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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

HUNTER BIDEN: SKELETONS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY CLOSET HAVE COME OUT TO PLAY

HUNTER BIDEN: SKELETONS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY CLOSET HAVE COME OUT TO PLAY

Breaking news, folks! The skeletons in the presidential family closet have come out to play, and boy are they rowdy! From Biden's kid to Trump's kids, these presidential offspring have caused more scandals than a Hollywood diva.

Let's start with the most recent scandal involving Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden. He has been accused of using his father's influence to secure lucrative business deals in Ukraine and China, and has faced scrutiny over his personal life, including his substance abuse issues and his relationship with his brother's widow. But hey, at least he's not as bad as his dad, who falls asleep during Trump campaign speeches at CPAC meetings.

But wait, there's more! Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump have been involved in several scandals. From alleged affairs with pop singers to meeting with Russian lawyers to spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media, these two have done it all. And let's not forget Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who have faced accusations of conflicts of interest, corruption, and nepotism. Using private email accounts to conduct official White House business? Check. Pursuing financial interests in foreign countries while working in the White House? Check. Being granted top-secret security clearances despite objections from intelligence officials? Check.

But it's not just the Trump family that has a rowdy bunch. The Kennedy family has had their fair share of scandals, including the Chappaquiddick incident and the Profumo affair. The Johnson family was involved in the Bobby Baker scandal and the Billie Sol Estes scandal. The Nixon family had the Watergate scandal and the Milken scandal. And let's not forget the Clinton family, with the Whitewater controversy and the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Even presidential siblings have caused trouble for their brothers in the White House. Orvil Lynch Grant was accused of taking bribes and engaging in conflicts of interest as a director of a bank that collapsed and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Roger Clinton was arrested for cocaine distribution and caused controversy by lobbying his brother for pardons for several convicted criminals. Neil Bush was sued by federal regulators for his role in the failure of a savings and loan association that cost taxpayers $1 billion. Malik Obama was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and faced allegations of fraud and mismanagement of his charity foundation. And James Biden has been accused of using his family name to secure lucrative business deals in various sectors.

But let's not be too hard on these presidential children. After all, they didn't choose to be born into a political dynasty. And who knows, maybe they'll turn their scandals into a reality TV show or a bestselling memoir. At least they're keeping things interesting in the White House.

In conclusion, it seems like every presidential family has their own set of skeletons in the closet. From Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings to Donald Trump Jr.'s alleged affairs, these presidential offspring have caused more scandals than we can count. But hey, at least they're making politics entertaining, right? Who needs Netflix when you have the presidential family drama?


THE DEFT DIVE


Scandals surrounding the son of President Joe Biden and his foreign business dealings, personal life, and legal troubles. Here is a brief overview of some of the main aspects of the story:

  • - **Hunter Biden's foreign business dealings**: Hunter Biden, who has a law degree from Yale University, has been involved in various business ventures in countries such as China, Ukraine, Romania, and Kazakhstan. He has faced accusations of using his father's influence and name to secure lucrative contracts and access to powerful figures while his father was vice president under Barack Obama⁴⁵. Some of his most controversial dealings include:
  •     - Serving on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company, from 2014 to 2019, and receiving up to $50,000 per month for his role⁴⁶. He joined the board at a time when his father was leading the US policy on Ukraine and pushing for anti-corruption reforms in the country⁴⁶. Critics have alleged that Hunter Biden's position created a conflict of interest for his father and that he was hired to protect Burisma from prosecution⁶.
  •     - Forming a joint venture with CEFC China Energy, a Chinese conglomerate with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, in 2017, and receiving a 10% stake in the company⁴⁵. He also received a 2.8-carat diamond from the founder of CEFC, Ye Jianming, who was later detained by Chinese authorities on corruption charges⁴⁵. Critics have alleged that Hunter Biden's involvement with CEFC posed a national security risk for the US and that he was paid to influence his father's policy on China⁵.
  • - **Hunter Biden's personal life**: Hunter Biden has struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism for most of his adult life. He has been in and out of rehab several times and has admitted to using crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances⁴⁵. He has also faced scrutiny over his romantic relationships and family issues. Some of his most notable personal challenges include:
  •     - Having an affair with Hallie Biden, the widow of his brother Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in 2015⁴⁵. The affair began in 2016 and ended in 2019. It caused tension within the Biden family and raised ethical questions about Hunter Biden's role as the executor of Beau Biden's estate⁴⁵.
  •     - Fathering a child with Lunden Roberts, a former stripper from Arkansas, in 2018⁴⁵. He initially denied paternity but later agreed to pay child support after a DNA test confirmed he was the father⁴⁵. He is currently involved in a legal dispute with Roberts over the amount of child support and access to his financial records⁵.
  •     - Marrying Melissa Cohen, a South African filmmaker, in 2019 after knowing her for less than a week⁴⁵. They have a son named Beau, born in 2020⁴⁵. Cohen has been supportive of Hunter Biden's recovery and career⁴⁵.
  • - **Hunter Biden's legal troubles**: Hunter Biden has been under federal investigation since 2018 for possible tax violations and making a false statement relating to a gun he bought⁴⁵. The investigation has also examined his foreign business dealings and whether he violated any laws or regulations⁴⁵. He has not been charged with any crime but has acknowledged that he is under investigation⁴⁵. Some of his most significant legal issues include:
  •     - Failing to report $400,000 in income from Burisma on his 2014 tax return and owing more than $112,000 in taxes to the IRS⁴⁵. He has agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanour tax crimes and pay $500,000 in restitution as part of a plea deal with prosecutors².
  •     - Lying on a federal background check form when he purchased a handgun in 2018 by denying that he was an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance⁴⁵. He has agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanour false statement charge and forfeit the gun as part of the plea deal with prosecutors².
  •     - Being accused by an IRS whistleblower of receiving preferential treatment from the Justice Department due to his political connections and influence[^2^. The whistleblower claims that senior officials at the DOJ intervened to delay or obstruct the investigation into Hunter Biden and prevent him from being indicted before the 2020 election[^2^. The whistleblower's attorneys have met with congressional investigators to share their allegations[^2^.

Scandals surrounding the Trump children and spouses.  Here is a brief overview of some of the main scandals that have been reported by various media outlets:

Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump: 

  • Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of Donald Trump, and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump, who divorced in 2018, have been involved in several scandals, such as:
  • Having an alleged affair with Aubrey O’Day, a former singer of the pop group Danity Kane, in 2011-2012, while Vanessa was pregnant with their third child12. The affair reportedly ended when Donald Trump Sr. told his son to "knock it off"2.
  • Meeting with a Russian lawyer who claimed to have dirt on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign, along with Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort1. The meeting was later investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his probe into Russian interference in the election1.
  • Spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories on social media about various topics, such as COVID-19, the 2020 election, Hunter Biden, and climate change1. His Twitter habits were reportedly a source of contention in his marriage with Vanessa1.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner: 

  • Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of Donald Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner, who both served as senior advisers to the former president, have also faced accusations of conflicts of interest, corruption, and nepotism, such as:
  • Using private email accounts to conduct official White House business, which raised security and transparency concerns3. Ivanka Trump claimed that she was unaware of the rules and that her emails did not contain classified information3.
  • Pursuing financial interests in foreign countries while working in the White House, such as securing trademarks from China and Saudi Arabia, and receiving loans from banks with ties to foreign governments3. Critics have alleged that they used their positions to enrich themselves and influence US policy3.
  • Being granted top-secret security clearances despite objections from intelligence officials and White House lawyers, who cited their foreign contacts, business interests, and lack of experience3. It was later reported that Donald Trump overruled the recommendations and personally ordered the clearances for his daughter and son-in-law3.

