-them-how-to-use-it-203426

ChatGPT in the classroom: Here's what teachers and students are saying https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/03/01/what-teachers-students-saying-ai-chatgpt-use-classrooms/11340040002/

TEXAS VOUCHER BILL: DEATH TO TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION

 TEXAS VOUCHER BILL:  DEATH TO TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION

Attention all Texans! Hold onto your cowboy hats because the Texas Legislature is considering a bill that will rock the education system to its core. That's right, folks, we're talking about the infamous voucher bill. And let me tell you, if this bill passes, it will be a disaster for Texas public education.

For those of you who don't know, vouchers would allow parents to use public funds to send their children to private schools. Sounds great, right? Wrong. This would divert money away from public schools, which would lead to cuts in programs and services. And let's face it, we all know that public schools are already struggling to meet the needs of all students. So why on earth would we want to make it even harder for them?

But wait, there's more! Vouchers would also create a two-tiered system of education. This means that those who can afford to send their children to private schools would get a better education than those who cannot. And let's be real, who wants to live in a state where only the rich can get a good education?

So what can we do to stop this voucher bill from becoming law? Well, for starters, we can contact our state legislators and let them know that we oppose this bill. We can also spread the word about the dangers of vouchers and encourage our friends and family to do the same. And finally, we can vote for candidates who are committed to protecting public education.

The future of Texas public education is at stake. Let's make sure we do everything we can to protect it.

Here are some additional arguments against the voucher bill:

• Vouchers would weaken public schools by taking away funding.
• Vouchers would create a two-tiered system of education, with those who can afford to send their children to private schools getting a better education than those who cannot.
• Vouchers would lead to religious schools receiving public funds, which would violate the separation of church and state.
• Vouchers would not improve academic achievement.
• Vouchers would be a waste of taxpayer money.

The Texas Legislature should reject this voucher bill and invest in public education instead.

But wait, there's more!

Did you know that vouchers are actually a pretty funny idea? I mean, let's think about it for a second. We're talking about taking money away from public schools, which are already struggling, and giving it to private schools, which are often religious and exclusive. It's like we're saying, "Hey, public schools aren't good enough for our kids. We'd rather send them to schools that will indoctrinate them with our own beliefs."

It's pretty ridiculous, if you ask me. But that's the thing about vouchers. They're not just a serious issue. They're also kind of funny. And maybe that's why they're so dangerous. Because when we start to laugh at something, we start to take it less seriously. And when we take something less seriously, we're more likely to let it happen.

So please, don't laugh at the voucher bill. Laugh at the absurdity of it, sure. But don't laugh it off. This is a serious issue that could have a real impact on the future of Texas public education.

Let's all do our part to stop this bill from becoming law.

Texas House committee considers pared-down school voucher bill despite governor's veto threat https://www.tpr.org/education/2023-05-15/texas-house-committee-considers-pared-down-school-voucher-bill-despite-governors-veto-threat

Texas prepares for showdown over school choice bill: Teacher unions 'Fighting to the death' to keep 'control' https://www.foxnews.com/media/texas-prepares-showdown-school-choice-bill-teacher-unions-fighting-death-keep-control #FoxNews

OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE ENDS AFTER 7 DAYS, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS

 

OAKLAND TEACHERS STRIKE ENDS AFTER 7 DAYS, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THEIR FRIENDS

Oakland Teachers Strike Ends After 7 Days, With a Little Help From Their Friends

Oakland teachers have finally ended their seven-day strike, and it's all thanks to their new ally, Rattus Norvegicus! Who is Rattus Norvegicus, you ask? Only the most badass, inflatable rat mascot that ever existed!

This rat was the star of the show, and he brought a sense of humor to a difficult situation. He was always present during the protests, and he quickly became a symbol of the teachers' struggle. In fact, he was such a hit that he even inspired some hilarious memes and cartoons.

One of my favorite memes showed Rattus Norvegicus sitting at a negotiating table with the district's superintendent. The superintendent was saying, "I'm sorry, but we just can't afford to give you a raise." And Rattus Norvegicus was saying, "That's okay. I'll just eat your lunch instead." Classic!

Another funny cartoon showed Rattus Norvegicus standing in front of a group of students. The students were saying, "We're so glad you're here, Rattus Norvegicus. You're our only hope." And Rattus Norvegicus was saying, "Don't worry, kids. I'm not going to let anyone mess with your education." What a hero!

Of course, Rattus Norvegicus is not a real rat. He's just a giant inflatable toy. But he played a big role in helping the teachers win their strike. He brought a sense of humor to a difficult situation, and he helped to rally support for the teachers.

But let's not forget the real heroes here: the Oakland teachers! They fought hard for better pay, smaller class sizes, and more support staff. And they won! They got a 15.5% salary increase, more support staff, and smaller class sizes. That's amazing!

The teachers' strike was a serious matter, and it's great to see that they were able to make some real progress. It's important to remember that teachers are the backbone of our education system, and they deserve to be paid fairly and have the resources they need to do their jobs well.

So next time you see a giant inflatable rat, don't be afraid to give him a smile. He's just doing his part to make the world a better place. And next time you see a teacher, give them a high-five or a pat on the back. They're doing some of the most important work there is, and they deserve our support and appreciation.

