BACK TO SCHOOL SURVIVING THE MADNESS WITH A CUP OF COFFEE AND A SMILE

BACK TO SCHOOL

SURVIVING THE MADNESS WITH A CUP OF COFFEE AND A SMILE

It's that time of year again, folks. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the sound of children's screams can be heard echoing throughout the neighborhood. That's right, it's back to school season. As parents, we all know the drill. We have to prepare our kids for the academic pressure, the social dynamics, and, of course, the active shooter drills. But fear not, my friends. With a little bit of humor and a whole lot of caffeine, we can survive this madness together.

Let's start with the dreaded active shooter drills. I mean, who doesn't love pretending to hide under a desk while a crazed gunman roams the halls? As parents, it's important to remind our children that these drills are just like fire drills or tornado drills. They're necessary for everyone's safety, but they're also a bit ridiculous. So, encourage your child to embrace the absurdity of it all. Maybe they can come up with a secret code word to shout out during the drill, like "banana hammock" or "pickle juice." It'll lighten the mood and make the whole experience a little less terrifying.

Now, onto homework. Ah, homework. The bane of every child's existence. As parents, it's our job to make sure our kids are staying on top of their assignments and projects. But let's be real, we all know that means we'll be doing half of it ourselves. So, why not make it a little more enjoyable? Turn it into a game. For every math problem they solve correctly, they get a gummy bear. For every paragraph they write for their English essay, they get to take a five-minute dance break. It'll make homework time a lot more fun and a lot less like pulling teeth.

Of course, we can't forget about bullying. As parents, it's important to teach our children how to stand up for themselves and how to be kind to others. But let's also teach them some witty comebacks for when they're faced with a bully. For example, if someone calls them a loser, they can respond with "at least I'm not a brussel sprout" or if someone makes fun of their outfit, they can say "I didn't realize we were in a fashion competition, but thanks for letting me know." It'll make your child feel empowered and it might even make the bully laugh.

Lastly, let's talk about mental health. It's no secret that school can be stressful for kids (and parents). It's important to encourage our children to take breaks and practice self-care. Maybe they can take a few minutes each day to color in a coloring book or listen to their favorite song. Or maybe they can take a bubble bath after a particularly rough day at school. And let's not forget about caffeine. A little bit of coffee never hurt anyone (except maybe their growth spurt).

So, there you have it folks. Back to school season doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. With some humor and some caffeine, we can survive anything that comes our way. Just remember to embrace the absurdity of it all and encourage your child to do the same.

How parents and adults can help the students in their lives succeed in school - Vox https://www.vox.com/even-better/23844294/parents-help-kids-school-homework-bullying-mental-health 

A parent’s guide to K-12 school success http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/get-prepared-for-back-to-school-culture.html 

GET PREPARED FOR THE BACK TO SCHOOL CULTURE WARS : A parent’s guide to K-12 school success http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/get-prepared-for-back-to-school-culture.html 

click on picture

VIVA LAS VEGAS TEACHER STRIKE: WILL THEY ROLL THE DICE?

 

VIVA LAS VEGAS TEACHER STRIKE

 WILL THEY ROLL THE DICE

As the old saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." But for teachers in the Clark County School District, what's happening in Vegas is no laughing matter. With contract negotiations at a standstill, nearly 5,000 teachers rallied in front of the school board demanding better pay and support staff salaries. Two teachers were even handcuffed and escorted out of a meeting, which is not exactly the kind of detention they were hoping for.

It's a tough time to be a teacher in Las Vegas, but then again, when has it ever been easy? Teaching in Sin City is a crapshoot at best. You never know if you're going to hit the jackpot or go bust. But with the current contract negotiations, it looks like the odds are not in the teachers' favor.

The Clark County Education Association (CCEA) has requested a 10% salary increase in year one and an 8% increase in year two. The school district has countered with an 8.5% increase in year one and a measly 2% increase in year two. It's no wonder the teachers are up in arms. They're not asking for a free trip to the Bellagio, they just want to be paid what they're worth.