Eric Trump and Lara Trump: 

  • Eric Trump, the second son of Donald Trump, and his wife Lara Trump, who worked as a senior consultant for the former president’s campaign, have also been involved in some scandals, such as:
  • Being sued by New York attorney general Letitia James for allegedly inflating the value of their assets to secure loans and tax benefits as part of the Trump Organization4. Eric Trump initially refused to comply with a subpoena to testify in the case but later agreed to do so after a judge ordered him to cooperate4.
  • Being accused of animal cruelty for hunting endangered animals in Africa, such as elephants, leopards, and crocodiles4. Photos of them posing with their trophies sparked outrage from animal rights activists and celebrities4.
  • Being criticized for making insensitive or false statements on various issues, such as COVID-19, immigration, racism, and women’s rights4. For example, Lara Trump mocked Joe Biden’s stutter during the 2020 campaign and suggested that people should “arm up” and “get guns” to prepare for crime under his presidency4.

These are just some examples of the scandals that have surrounded the Trump children and spouses. There are many more that could be mentioned, such as Tiffany Trump’s involvement in a fraudulent diamond scheme5, Melania Trump’s plagiarism of Michelle Obama’s speech5, and Kimberly Guilfoyle’s sexual harassment allegations5. The Trump family has often denied or dismissed these scandals as fake news or witch hunts.

Bing, 7/26/2023

(1) Hunter Biden: The struggles and scandals of the US president's son - BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55805698. (2) The Hunter Biden scandal vortex keeps getting bigger - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/hunter-biden-investigations-what-matters/index.html. (3) Biden–Ukraine conspiracy theory - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biden%E2%80%93Ukraine_conspiracy_theory. (4) Jonathan Turley: "Panic Setting In" For Democrats And Media About Hunter Biden Scandal. https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2023/07/25/jonathan_turley_panic_setting_in_for_democrats_and_media_about_hunter_biden_scandal.html. (5) Jill Biden escapes to France for UN event as Hunter appears in court. https://nypost.com/2023/07/26/jill-biden-escapes-to-france-for-un-event-as-hunter-appears-in-court/. (6) Hunter Biden is a scandal machine. Democrats aren’t worried — yet.. https://news.yahoo.com/hunter-biden-scandal-machine-democrats-221501368.html.

Major presidential scandals since 1945, with a deeper dive into each one:

  • Watergate: The Watergate scandal was a major political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s. The scandal stemmed from a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 1972. The break-in was carried out by operatives working for the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP), the re-election campaign of President Richard Nixon.Opens in a new window
    www.britannica.com

The Watergate scandal eventually led to Nixon's resignation in 1974. Nixon was the first and only U.S. president to resign from office.

  • Iran-Contra Affair: The Iran-Contra affair was a political scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1980s. The scandal involved the sale of arms to Iran by the Reagan administration in exchange for the release of American hostages held in Lebanon. The administration also used the proceeds from the arms sales to fund the Contras, a rebel group fighting against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua.Opens in a new window
    www.britannica.com

The Iran-Contra affair was a major political scandal that damaged the reputation of the Reagan administration. Several top Reagan administration officials were indicted in connection with the scandal, but none were convicted.

  • Whitewater Controversy: The Whitewater controversy was a political scandal that involved the Clintons, Bill and Hillary, and their real estate investments in the Whitewater Development Corporation. The Clintons were accused of financial impropriety in connection with the Whitewater project. The scandal dogged the Clintons throughout Bill Clinton's presidency, and it was a major factor in his impeachment in 1998.
    Opens in a new windowwww.npr.org

The Whitewater controversy was never fully resolved, and the Clintons were never charged with any crimes. However, the scandal damaged the Clintons' reputation and led to a loss of public trust.

  • Monica Lewinsky scandal: The Monica Lewinsky scandal was a political sex scandal that involved President Bill Clinton and White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The scandal began in 1995, when Lewinsky began an affair with Clinton. The affair came to light in 1998, and Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice. However, he was acquitted by the Senate.

The Monica Lewinsky scandal was a major political scandal that damaged the reputation of the Clintons and the presidency. It also led to a national conversation about sexual harassment and consent.

  • Trump-Russia investigation: The Trump-Russia investigation was a federal investigation into whether the Trump campaign had colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. The investigation was led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and it lasted for two years. Mueller's report did not find sufficient evidence to establish that the Trump campaign had conspired or coordinated with Russia. However, the investigation did find that Russia interfered in the election in a "sweeping and systematic fashion."
    Opens in a new windowwww.cnn.com

A few examples of presidential siblings who have caused trouble for their brothers in the White House:

These are just some of the presidential siblings who have been involved in scandals that have tarnished the reputation of their president relative. Bing, 7/26/2023

(1) The Biggest Scandals Involving Presidential Kids. https://www.insider.com/presidential-kids-scandals-controversies.

(2) The Biggest Scandals Involving Presidential Kids. https://www.insider.com/presidential-kids-scandals-controversies.

(3) US Presidents Who Had Scandalous Problem Children - Ranker. https://www.ranker.com/list/us-presidents-with-problem-children/stephanroget.

(4) US Presidents Who Had Scandalous Problem Children - Ranker. https://www.ranker.com/list/us-presidents-with-problem-children/stephanroget.

Other presidential sons and daughters have been involved in scandals that have tarnished the reputation of their president relative. However, there have been a number of high-profile cases in recent years.

  • Jenna and Barbara Bush: The daughters of President George W. Bush were cited for underage drinking while their father was in office. They were also involved in a number of other controversies, including a DUI arrest and a video that went viral of them smoking marijuana.
  • Chelsea Clinton: The daughter of President Bill Clinton was involved in a number of scandals, including allegations of nepotism and profiting from her father's presidency. She was also criticized for her close ties to Marc Mezvinsky, who was also accused of profiting from his father-in-law's presidency.


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MONSTER ESA VOUCHER SCHEME IS EATING ARIZONA

 

MONSTER ESA VOUCHER SCHEME IS EATING ARIZONA 

Attention Arizona citizens! Have you heard the news? The Public School Replacement Program, also known as the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA), is taking over our state! And it's not just taking over, it's eating Arizona alive!

According to Gov. Katie Hobbs' office, the ESA program has caused a $319 million deficit in voucher spending. That's right, folks, our tax dollars are being used to fund this program that lacks oversight and has the potential to divert public funds from public schools.

But wait, there's more! The top two administrators of the ESA program, Christine Accurso and Linda Rizzo, have resigned. Why, you ask? Well, we don't know for sure, but their departure comes at a time when the program is under scrutiny. Could it be that they saw the writing on the wall and decided to jump ship before it's too late?

Accurso claims that she took the ESA position to clean up the program, and having successfully done that, she has chosen to move on. Clean up the program? More like sweep the problems under the rug and hope no one notices. And Rizzo? She's leaving to pursue other opportunities. Translation: she's getting out while the getting is good.

The ESA program has been controversial since its inception, and the resignations of Accurso and Rizzo will likely add fuel to the fire. The program has been criticized for its lack of oversight and potential to divert public funds from public schools. And let's not forget that there are no regulations governing how ESA funds can be used. It's like giving a kid a blank check and hoping they spend it wisely.

But hey, why stop there? Let's expand the program even more! Republican Representative Jake Hoffman is sponsoring legislation that would allow all Arizona students to participate in the program, regardless of their income. Because who needs public schools anyway, right? Let's just throw all our tax dollars at a program with no oversight and questionable results.