In conclusion, the Oakland teachers' strike may be over, but the fight for better education is far from finished. Let's continue to support our teachers and demand the resources they need to succeed. And let's never forget the role that Rattus Norvegicus played in this victory. He may be just an inflatable rat, but he's a hero in our hearts!

Teachers in Oakland, California, reach agreement with school district on 'common good' demands as strike continues | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/14/us/oakland-teachers-union-agreement-strike/index.html

Oakland teachers, district reach agreement on new contract ending 7-day ... https://youtu.be/52L3u9vO-1k via @YouTube

CHATGPT: TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL?

 

CHATGPT: TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL?

As the world becomes more and more reliant on technology, it's important for us to embrace the advancements that come with it. And what better way to do that than by incorporating AI into the classroom? Specifically, let's talk about ChatGPT, the language model chatbot developed by OpenAI.

ChatGPT is a real hoot, folks. It's been trained on a massive dataset of text and code, which means it can generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. Plus, it's got a great sense of humor. I mean, have you heard the one about the chatbot who walked into a bar? Yeah, me neither. But I'm sure ChatGPT would have a killer punchline.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Why do we need a chatbot in the classroom? Can't we just stick to good old-fashioned teaching methods?" And to that, I say: why not? ChatGPT has so many potential benefits for students. For example:

1. Help students with their writing skills. ChatGPT can generate text on any topic, and can adjust the response to reading levels. This means students can practice their writing skills and get feedback on their work. Plus, it's always good to have a second opinion on that essay you wrote at 2am.

2. Provide students with access to information. ChatGPT can access and process information from the real world through Google Search and keep its response consistent with search results. This means students can find information on any topic, even if it's not covered in their textbooks. Who needs a library when you've got ChatGPT?

3. Help students learn new languages. ChatGPT can translate text from one language to another. This means students can learn a new language or brush up on their existing skills. Bonjour, ChatGPT!

4. Foster critical thinking skills. ChatGPT can be used to generate creative text formats, like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc. This means students can practice their critical thinking skills and come up with new ideas. Who knows, maybe the next Shakespeare is actually a chatbot.

Of course, there are some potential risks associated with using ChatGPT in the classroom. For example, students could use it to plagiarize work or cheat on assignments. But let's be real, if a student is going to cheat, they're going to find a way to do it regardless of whether or not there's a chatbot involved. And besides, ChatGPT is too cool to not use just because of a few bad apples.

In fact, I've heard some pretty funny stories about ChatGPT in the classroom. Like the time one student used it to write a paper on the history of the Civil War and the teacher thought they had plagiarized it. Or the time a student used it to help them with a math problem and actually understood what was going on. Or the time a teacher used it to create a virtual assistant for their classroom and it told jokes that were actually funny.

The point is, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for helping students learn and develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. So why not give it a try? Who knows, maybe one day we'll all be replaced by chatbots and this article will be written by ChatGPT 2.0. I, for one, welcome our new chatbot overlords.

Schools in northern Nevada ban ChatGPT, others welcome it for classwork https://mynews4.com/on-your-side/schools-in-washoe-county-ban-chapgpt-others-welcome-it-for-classwork-wcsd-ai-artificial-inteligence-bishop-manogue-coral-academy-cheating-plagiarism

RYAN WALTERS: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN OKLAHOMA

RYAN WALTERS: THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN OKLAHOMA

Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction, has made it clear that he is not a fan of public education. In fact, he has said that he believes that public education is "failing" and that it is time to "end it."

Walters's approach to ending public education is based on his belief that parents should have more control over their children's education. He has said that he wants to give parents more options, such as homeschooling and private schools.

However, Walters's approach is flawed. It is based on the assumption that all parents are capable of homeschooling their children and that all private schools are good schools.

The reality is that not all parents are capable of homeschooling their children. In fact, a study by the National Home Education Research Institute found that only about 20% of homeschooled children are actually taught by their parents. The rest are taught by tutors or other adults.

Additionally, not all private schools are good schools. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that only about 60% of private schools are accredited. The rest are not held to the same standards as public schools.

Walters's approach to ending public education would leave many children without a quality education. It would also put a financial burden on families who cannot afford to send their children to private schools.

Instead of ending public education, we should be working to improve it. We should be investing in our schools and our teachers. We should be making sure that all children have access to a quality education, regardless of their parents' income.

Ryan Walters's approach to ending public education is wrong-headed and harmful. We should reject it and instead work to improve our public schools.

In addition to the above, here are some other reasons why I disagree with Ryan Walters's approach to ending public education:

• Public education is a public good. It is not a private good that can be bought and sold. Everyone, regardless of their income, should have access to a quality education.
• Public education is the great equalizer. It gives everyone, regardless of their background, a chance to succeed. It is the engine of social mobility.
• Public education is essential for democracy. It teaches our children the skills they need to be informed citizens. It teaches them how to think critically and how to make informed decisions.

I urge you to join me in rejecting Ryan Walters's approach to ending public education. Let's work together to improve our public schools so that all children have the opportunity to succeed.

Report: Education Department won’t apply for some grants https://kfor.com/news/local/report-education-department-wont-apply-for-some-grants/