But with negotiations at a standstill, the CCEA is discussing "possible work actions." This could mean anything from a sit-in to a full-blown strike. And let's be real, a teacher strike in Las Vegas would be a spectacle like no other. Can you imagine a picket line outside of the Luxor? Or teachers on strike marching down the Strip with signs that say "Pay us what we're worth, not what you think we'll fold for"?

If a strike does happen, the school district has already filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to prevent it. But let's be honest, this is Las Vegas we're talking about. A little legal action isn't going to stop these teachers. They're used to facing long odds and coming out on top.

In fact, I think we should take a cue from the teachers and start placing our bets on them. Forget about the craps table or the roulette wheel, let's put our money on the teachers of Las Vegas. They're the ones who are truly taking a gamble by dedicating their lives to educating the next generation.

So, let's show them some support. If you see a teacher on the street, give them a high-five or buy them a drink. And if you really want to make a difference, call up Governor Sisolak and tell him to mediate this dispute. After all, he's the one who's supposed to be looking out for all of us.

In conclusion, teaching in Las Vegas may be a crapshoot at best, but that doesn't mean we should leave it up to chance. Let's support our teachers and demand that they get paid what they're worth. And who knows, maybe one day we'll be able to say that what happens in Vegas is fair pay for teachers.

Teachers union discusses 'work actions' as CCSD negotiation deadline passes https://www.ktnv.com/news/teachers-union-leadership-discusses-possible-work-actions-as-deadline-for-ccsd-negotiations-passes 

CCEA union members meet to discuss CCSD contract negotiations | Las Vegas Review-Journal https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/teachers-union-holds-meeting-on-next-steps-in-contract-negotiations-2894536/ 

2 Nevada teachers placed in handcuffs at school board meeting https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/education/2-nevada-teachers-handcuffs-school-board-meeting/ 

CORRUPTION IN THE US: THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS UNITED BILLIONAIRES

 

CORRUPTION IN THE US: THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS UNITED BILLIONAIRES

Corruption in the US? Ha! Who would have thought? It's not like we have a Supreme Court sugar daddy scandal, a grifting ex-president, or a fake news scandal by Fox and News Corp. Oh wait, we do. And to top it all off, it's been compounded and made worse by the Citizens United decision. 

Let's start with the Supreme Court sugar daddy scandal. It sounds like a bad romance novel, but unfortunately, it's real life. Apparently, Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose his wife's income from conservative groups, including one that was fighting against the Affordable Care Act. I guess when you're a Supreme Court justice, you don't have to worry about little things like conflicts of interest or transparency. 

And then there's the grifting ex-president. It's like he took a page out of the Enron playbook and decided to manipulate everything for his own gain. From emoluments to Ukraine, he was always looking for a way to make a quick buck. And let's not forget about his family members who were also cashing in on their connections. It's like the Trumps turned the White House into a cash cow. 

But the real fake news scandal is Fox and News Corp. They've been spreading lies and propaganda for years, but it really ramped up during the Trump era. It's like they were in a competition with the National Enquirer to see who could come up with the most outrageous story. And the sad part is, some people actually believe them. It's like they're living in an alternate reality where facts don't matter and conspiracy theories reign supreme. 

And let's not forget about the Citizens United decision. It's like the Supreme Court said, "Hey, let's give corporations and wealthy donors even more power in our political system." Because what could possibly go wrong with that? It's like they were trying to create a dystopian future where elections are bought and sold to the highest bidder. 

So how corrupt is the US? Let's just say we're giving other countries a run for their money. We've got political corruption, economic corruption, and social corruption all rolled into one big mess. It's like we're living in a reality show where the contestants are all corrupt politicians and the prize is a one-way ticket to jail. 

But there is hope. We can combat corruption with effective measures that promote transparency, accountability, participation, and integrity. We can demand better from our elected officials and hold them accountable when they fail us. We can support independent media outlets that prioritize facts over sensationalism. And we can push for campaign finance reform that limits the influence of money in our political system. 

So let's not give up hope just yet. We may be corrupt, but we're not beyond redemption. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll look back on this era as a cautionary tale of what happens when we let corruption run rampant. Or maybe we'll just laugh about it and make memes. Either way, it's important to keep fighting for a better future.