In case you're not convinced that the ESA program is eating Arizona alive, let's look at some numbers. Enrollment in the program has more than doubled in the past year, with over 60,500 students now participating. And according to the Arizona Department of Education, the program will cost $900 million in fiscal year 2024. That's a lot of money for a program with no regulations and questionable results.

So what's next for the ESA program? Who knows! The Arizona Department of Education is now responsible for finding replacements for Accurso and Rizzo. Will they find someone who will clean up the program and bring oversight? Or will they find someone who will continue to sweep problems under the rug?

In conclusion, Arizona citizens, we need to pay attention to what's happening with the Public School Replacement Program. It's eating our state alive, and we need to hold our elected officials accountable for their decisions. Let's demand oversight and regulations for the ESA program before it's too late. And let's not forget that public schools are important too. After all, they're where most of us got our education, right?

Leaders of Arizona's school voucher program abruptly resign | 12news.com https://www.12news.com/article/news/education/top-2-leaders-arizonas-school-voucher-program-abruptly-resign-hobbs-horne-education/75-35bbf806-49a3-4017-88f0-47457263b789 

Head of Arizona's school voucher program resigns after less than a year on the job | KJZZ https://kjzz.org/content/1853020/head-arizonas-school-voucher-program-resigns-after-less-year-job

Empowerment Scholarship Account head Christine Accurso resigns https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/07/25/head-of-arizona-school-voucher-program-resigns/70462646007/ 


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MEATAXE MIKE MILES GIVES LIBRARIES A WACK AND TURN THEM INTO DAYTIME DETENTION CENTERS

MEATAXE MIKE MILES GIVES LIBRARIES A WACK AND TURN THEM INTO DAYTIME DETENTION CENTERS

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent MeatAxe Mike Miles has come up with a brilliant plan to deal with kids who refuse to sit still for MAGA indoctrination. He's turning libraries into daytime detention centers! Yes, you heard it right. The libraries, which are essential learning spaces, will now be transformed into MeatAxe Mike's dungeons for kids who can't behave.

The new centers will be used to place students who have been removed from class for behavioral issues. But that's not all. MeatAxe Mike will personally lead virtual planking sessions in the new dungeons to keep the kids in line. Who knew that planking could be used as a disciplinary tool?

The decision to replace libraries with discipline centers has been met with criticism from some parents and educators. They argue that libraries are essential learning spaces and that removing them will deprive students of access to books, resources, and quiet spaces to study. But MeatAxe Mike is not one to be deterred by such petty concerns.

He defends his decision by arguing that the team centers will provide a more structured environment for students who are struggling with behavior issues. He also argues that the team centers will allow teachers to focus on teaching, rather than on dealing with discipline issues. Who needs books and resources when you have a structured environment and virtual planking sessions?

The decision to replace libraries with discipline centers is a complex one, with no easy answers. But MeatAxe Mike is not one to shy away from a challenge. He's determined to turn HISD into a model of discipline and control. Who needs support and understanding when you have MeatAxe Mike and his virtual planking sessions?

The decision is still being debated, and it is unclear whether or not it will be implemented. But one thing is clear – MeatAxe Mike is not going to back down. He's determined to turn HISD into his personal fiefdom of discipline and control.

In conclusion, the decision by MeatAxe Mike Miles to turn libraries into daytime detention centers is a bold move that is sure to have far-reaching consequences. Whether it's for better or for worse, only time will tell. But one thing is certain – HISD will never be the same again. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life with MeatAxe Mike and his virtual planking sessions!

HISD to get rid of librarians at NES schools | khou.com https://www.khou.com/article/news/education/hisd-removes-librarians-nes-schools/285-07457e23-9791-4cc5-8250-05569394b48c 

Houston ISD to eliminate librarians and convert libraries into disciplinary centers at NES schools - ABC13 Houston https://abc13.com/hisd-libraries-librarians-media-specialists-houston-isd/13548483/ 

HISD's Mike Miles will convert some libraries into discipline areas https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/hisd-libraries-discipline-areas-mike-miles-reforms-18209051.php 


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FLORIDA'S AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY TASK FORCES CHOOSES MAGA WHITE PEOPLE'S US HISTORY


FLORIDA'S AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY TASK FORCES CHOOSES MAGA WHITE PEOPLE'S US HISTORY 

Florida's African American History Task Force is in the news again, and this time it's not because of their groundbreaking work on teaching Black history in schools. No, this time they're making headlines because they're claiming they were left out of the development of the state's new African American History standards. And let me tell you, it's a mess.

The standards have caused such a stir that Vice President Kamala Harris even made a visit to Jacksonville to criticize them. Apparently, the standards include instruction on how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. And Kamala was not having it. "Pushing propaganda on our children," she said. I mean, I get it, Kamala. But let's be real, if you were a slave, wouldn't you want to develop some skills that could help you out?

State Senator Geraldine Thompson is also up in arms about the new standards. She claims that the African American History Task Force had little say in their development, despite state law providing for their input. I mean, come on, Florida. You can't just create a task force and then ignore their recommendations. That's like hiring a personal trainer and then refusing to do any of the exercises they suggest.

But wait, it gets even better. The Florida Board of Education approved the new set of standards for how Black history should be taught in the state's public schools, sparking criticism from education and civil rights advocates who said students should be allowed to learn the "full truth" of American history. And you know what? They're right. We should be teaching our kids the full truth about American history. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

And speaking of the bad and the ugly, let's talk about the education department's rejection of a preliminary pilot version of an Advanced Placement African American Studies course for high school students. They claimed it lacked educational value. Are you kidding me? If anything, we need more education about African American history, not less.

The Florida African American History Task Force was created in 2020 by Governor Ron DeSantis. The task force was tasked with reviewing the state's African American history standards and making recommendations for revisions. And you know what they recommended? Increasing the number of standards that focus on African American history, including more content on the contributions of African Americans to society, providing more context for historical events that involved African Americans, and addressing the issue of racism in American history. Sounds pretty reasonable to me.

But of course, not everyone is happy about the new standards. Some people have praised them for increasing the amount of attention that is paid to African American history in Florida schools. Others have criticized them for not going far enough and failing to address some of the more difficult aspects of American history, such as slavery and racism. And let me tell you, those people are missing the point. We need to teach our kids about slavery and racism. We need to teach them about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. We need to teach them the full truth.

The debate over the new Black history standards in Florida is a reflection of the larger debate over the role of race and racism in American history. And as much as we might want an easy consensus on how to teach these difficult topics in schools, there isn't one. But what we can do is listen to the experts, like the Florida African American History Task Force, and take their recommendations seriously.

In conclusion, Florida needs to get its act together when it comes to teaching African American history in schools. We can't just ignore the experts and push propaganda on our children. We need to teach them the full truth about American history, even if it's difficult or uncomfortable. And hey, if we can do it with a little bit of humor and wit, all the better.

Florida Board of Education approves new Black history standards that critics call 'a big step backward' | CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/20/us/florida-black-history-education-standards-reaj/index.html 

Big Education Ape: FLORIDA GOV. DUHSANTIS ANNOUNCED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT OF MISEDUCATION HAS ADOPTED NEW BLACK PEOPLE STANDARDS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/florida-gov-duhsantis-announced-that.html 

‘I thank God for slavery:’ Florida African American History Task Force appointments raise concerns https://news.yahoo.com/thank-god-slavery-florida-african-215036843.html 

Big Education Ape: FLORIDA GOV. DUHSANTIS DEFENDS FLORIDA'S VERSION OF SLAVERY: IT WAS FUN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/florida-gov-duhsantis-defends-floridas.html 

Big Education Ape: GOOFY REWRITES FLORIDA'S SOCIAL STUDIES BOOKS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/goofy-rewrites-floridas-social-studies.html 

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OKLA MAGA SNOWFLAKES MELT UNDER THE LIGHT OF TRUTH

 

OKLA MAGA SNOWFLAKES MELT UNDER THE LIGHT OF TRUTH

Oklahoma is known for many things: cowboys, oil, and now, apparently, snowflakes. That's right, folks, the state that brought you the musical "Oklahoma!" and the tornado that took Dorothy to Oz is now home to a group of delicate flowers who can't handle a little criticism. 

You see, on July 28, 2022, the Oklahoma State Board of Education voted to downgrade the accreditation of Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) to "accredited with warning." Why? Because a teacher complained that a training session on implicit bias violated state law HB1775, which restricts discussions of race and racism in public schools. 

Now, before you get all riled up and start shouting about cancel culture and political correctness gone mad, let's take a closer look at what actually happened. The training session in question was provided by a third-party vendor and took place in August 2021, before the administrative rules had taken effect. The teacher who filed the complaint said that the training session included statements that "shamed white people for past offenses." 

Okay, fair enough. No one likes to be shamed. But let's be real here: if you're a white person living in America, you've probably done some things in the past that are worth feeling ashamed about. Slavery? Check. Jim Crow? Check. The KKK? Check. The fact that we still have to have training sessions on implicit bias in 2022? Check, check, and check. 

So why are these Okla Maga snowflakes getting their panties in a twist over a little criticism? Well, it turns out that they're not too fond of being reminded of their past misdeeds. They'd much rather pretend that everything is hunky-dory and that racism is a thing of the past. 

But here's the thing: it's not. Racism is alive and well in America, and it's not going away anytime soon. We need to have these difficult conversations about race and racism if we ever hope to move forward as a society. And if that means some white people have to feel a little uncomfortable for a while, so be it. 

Of course, not everyone sees it that way. Some people believe that the board of education was right to downgrade TPS's accreditation, and that HB1775 is a law that should be taken seriously. They argue that the training session violated the law and that the downgrade will send a message to other school districts that they need to be careful about how they discuss race and racism in the classroom. 

But let's be real here: HB1775 is a ridiculous law that serves no purpose other than to pander to fragile white egos. It's not about protecting students or promoting academic freedom; it's about making sure that white people don't have to feel uncomfortable or guilty about their past misdeeds. And as for the message it sends to other school districts? Well, it's not exactly a positive one. It tells them that they need to tiptoe around the issue of race and avoid any discussion that might make white people feel bad. 

So what's the solution here? Should we just stop talking about race altogether and pretend that everything is fine? Of course not. We need to have these difficult conversations if we ever hope to make progress as a society. And if some white people have to feel a little uncomfortable or ashamed along the way, well, that's just tough titties. 

In the end, the downgrade of TPS's accreditation is a reminder of the ongoing debate over the role of race and racism in public education. It's also a reminder that we still have a long way to go before we can truly say that we've overcome our racist past. But hey, at least we can take comfort in knowing that we've got some Okla Maga snowflakes on our side, right?

Mustang Public Schools challenges accreditation downgrade | KFOR.com Oklahoma City https://kfor.com/news/oklahoma-legislature/mustang-public-schools-challenges-accreditation-downgrade/ 

Okla. downgrades school district over complaint it shamed White people https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/07/30/crt-oklahoma-tulsa-schools-shame-white/ 

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THE BIG HANG UP AT SCHOOL: UNESCO SAYS BAN THOSE SMARTPHONES IN THE CLASSROOM

 

THE BIG HANG UP AT SCHOOL

 UNESCO SAYS BAN THOSE SMARTPHONES IN THE CLASSROOM 

In a shocking turn of events, UNESCO has called for a global ban on smartphones in schools. Apparently, these devices are causing more harm than good, leading to cyberbullying, poor academic performance, and emotional problems. But let's be real, who needs academic success and emotional stability when you've got Instagram filters and TikTok dances?

Sure, studies have shown that using smartphones in class can lead to a 10% decrease in test scores and increased risk of depression. But have these researchers ever considered the fact that scrolling through social media during a boring lecture is the only thing keeping us from falling asleep and drooling on our desks? And let's not forget the countless hours of entertainment provided by group chats and meme-sharing during lunch breaks.

But I digress. The real issue here is cyberbullying. It's a serious problem that can have devastating effects on young people's mental health. But let's not forget that bullies existed before smartphones were even invented. They used to pass notes in class, write mean things in bathroom stalls, and spread rumors through word of mouth. So maybe the problem isn't the technology itself, but rather the lack of education on how to use it responsibly.

In fact, there are plenty of ways to use smartphones in a positive way in schools. They can be used to access educational resources, collaborate on projects, and communicate with teachers and classmates. And let's be honest, we all know that group projects are just an excuse to text our friends during class without getting in trouble.

Of course, it's important to teach students about cyberbullying, online safety, and digital citizenship. But let's not pretend like banning smartphones is going to magically make these issues disappear. Kids will always find a way to bully each other, whether it's through social media or good old-fashioned name-calling.

At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to ban smartphones in schools should be made on a case-by-case basis. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on the age of the students, the school's culture, and the availability of educational resources. But one thing is for sure: if they do decide to ban smartphones, they better have a damn good reason for taking away our precious TikTok time.

In conclusion, while UNESCO may have good intentions with their call for a global ban on smartphones in schools, they clearly don't understand the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest memes and viral challenges. So let's all just take a deep breath, put down our phones for a moment (just a moment!), and remember that there's more to life than academic success and emotional stability. There's also cat videos. Lots and lots of cat videos.

‘Put learners first’: Unesco calls for global ban on smartphones in schools | Unesco | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/26/put-learners-first-unesco-calls-for-global-ban-on-smartphones-in-schools 

Global launch of the 2023 GEM Report on technology in education in Montevideo (Day 1) | UNESCO https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/global-launch-2023-gem-report-technology-education-montevideo-day-1 

Big Education Ape: CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM: TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN THAT IS THE QUESTION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/cell-phones-in-classroom-to-ban-or-not.html 

UN warns against 'excessive' tech use in classrooms https://phys.org/news/2023-07-excessive-tech-classrooms.html 

UN warns of risk of having smartphones in school - BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66312128 


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PUBLISHERS FILE LAWSUIT OVER TEXAS READER ACT AKA BOOK BANNING FOR DUMMIES

PUBLISHERS FILE LAWSUIT OVER TEXAS READER ACT AKA BOOK BANNING FOR DUMMIES

In a move that has left book lovers across the state of Texas reeling, Governor Greg Abbott has signed into law the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources Act (READER Act). While the name might suggest that this is simply a tool to help educators choose appropriate reading material for their students, the reality is far more sinister. In fact, the READER Act is nothing more than a thinly-veiled attempt to ban books that deal with sexual content from Texas schools.

Under the new law, all book vendors who sell to Texas public schools are required to rate books based on the presence of sexual content. Books that are rated as "sexually explicit" are prohibited from being sold to schools, while those that are rated as "sexually relevant" can only be sold with parental permission. While this might sound reasonable on the surface, the devil is in the details.

Critics of the law, including booksellers, publishers, and librarians, argue that it is overly broad and violates free speech. A group of them filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the law from taking effect. The lawsuit argues that the law is unconstitutionally vague because it does not define what constitutes "sexually explicit" or "sexually relevant" material. It also argues that the law violates the First Amendment by restricting the free speech rights of booksellers and publishers.