Corruption in the US is not just a problem, it's an industry. From politicians to businessmen, everyone seems to be in on the game. And why not? With lax regulations and weak enforcement, it's easy to get away with corruption in the US. But hey, who needs ethics when you have money?

In conclusion, corruption in the US is no laughing matter, but sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. The examples we've highlighted are just the tip of the iceberg, but they show that corruption is pervasive and damaging to our society. It's time to take corruption seriously and hold those responsible accountable. Or we can just keep making jokes and hope for the best. After all, laughter is the best medicine, right?

What is corruption? - Transparency.org https://www.transparency.org/en/what-is-corruption#:~:text=public%20servants%20demanding%20or%20taking,officials%20to%20get%20lucrative%20deals 

2022 Corruption Perceptions Index: Explore the… - Transparency.org https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022 

American Anti-Corruption Act - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Anti-Corruption_Act#:~:text=The%20American%20Anti%2DCorruption%20Act,transparency%2C%20and%20campaign%20finance%20laws. 

THE DEFT DIVE

Corruption in the US since 2000 is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involves various actors, sectors, and levels of government. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the US score dropped from 76 in 2015 to 67 in 2020 and 2021, indicating a deterioration of public integrity and accountability. Some of the possible causes and effects of corruption in the US since 2000 are:

• - Political corruption: This refers to the abuse of public office for private gain by elected officials or public servants. Some examples of political corruption scandals in the US since 2000 are:
•     * The Enron scandal, which involved the manipulation of energy markets and accounting fraud by Enron executives, who had close ties to the Bush administration⁵⁶.
•     * The Jack Abramoff scandal, which involved the bribery of lawmakers and officials by lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his associates, who received millions of dollars from various interest groups⁵⁷.
•     * The Rod Blagojevich scandal, which involved the attempt by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to sell the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama to the highest bidder⁵⁸.
•     * The Bridgegate scandal, which involved the closure of lanes on the George Washington Bridge by aides of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, allegedly as a political retaliation against a local mayor⁵⁹.
• - Economic corruption: This refers to the distortion of market mechanisms and economic policies by corrupt actors, who seek to maximize their own profits or benefits at the expense of others. Some examples of economic corruption in the US since 2000 are:

•     * The subprime mortgage crisis, which involved the origination and securitization of risky mortgages by financial institutions, who misled investors and regulators about the quality and value of these assets⁶ [^10^].
•     * The Bernie Madoff scandal, which involved the largest Ponzi scheme in history, perpetrated by Bernie Madoff, who defrauded thousands of investors of billions of dollars⁶¹¹.
•     * The Volkswagen emissions scandal, which involved the cheating of emissions tests by Volkswagen, who installed software in millions of diesel vehicles that manipulated the results⁶¹².
•     * The college admissions scandal, which involved the bribery and fraud by wealthy parents, who paid to get their children admitted to elite colleges and universities⁶ .
• - Social corruption: This refers to the erosion of social norms and values by corrupt practices, which undermine trust, cooperation, and civic engagement among citizens. Some examples of social corruption in the US since 2000 are:
•     * The opioid epidemic, which involved the overprescription and misuse of opioid painkillers by doctors, patients, and pharmaceutical companies, who contributed to addiction, overdose, and death among millions of Americans .
•     * The fake news phenomenon, which involved the spread of false or misleading information by online platforms, media outlets, and political actors, who influenced public opinion and behavior on various issues .
•     * The police brutality cases, which involved the excessive use of force and violence by police officers against civilians, especially minorities, who suffered from discrimination, injustice, and human rights violations .

These are just some of the examples of corruption in the US since 2000. There are many more cases that could be discussed. Corruption has negative effects on economic growth, social welfare, political stability, and democratic quality. It also reduces trust in institutions, erodes moral values, and fuels public discontent. Therefore, it is important to combat corruption with effective measures that promote transparency, accountability, participation, and integrity.