While the lawsuit is pending in federal court, the public has not been shy about expressing their own opinions on the matter. Some have argued that the law is an attempt to censor books that deal with LGBTQ+ issues. Others have argued that it is unnecessary and that parents should be able to decide for themselves what books their children read.

But let's be real here - this isn't about protecting children from inappropriate content. This is about politicians trying to score points with their conservative base by pandering to their fear of anything remotely sexual. It's like they've never heard of sex education or something.

And let's not forget that this is just one example of a growing trend of book banning in the United States. It seems like every other week there's some school or library trying to ban a book because it deals with race, religion, or politics. It's like we're living in some kind of dystopian society where knowledge is only allowed if it fits within a narrow set of parameters.

But fear not, dear readers! There are still plenty of ways to get your hands on all the sexy, scandalous books you could ever want. Just head on over to your local independent bookstore and ask for their "banned book" section. You might be surprised at what you find there.

In conclusion, while the READER Act might seem like a harmless attempt to protect children from inappropriate content, it is anything but. It's just another attempt by politicians to control what we read and think. But as long as we keep fighting for our right to read whatever we damn well please, they'll never be able to silence us. So go forth, my fellow book lovers, and read on!

Texas book ban: Federal lawsuit takes aim at sexual content ratings https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2023/07/25/texas-book-ban-lawsuit-sexual-content-ratings/70466770007/ 

Federal lawsuit seeks to block Texas book ban over sexual content ratings | News Channel 3-12 https://keyt.com/news/2023/07/25/federal-lawsuit-seeks-to-block-texas-book-ban-over-sexual-content-ratings/ 

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AI: BEND OVER AND KISS YOUR JOB GOODBYE

AI: BEND OVER AND KISS YOUR JOB GOODBYE

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to face the music and accept the hilarious reality that AI is taking over our jobs. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and the creator of ChatGPT, has confirmed what we already knew deep down inside: some jobs are "definitely going to go away" due to the rise of AI. But fear not, my fellow humans, for new jobs will be created. Unfortunately, not all displaced workers will benefit. Oopsie!

In an interview with the Economic Times, Altman said that "every tech revolution leads to job change." No kidding, Sherlock! We didn't need a genius to tell us that. But he did point to the Industrial Revolution as an example, noting that many jobs were lost when machines replaced manual labor. However, he also said that new jobs were created, such as engineers and factory managers. Well, whoop-de-doo! I'm sure the coal miners who lost their jobs were thrilled to hear that they could become factory managers. 

Altman believes that the same thing will happen with AI. He said that "some jobs are going to go away. There will be new, better jobs that are difficult to imagine today." Oh boy, I can't wait to see what those new, better jobs will be! Will I get to be a robot's personal assistant? Or maybe a self-driving car's GPS system? The possibilities are endless! 

But wait, there's more! Altman also warned that "the thing that might be different about this is the speed at which this could happen." Oh great, just what we needed - a faster way to lose our jobs! He said that governments and businesses need to start thinking about how to prepare for the job losses that AI will cause. Yeah, good luck with that one. I'm sure our government will get right on it after they finish arguing about which bathroom people should use.

Altman's comments are in line with the findings of a number of studies that have predicted that AI will lead to significant job losses in the coming decades. A study by McKinsey Global Institute found that up to 800 million jobs could be lost to automation by 2030. However, the study also found that 950 million new jobs could be created, for a net gain of 150 million jobs. Wow, what a relief! I was really worried there for a second. 

The challenge will be to ensure that the new jobs are created in a way that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy and powerful. Governments and businesses need to start thinking about how to retrain and redeploy displaced workers, and how to create a more equitable society in which everyone can benefit from the fruits of technological progress. Yeah, good luck with that one again. I'm sure our government will get right on it after they finish arguing about which Twitter account to ban.

In conclusion, my fellow humans, it's time to bendover and kiss our jobs goodbye. But let's not forget to laugh along the way. After all, if we can't laugh at ourselves for being replaced by machines, what can we laugh at? So go ahead and make some robot jokes, because soon enough they'll be the ones making fun of us.

ChatGPT creator says AI advocates are fooling themselves if they think the technology is only going to be good for workers: 'Jobs are definitely going to go away' https://finance.yahoo.com/news/chatgpt-creator-says-ai-advocates-183137811.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr via @YahooFinance 

ChatGPT creator Sam Altman says jobs will go away because of AI, it will not just be a supplement for humans - India Today https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/chatgpt-creator-sam-altman-says-jobs-will-go-away-because-of-ai-it-will-not-just-be-a-supplement-for-humans-2412116-2023-07-26 

ChatGPT Creator Sam Altman Says 'Jobs Are Definitely Going to Go Away' https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-sam-altman-jobs-replaced-ai-openai-2023-7

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Tuesday, July 25, 2023

HATING HIGHER ED WILL NOT MAKE YOU SMARTER

 

HATING HIGHER ED WILL NOT MAKE YOU SMARTER 

Higher education is under attack, and it's not just from the usual suspects like student loan debt and boring professors. No, this time it's coming from the most unexpected of sources: conservative politicians.

Take Ron DeSantis, for example. He recently took over New College in Florida, but it seems he didn't think his cunning plan all the way through. Now, he's learning the hard way that trying to hurt professors will ultimately hurt students and the state as a whole. Who knew that cutting funding for higher education would have consequences? Oh wait, everyone except for DeSantis.

But it's not just Florida. We're seeing the same thing happen in Texas with Greg Abbott. These Republicans are taking out their hangups against the state university system, and it's not pretty.

Most of all, they're scared of higher education. Yes, you read that right. These politicians are scared of educated citizens who can think critically and challenge their viewpoints. It's like they're afraid of being proven wrong or something.

And it's not just higher education they're scared of. Republicans are scared of a lot of things. They're scared of women taking charge of their own bodies, so they demand the right to track their movements and seize their medical records in case they go to another state for an abortion. They're scared of vaccines and drag queens and climate scientists and Brown people and Black people and gay people. They're so scared of "the libs" they make up demented stories about Democrats drinking the blood of children. Trumpist fixer and convicted felon Roger Stone says he heard there might be a "demonic portal" churning in the air above the Biden White House. I mean, come on.

But let's get back to the war on higher education. The right-wing has been waging this war for decades, and it's taking many forms. They attack academic freedom, cut funding for higher education, promote "alternative facts," and ban critical race theory (CRT). And why? Because they're scared of students learning about the world and thinking critically about important issues.

Let's break down some of these tactics:

  • Attacks on academic freedom: Right-wing politicians and pundits have repeatedly attacked the concept of academic freedom, arguing that professors should not be allowed to teach courses that challenge conservative viewpoints. This is ridiculous. College is supposed to be a place where students are exposed to different ideas and perspectives, not just an echo chamber for one political ideology.
  • Cutting funding for higher education: This is just short-sighted. Cutting funding for higher education makes it more difficult for students to afford college, which ultimately hurts the economy in the long run. Plus, it leads to a decline in the quality of education as colleges and universities are forced to make do with less.
  • Promoting "alternative facts": This is just a fancy way of saying lying. The right-wing promotes conspiracy theories about the education system and attacks the legitimacy of peer-reviewed research. This is dangerous because it undermines the very foundation of knowledge and truth.
  • Banning critical race theory: This is just plain racist. Critical race theory is a critical examination of the role of race and racism in American society. Banning it from being taught in schools is an attempt to whitewash history and ignore the systemic issues that still exist today.

So what can we do about this war on higher education? Well, for starters, we can call out these politicians for what they are: scared little children who are afraid of anything that challenges their worldview. We can also support organizations that fight for academic freedom and affordable education. And most importantly, we can continue to learn and think critically about important issues, even if it makes these politicians uncomfortable.

In conclusion, the right-wing's war on higher education is a joke. They're scared of educated citizens who can think critically and challenge their viewpoints. But we won't let them win. We'll continue to fight for academic freedom and affordable education, no matter how much they try to hold us back. And who knows, maybe one day we'll even convince these politicians to join us in the 21st century. But until then, we'll just have to settle for making fun of them in our articles.

FL Republicans are taking out their hangups against the state university system https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/07/24/fl-republicans-are-taking-out-their-hangups-against-the-state-university-system/

Opinion | We're seeing the costs of the right-wing's war on higher ed https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/ron-desantis-new-college-florida-texas-am-kathleen-mcelroy-rcna95385 via @msnbc 

The right-wing assault on higher education - Vox https://www.vox.com/policy/23762357/republican-attack-higher-education 

Texas faculty say tenure, DEI threats undercut efforts to help higher ed | The Texas Tribune https://www.texastribune.org/2023/04/11/texas-legislature-republicans-universities-tenure-diversity/ 

After DeSantis’ Anti-CRT Law, Florida Professors Cancel Courses, Modify Teaching — ProPublica https://www.propublica.org/article/desantis-critical-race-theory-florida-college-professors 


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MAGA DRUNK MCCARTHY THREATENS BIDEN IMPEACHMENT

 

MAGA DRUNK MCCARTHY THREATENS BIDEN IMPEACHMENT

In a recent Fox News interview, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy made a bold statement that left many scratching their heads and others laughing out loud. The MAGA drunk McCarthy threatened to impeach President Biden or Attorney General Garland, depending on who he felt was overstepping their bounds.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Impeach Biden? That's ridiculous!" But let's not forget that this is the same guy who tried to blame the Capitol insurrection on Antifa, so we can't exactly expect logic and reason from him.

But what really caught my attention was McCarthy's use of the term "MAGA drunk." It's almost poetic, don't you think? It perfectly encapsulates the state of mind of those who still cling to the idea that Donald Trump won the election and that the Democrats are all evil masterminds trying to destroy America.

And let's not forget the comedic value of McCarthy's threat. Impeach Biden? For what? Wearing a pink suit? Eating ice cream? I mean, come on, Kevin. Give us something to work with here.

But in all seriousness, this kind of rhetoric is dangerous. It fuels the flames of division and undermines our democracy. We need leaders who are willing to work together, not tear each other down for political gain.

So let's all take a deep breath and remember that we're all Americans, no matter who we voted for. And if Kevin McCarthy wants to keep playing the role of the MAGA drunk, well, that's his prerogative. But the rest of us should focus on building a better future for ourselves and our children, regardless of political affiliation.

In conclusion, while McCarthy's impeachment threat may have been entertaining, it's important to remember that it's just empty rhetoric from a politician desperate for attention. Let's not give him the satisfaction of taking his words too seriously and instead focus on coming together as a nation.

McCarthy raises Biden impeachment threat during Fox News interview | Republicans | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/25/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-inquiry-fox-news 

Kevin McCarthy makes most direct impeachment threat against Biden | CNN Politics https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/politics/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-threat/index.html 

McCarthy floats the idea of an ‘impeachment inquiry’ against Biden - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/25/mccarthy-biden-impeachment-hannity/ 

McCarthy: GOP’s Biden probes ‘rising to the level of impeachment inquiry’ - POLITICO https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/25/kevin-mccarthy-impeachment-inquiry-biden-00107955 


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ARIZONA AG WARNS PARENTS: IF YOU CANT' HANDLE THE HEAT, STAY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

ARIZONA AG WARNS PARENTS: IF YOU CANT' HANDLE THE HEAT, STAY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In a statement Monday, Attorney General Kris Mayes said various state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin and sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, may not apply in private and parochial schools.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued a warning to all the parents in the state who are planning to use school choice vouchers for their kids. According to Mayes, families need to be aware of the rights they give up when they leave the public school system. Well, no kidding, Sherlock!

Mayes is specifically talking about the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds, which are now available to all students in Arizona. She wants parents to know that private institutions do not offer the same protections for students with disabilities as public schools do. So, if your child has a disability and you decide to send them to a private school using ESA funds, you might be giving up some important rights.

But don't worry, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has fired back at Mayes, saying that his office is confident that "every penny of these funds is used for valid educational purposes." Phew! That's a relief. I was really worried that someone might be using ESA funds to buy a yacht or something.

In case you're not familiar with school choice vouchers, they allow parents to use public money to pay for private school tuition. This is supposed to give families more options when it comes to their children's education. Of course, it also means that public schools lose out on funding, which is why some people are not big fans of the program.

But let's be real here, the real issue is not whether private schools offer the same protections for students with disabilities as public schools do. The real issue is that private schools are expensive! I mean, have you seen the tuition rates at some of these places? It's like they're charging you for the privilege of having your child attend.

So, if you're a parent in Arizona and you're thinking about using school choice vouchers, just remember that you might be giving up some important rights. But more importantly, remember that private schools are expensive and you might end up having to sell your kidney just to pay for tuition. Good luck!

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issues school choice voucher warnings https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/arizona-attorney-general-kris-mayes-issues-school-choice-voucher-warnings 

Arizona attorney general warns of rights forfeited by sending kids to private schools https://www.azfamily.com/2023/07/24/arizona-attorney-general-warns-possible-esa-fraud-rights-forfeited-private-schools/ 

Parents who pull kids out of public schools to take advantage of vouchers could make them victims of bias | The Daily Independent at YourValley.net https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/parents-who-pull-kids-out-of-public-schools-to-take-advantage-of-vouchers-could-make-them-victims,413491 


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Monday, July 24, 2023

WHY ARE BILLIONAIRES SO HOT TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION

 

WHY ARE BILLIONAIRES SO HOT TO DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION

First of all, let's address the elephant in the room. Why are tech billionaires so eager to privatize public education? It's simple, my friends. They want to get their products into schools. But here's the catch - it's going to cost just as much to replace teachers with technology. So why go through all the trouble? The answer is simple: profit.

The strategy has been to bash teachers and their unions, claiming that public education is failing. They defund public schools slowly, causing their propaganda to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. The problem the tech billionaires had to overcome was that people love public schools and teachers. Hence the bashing. But the biggest obstacle was funding. As we all know, tech is damn expensive. We also know that almost 90% of the cost in schools is for people. So the billionaires started reducing funding to make the schools fulfill the prophecy. All the money that has been directed to voucher, charter schools, religious schools, and other private schools further drains more funds from the public system. This hasn't cost the billionaires much by their terms - they are investing in their future profits, only spending on propaganda and marketing. 

But where will the money come from to get rid of teachers? According to Adroit Market Research, the global market size of K-12 education technology was valued at $76.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $322.68 billion by 2029. This includes spending on hardware, software, infrastructure, professional development, and technical support. So it's obvious that the strategy has been to destroy public education and replace it with profitable software bots and equipment. The only choice is to allocate a hell of a lot more money or get rid of public education altogether and use the funds to pay for technology and profit.

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Education, between 1995 and 2019, the federal government spent a total of $247 billion on K-12 education technology. This includes funding for hardware, software, and professional development.