Bing, 8/26/2023

• (1) List of federal political scandals in the United States - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_federal_political_scandals_in_the_United_States.
• (2) List of corporate collapses and scandals - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_corporate_collapses_and_scandals.
• (3) When power corrupts: 16 of the biggest political scandals of the last .... https://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/article/2016/05/when-power-corrupts-16-biggest-political-scandals-last-50-years.
• (4) CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION: WHAT HAS PAST DECADE'S EMPIRICAL .... https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eugen-Dimant/publication/304113926_Causes_and_Effects_of_Corruption_What_has_Past_Decade's_Empirical_Research_Taught_Us_A_Survey/links/5ac063caaca27222c759c332/Causes-and-Effects-of-Corruption-What-has-Past-Decades-Empirical-Research-Taught-Us-A-Survey.pdf.
• (5) Corruption, Causes and Consequences | IntechOpen. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/58969.
• (6) Causes and Cures of Political Corruption. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/causes-and-cures-political-corruption.
• (7) THE CAUSES OF CORRUPTION: A CROSS-NATIONAL STUDY - Social Sciences. https://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/polisci/faculty/treisman/Papers/causes.pdf.
• (8) undefined. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eugen-Dimant/publication/304113926_Causes_and_Effects_of_Corruption_What_has_Past_Decade.
• (9) 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index - Explore United States’s results. https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2021/index/usa.
• (10) Corruption in the United States - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_in_the_United_States.
• (11) U.S. Corruption Levels At Their Worst Since 2012 - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliverwilliams1/2021/01/28/us-corruption-levels-at-their-worst-since-2012/.
• (12) A history of corruption in the United States - Harvard Law School. https://hls.harvard.edu/today/a-history-of-corruption-in-the-united-states/.

THE COLLEGE BOARD STANDARDIZED TEST WHERE PRIVACY GOES TO MARKET

THE COLLEGE BOARD STANDARDIZED TEST 

WHERE PRIVACY GOES TO MARKET

Are you a student who has taken the SAT test or an Advanced Placement exam? Well, congratulations, because you are now a data point in the College Board's vast database of student information. And what do they do with all this data, you may ask? They sell it to Facebook and TikTok, of course!

That's right, the College Board has been caught using invisible tracking technology called "pixels" to share students' SAT scores and GPA data with these social media giants. And while they deny sharing any personally identifiable information, Gizmodo's tests have shown otherwise. So much for privacy, am I right?

But who do these standardized tests really serve? Is it the students who are trying to get into college and better their futures? Or is it the billionaires who seem to be the ones benefiting the most from these tests?

Let's take a closer look. The College Board claims to be a non-profit organization, but that hasn't stopped them from raking in millions of dollars in revenue each year. And where does that money go? Well, it certainly doesn't go towards improving the tests or making them more accessible to students from low-income backgrounds.

No, instead it goes towards lining the pockets of the College Board's executives and board members. According to a report by ProPublica, the organization's CEO, David Coleman, made over $1 million in 2017 alone. And that's not even counting his stock options!

So while students are struggling to pay for test fees and study materials, the College Board is busy cashing in on their data and making their executives rich. It's no wonder that many students and parents are fed up with the system and are calling for change.

But what can be done? Well, for starters, we can demand that the College Board be held accountable for their actions. They should be transparent about what data they collect and who they share it with. And they should be required to obtain explicit consent from students before sharing any of their information.

In addition, we can push for alternative methods of assessment that don't rely on standardized tests. After all, these tests have been shown to be biased against certain groups of students and don't necessarily measure true academic potential.

So let's stand up to the College Board and their slimy tactics. Let's demand a system that serves students, not billionaires. And let's do it with a sense of humor, because sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

The College Board Tells TikTok and Facebook Your SAT Scores https://gizmodo.com/sat-college-board-tells-facebook-tiktok-your-scores-gpa-1850768077 

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 8-26-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech #MagaMugshot

TOP READS THIS WEEK 8-26-23

Big Education Ape: ARKANSAS THE BLUE LITE SPECIAL STATE: EDUCATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE WALTON FAMILY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/arkansas-blue-lite-special-state.html 

Big Education Ape: TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 8-19-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech #mauifire #MauiStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/top-banana-top-reads-this-week-8-19-23.html 