Technology can be used to automate tasks that were previously done by humans. For example, robots can be used to assemble products, and software can be used to grade papers. This can free up human workers to focus on more complex tasks like looking for a new job.

Technology can also be used to create new products and services that require fewer workers to produce. For example, online retailers can sell products without the need for a physical store, and online learning platforms can deliver educational content without the need for a classroom teacher. This can lead to a reduction in the demand for labor in some sectors of the economy.

However, there are also some challenges associated with the use of technology in the classroom. For example, not all teachers are comfortable using technology, and not all students have access to the same level of technology at home.

Overall, the use of technology in K-12 education is still evolving. However, it is clear that technology has the potential to significantly improve the quality of education or just destroy it altogether.

But let's not forget about the cost. There are a number of factors that would affect the cost of providing a state-of-the-art technological education system for every child in the United States for one year. These factors include:

  • - The number of students: There are approximately 50 million students enrolled in K-12 schools in the United States.
  • - The cost of hardware: The cost of hardware would vary depending on the type of hardware that is purchased.
  • - The cost of software: The cost of software would also vary depending on the type of software that is purchased.
  • - The cost of professional development: The cost of professional development would be needed to train teachers on how to use the technology effectively.

Based on these factors, a conservative estimate of the cost of providing a state-of-the-art technological education system for every child in the United States for one year would be $100 billion. This estimate assumes that each student would be provided with a laptop computer, a tablet, and access to a comprehensive science curriculum. It also assumes that all teachers would be required to participate in professional development on how to use the technology effectively.

So there you have it folks - the truth about K12 technology education in public schools. It's expensive, it's evolving, and it's causing billionaires to salivate at the thought of profit. But let's not forget about our beloved teachers and public schools. They may not be perfect, but they're worth fighting for. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll find a way to integrate technology into our schools without sacrificing quality education or our hard-working teachers.

Until then, let's keep laughing and learning together.

TIME TO BUY NEW COMPUTERS

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

THE GRIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Chromebooks' built-in 'death dates' render many older models useless

https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/07/24/built-in-software-death-dates-are-sending-thousands-of-schools-chromebooks-to-the-recycling-bin/ 

Chromebooks' built-in 'death dates'

Chromebooks are inexpensive laptops that run on Google's Chrome OS, a web-based operating system that relies on cloud services and applications. They are popular among schools and students because of their affordability, portability and ease of use. However, they also have a major drawback: they have an expiration date on which Google stops supporting the device with software updates¹.

Why do Chromebooks have an expiration date?

Google says that the expiration date, also known as the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date, is necessary because older devices often cannot support the latest software updates, which include security patches, bug fixes and new features¹. Google also says that the updates depend on many device-specific hardware and software providers that work with Google to provide the highest level of security and stability support³.

How to find the expiration date of a Chromebook?

To find a Chromebook's end of life date, you can follow these steps¹:

  • - At the bottom right of your screen, click on the time.
  • - Select Settings.
  • - On the left panel, at the bottom, select About Chrome OS.
  • - Select Additional details.

You can also check the expiration date of any Chromebook model on this website: https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366

What happens when a Chromebook expires?

When a Chromebook reaches its expiration date, it will no longer receive software updates from Google. This means that the device may become less secure, less stable and less compatible with newer websites and applications. Some features and functions may stop working altogether. For example, some users have reported that they cannot access Google Drive or Gmail on their expired Chromebooks³.

Google says that expired Chromebooks can still be used, but they will not provide any technical support or assistance for them. They also recommend that users back up their data and consider upgrading to a newer device¹.

What are the impacts of Chromebooks' expiration dates?

Chromebooks' expiration dates have been criticized by some consumer advocates, environmentalists and educators for creating unnecessary waste, cost and inconvenience. According to a report by the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG), doubling the lifespan of older Chromebooks would save California’s schools $225 million and prevent 350,000 pounds of e-waste².

The report also argues that there are three main reasons why even the best Chromebooks are becoming unusable for schools⁵:

Some school districts have resorted to recycling or donating their expired Chromebooks, while others have tried to extend their usability by installing alternative operating systems or applications. However, these solutions are not always feasible, effective or legal³.

What are some possible solutions or alternatives?

Some possible solutions or alternatives to address the issue of Chromebooks' expiration dates are:

  • - Google could extend the software support for older devices or provide more flexibility and transparency for users to choose when and how to update their devices.
  • - Manufacturers could design more durable, repairable and upgradable devices and provide spare parts and repair services for them.
  • - Schools could adopt more sustainable procurement policies and practices, such as buying devices with longer lifespans, leasing instead of buying devices or using open source software and hardware.
  • - Users could demand more rights and options to repair and reuse their devices, such as through legislation or advocacy.

 Bing, 7/24/2023

(1) Chromebooks Have an Expiration Date: Here's How to Find Yours | Laptop Mag. https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/chromebook-6-years-expiration.

(2) Chromebooks' built-in 'death dates' render many older models useless. https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/07/24/built-in-software-death-dates-are-sending-thousands-of-schools-chromebooks-to-the-recycling-bin/.

(3) Built-in software ‘death dates’ are sending thousands of schools’ Chromebooks to the recycling bin. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/07/24/built-in-software-death-dates-are-sending-thousands-of-schools-chromebooks-to-the-recycling-bin/.

(4) Google accused of sabotaging Chromebooks by cutting updates. https://www.techradar.com/news/google-accused-of-sabotaging-chromebooks-by-cutting-updates.

(5) Built-in software ‘death dates’ are sending thousands of schools .... https://headtopics.com/us/built-in-software-death-dates-are-sending-thousands-of-schools-chromebooks-to-the-recycling-bin-41479639.

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"WE'RE HUGE IN LEARNING LOSS!" CASHING IN ON THE POST PANDEMIC EDUCATION CRISIS - PROPUBLICA

 

“We’re Huge in Learning Loss!” Cashing in on the Post-Pandemic Education Crisis.

by Alec MacGillis

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

For the nation’s schoolchildren, the data on pandemic learning loss is relentlessly bleak, with education researchers and economists warning that, unless dramatic action is taken, students will suffer a lifelong drop in income as a result of lagging achievement. “This cohort of students is going to be punished throughout their lifetime,” noted Eric Hanushek, the Stanford economist who did the income study, in ProPublica’s recent examination of the struggle to make up for what students missed out on during the era of remote learning.

For the burgeoning education technology sector, however, the crisis has proven a glimmering business opportunity, as a visit to the industry’s annual convention revealed. The federal government has committed $190 billion in pandemic recovery funds to school districts since 2020, and education technology sales people have been eagerly making the case that their products are just what students and teachers need to make up lost ground.

“We’re huge in learning loss,” said Dan DiDesiderio, a Pittsburgh-area account manager for Renaissance Learning, a top seller of educational software and assessments. He was talking up his company’s offerings in the giant exposition hall of the Philadelphia Convention Center, where dozens of other vendors and thousands of educators gathered for three days late last month at the confab of the International Society for Technology in Education. For DiDesiderio, who was a school administrator before joining Renaissance, this meant explaining how schools have been relying on Renaissance products to help students get back on track. “During COVID, we did see an increase across the board,” he said.

Renaissance is far from the only player in the ed tech industry that is benefiting from the surge in federal funding, and the industry enjoyed a huge wave of private funding as the federal tap opened: The annual total of venture capital investments in ed tech companies rose from $5.4 billion to $16.8 billion between 2019 and 2021 before tailing off.

The largest chunk of the federal largess, $122 billion that was included in the American Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden in March 2021, requires that schools put at least 20% toward battling learning loss, and companies are making the case that schools should spend the money on their products, in addition to intensive tutoring, extended-day programs and other remedies. “The pandemic has created a once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity for early stage companies to reach an eager customer base,” declared Anne Lee Skates, a partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, in a recent article. (Her firm has invested in ed tech companies.) The federal funds “are the largest one-time infusion of funds in education from the federal government with almost no strings attached.”

Five days before the convention, the National Center for Education Statistics had released the latest devastating numbers: The decline in math scores for 13-year-olds between the 2019-20 and 2022-23 school years was the largest on record, and for the lowest-performing students, reading scores were lower than they were the first time data was collected in 1971.

But the mood was festive in Philadelphia. The educators in attendance, whose conference costs are generally covered by their district’s professional development funds, were excited to try out the new wave of nifty gadgets made possible by the advances in artificial intelligence and virtual reality. “For a lot of us, it’s like coming to Disneyland,” said one teacher from Alabama.

One could also detect the slightly urgent giddiness of a big bash in its final stages. Schools need to spend most of their recovery funds by 2024, and many have already allocated much of that money, meaning that this golden opportunity would soon close. And summer is the main buying season, with the fiscal year starting July 1 and with educators wanting their new tools delivered in time for school to start in the fall.

Hanging over the proceedings was an undeniable irony: The extent of learning loss was closely correlated to the amount of time that students had spent doing remote learning, on a screen, rather than receiving direct instruction, and here companies were offering more screen-based instruction as the remedy. Few of the companies on hand were proposing to replace the classroom experience entirely with virtual instruction, but to the degree that their offerings recalled the year-plus of Zoom school, it could be a bit awkward. “A lot of people don’t like us, because we can do remote-school stuff,” said Michael Linacre, a salesperson for StarBoard Solution, before demonstrating one of the cool things a StarBoard whiteboard could do: He jotted 1+2= with his finger and up popped 3. “There’s a mixed feeling about that now.”

Most of the vendors were not about to let that awkwardness get in their way, though, as they cajoled teachers to listen to their pitch, often with the lure of free swag.

“I love the shirt — I’m a huge ’N Sync fan,” said a library technology specialist from a New Jersey elementary school at the booth for BrainPOP, a group of educational animation websites whose display included a T-shirt that nodded to the 1990s boy band. The vendor praised the teacher for getting the reference — the union guys setting up the expo had totally missed it, he said — and told her that all one had to do to get one of the shirts was attend one of several pitch sessions during the day. “Students who use BrainPOP two or more times a month show measurable gains toward grade-level proficiency,” asserted a large poster listing the various sessions.

Nearby, a Microsoft salesperson named Mike had a full audience sitting on white settees arrayed in his zone as he launched into his demonstration of the company’s new AI tools for helping kids learn to read aloud. He showed how a program called Reading Coach captured video of a student reading a passage aloud and flagged mispronunciations, with an automated voice declaring, “These words were the most challenging for you.” There were even more features in the offing, Mike said; the program would soon produce comprehension questions to ask about whatever passage the teacher gave the students to read, and it would soon be able to gauge students’ level of expressiveness, too.

One might wonder what all this would leave to the actual teacher, but Mike assured the audience that Reading Coach would simply allow educators to focus on other tasks. “It’s a time saver,” he said.

In fact, education technology is replacing teachers in another sense: A large share of the vendors on hand were themselves former educators who had left the classroom for jobs with tech companies, where they could still feel like they were involved in education, but without the stresses of the classroom and often with higher pay. One former first grade teacher who had made this transition herself two years ago said she had seen the trend accelerate among her colleagues during the pandemic, when the challenges of juggling hybrid online and in-person instruction and managing students who were struggling with learning loss and delayed socialization had made jobs in ed tech seem especially alluring.

Remote learning “flipped the field on its head,” she said. “We were getting a lot more responsibilities than before, a lot more hours, a lot more stress.” At the first of the two ed tech companies she has worked for, she said, “almost everyone was an ex-teacher hired the past couple years. Ed tech is a good space for teachers to go to: It’s a corporate job, but they respect the skills that teachers have.”

Knowing that the ed tech sector was not only seeking a large share of federal recovery funds for schools but also playing a role in the teacher shortage gave the proceedings an extra edge. The profusion of inventively named vendors was overwhelming: Beanstack, Impero, Bluum, Archangel, Teq, Ozobot, Nuiteq, Vivacity, Figma. Kami and Hāpara sounded more like Ikea furniture, but no, they were here, too.

Among the rookie attendees wandering the hall was Joseph Tey, a Stanford computer science major. He was there with a classmate to ask teachers how they felt about the rise of AI. Were they worried about students cheating? Were they going to incorporate AI into their instruction? “Tech adoption in education is tough,” Tey said. “Do you adopt something only when the fire is under your ass? COVID was one fire. This is another fire.”

The COVID-19 fire had been great for one vendor, Wakelet, a website that allows users to pull together videos, images and text files into a single webpage, for use by individuals who want to to promote a resume or body of work or by teachers seeking to present information on a given subject. Its use by teachers had boomed during remote learning, said co-founder Rick Butterworth. “The pandemic was really a benefit for us because we had so many users who came on board,” he said. “2020 was an interesting year for us.” The site has been free to use, with the company funded for several years by angel investors, he said, but it was now about to start offering tiered paid plans for schools, ranging up to $6,000 per year. Among the features available to paying customers: “bespoke professional development.”

Across the aisle, a vendor named Whitney, a former elementary school librarian, was corralling passersby for her next pitch session for MackinMaker. “Have a seat! We’re about to have a demo. It’s really fun. Just fill out the card for the giveaway.” The giveaways were T-shirts that were waiting on each chair.

“It’s all about the giveaway,” said one teacher, with gentle sarcasm, as she took her seat.

Whitney gave her pitch for MackinMaker’s online e-book marketplace. After she was done, her colleague Ethan told the teachers, “If you need a different size T-shirt, let us know.”

Luring teachers into pitches was easiest at the various sellers of virtual reality headsets, some of which had long lines of educators waiting their turn. I tried a headset from ClassVR that was playing virtual reality programs from Eduverse. The first scene was a pastoral landscape of fields and stone walls whose context was unclear until the vendor explained that it was a scene from the Civil War. She clicked over to another of Eduverse’s 500-odd options, this one featuring men building railroads in the 19th century, where I accidentally got myself hit in the head, virtually, by a sledgehammer.

Schools could buy eight of the headsets for $4,299, or 30 for $16,999, the vendor said. Sales in recent years had been “amazing, in terms of rapid growth.”

The afternoon of the convention’s opening day was wearing on, and the conference tote bags were already getting overstuffed with all the free swag. Conveniently, Kahoot (an Oslo-based operation with the slogan “Make learning awesome”) was giving out tote bags as prizes for those who won in demonstrations of its AI-generated quiz games. I participated in a game with questions about the Fourth of July and was frustrated to accidentally input the wrong answer on my smartphone in response to a question about the size of the U.S. population in 1776. (The correct answer was 2.5 million.)

The Kahoot vendor handed out the three tote bags to the victorious educators, who would have two more days of conventioneering to fill them up. “Did you learn something about Independence Day?” she said.

A few weeks later came a reminder that the stakes for the ed tech sector went far beyond tote bags and T-shirts: Kahoot announced that a group led by Goldman Sachs’ private equity division was buying it for $1.7 billion.

Education Tech Companies Cash in on Post-Pandemic Crisis — ProPublica https://www.propublica.org/article/education-technology-covid-pandemic-crisis-schools

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