Big Education Ape: WELCOME BACK JIM CROW: THE CULTURE WARS SAY HELLO TO AN OLD FRIEND https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/welcome-back-jim-crow-culture-wars-say.html 

Big Education Ape: MEATAXE MIKE CUTS AUTISM SERVICES TEAM, PROVES HE TRULY DESERVES HIS NICKNAME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/meataxe-mike-cuts-autism-services-team.html 

Big Education Ape: THE TEACHER SHORTAGE CRISIS - THE BILLIONAIRES PLAYBOOK STRIKES AGAIN: BILLIONAIRES -1 PUBLIC SCHOOLS - O https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-teacher-shortage-crisis.html 

Big Education Ape: SCHOOL HAS STARTED, TECH BILLIONAIRES LICKING THEIR CHOPS, PROFITS IN EDUCATION HAVE BECOME SENTIENT, PRIVATIZE NET DEATHSTAR LAUNCH IMMINENT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/school-has-started-tech-billionaires.html 

Big Education Ape: CALIFORNIA GETS NEW MATH STANDARDS, BUT DO THEY ADD UP https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/california-gets-new-math-standards-but.html 

Big Education Ape: DARK BIDEN VOWS NEVER TO GIVE UP ON AMERICAN STUDENTS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/dark-biden-vows-never-to-give-up-on.html 

Big Education Ape: MAGA PUSHES OVER 400 CULTURE WAR BILLS IN 2 YEARS, ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT FROM PEN AMERICA https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/maga-pushes-over-400-culture-war-bills.html 

OTHER GREAT READS THIS WEEK FROM THE BIG EDUCATION APE

Big Education Ape: FIRE IN PARADISE: HOW YOU CAN HELP THE PEOPLE OF MAUI #mauihawaii #maui #mauifire #fire #devastation #prayers

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/fire-in-paradise-how-you-can-help.html

#MagaMugshot

YESTERDAY

MONTGOMERY CO. FAMILIES PISSED THAT THEIR KIDS MIGHT LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT THAN THEM , JUDGE ROLLS EYES

Religious parents challenge LGBTQ+ lessons

•

by Mike Simpson / 21h

MONTGOMERY CO. FAMILIES PISSED THAT THEIR KIDS MIGHT LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT THAN THEM , JUDGE ROLLS EYES In a turn of events, a Maryland judge has affirmed the separation of church and state by denying a group of parents' request to opt their children out of lessons featuring LGBTQ+ inclusive books. The parents, who clearly have no sense, submitted the request on August 9th, claimin

BREAKING NEWS BILLIONAIRES AND JUSTICES CAUGHT IN BED TOGETHER AGAIN

by Mike Simpson / 21h

In a scandal that has rocked the political world, it has been revealed that some of America's wealthiest billionaires are in bed with some of the country's most powerful justices. But don't worry, it's all in good fun - as long as they keep one hand in their own pocket! It all started when the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank with ties to two billionaires, was found to be behind a

STATE REP CALLS FOR IMPEACHMENT OF RYAN WALTERS AFTER BOMB THREATS CONTINUE AT LOCAL TULSA SCHOOLS

Ryan Walters faces criticism, bomb threats

•

by Mike Simpson / 22h

Oklahoma's MAGA Mad Monk of Education, Ryan Walters, has done it again – causing bomb threats at a Tulsa elementary school. But this time, State Representative Mickey Dollens is calling for his impeachment. Dollens claims that Walters has created an unsafe environment for teachers and students, and has used his office to vilify everyone from teachers to librarians. Well, we can't say we're surpr

AUG 24

THE TEACHER SHORTAGE CRISIS - THE BILLIONAIRES PLAYBOOK STRIKES AGAIN: BILLIONAIRES -1 PUBLIC SCHOOLS - O

by Mike Simpson / 1d

THE TEACHER SHORTAGE CRISIS THE BILLIONAIRES PLAYBOOK STRIKES AGAIN BILLIONAIRES -1 PUBLIC SCHOOLS - O As schools across the United States open their doors for the new academic year, they are faced with a major problem: teacher shortages. And while some may see this as the big payoff for following the billionaires' playbook for privatizing schools, it's hard to ignore the fact that it's causing c

FLORIDA SCHOOL PROMISES TO FEED KIDS IF THEY DO BETTER ON STANDARDIZED TEST

by Mike Simpson / 1d

In a shocking turn of events, Bunnell Elementary in Florida has promised to feed its students if they perform better on standardized tests. Yes, you read that right. The school has resorted to bribery to boost its grades. And if that wasn't enough, they have also promised to let their students sleep instead of taking Adderall if they do really well on these tests. Talk about incentives! In a sec

READING WRITING AND RELIGIOUS INDOCTRINATION: SSPI RYAN WALTERS' BIG PLAN FOR CHRISTIAN REVIVAL IN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Religious push in Oklahoma schools

•

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has recently announced his new Christ Complex, and it's causing quite a stir. Walters, a Republican, has vowed to turn Oklahoma into a theocracy if he's elected governor, and he's pushing for more religious teachings in public schools. Walters' new Christ Complex has caused many to question his motives and qualifications as an educat

AUG 23

DARK BIDEN VOWS NEVER TO GIVE UP ON AMERICAN STUDENTS

by Mike Simpson / 2d

In a recent press conference, President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to American students by taking another shot at student loans. With his signature wit and charm, Biden announced the launch of the Department of Education's new income-driven repayment plan, SAVE (Simplified Aid for Earnings-Based Repayment). The plan, which replaces the REPAYE plan, offers a reduced maximum monthly payme

SCHOOL HAS STARTED, TECH BILLIONAIRES LICKING THEIR CHOPS, PROFITS IN EDUCATION HAVE BECOME SENTIENT, PRIVATIZE NET DEATHSTAR LAUNCH IMMINENT

by Mike Simpson / 2d

School has started and the tech billionaires are licking their chops as profits in education have become sentient. The launch of PrivatizeNet Deathstar is imminent. But what does this mean for the classroom? Are we going to be replaced by robots? Will we be forced to take orders from our new AI overlords? Fear not, dear reader, for AI is not here to replace us, but to help us. One of the ways th

MAGA PUSHES OVER 400 CULTURE WAR BILLS IN 2 YEARS, ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT FROM PEN AMERICA

by Mike Simpson / 2d

MAGA PUSHES OVER 400 CULTURE WAR BILLS IN 2 YEARS, ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT FROM PEN AMERICA In a recent report from PEN America, it has been revealed that MAGA has pushed over 400 culture war bills in just 2 years. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Wow, that's impressive!" But before we start handing out participation trophies, let's take a closer look at what these bills actually entail. Acc

OKLAHOMA'S MAGA MAD MONK OF EDUCATION RYAN 'RASPUTIN' WALTERS RUNS OFF TPS SUP GIST

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Oklahoma's superintendent of public instruction, Ryan Walters, has been causing quite a stir in the education world lately. From calling for prayer in public schools to hanging the Ten Commandments in classrooms, Walters has been pushing his conservative agenda on the state's largest district, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS). But it seems his tactics have finally caught up with him, as TPS Superinten

AUG 22

ARKANSAS DEPT OF ED DEMANDS DISTRICT THAT TEACH THE TRUTH MUST TURN OVER ALL TRUTHFUL AMERICAN HISTORY MATERIAL... BY MIDNIGHT

by Mike Simpson / 4d

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, the Arkansas Department of Education has continued its push to rewrite history and deny students the opportunity to learn the truth about America's past. The department has demanded that districts turn over all materials related to the recently pulled Advanced Placement African American Studies pilot program, citing concerns that the program m

MEATAXE MIKE CUTS AUTISM SERVICES TEAM, PROVES HE TRULY DESERVES HIS NICKNAME

autism team special

•

by Mike Simpson / 4d

MEATAXE MIKE CUTS AUTISM SERVICES TEAM, PROVES HE TRULY DESERVES HIS NICKNAME In a move that has left teachers scratching their heads and parents fuming, MeatAxe Mike Miles has cut services to the special education department in the Houston Independent School District. Yes, you read that right. MeatAxe Mike is back and he's proving that he truly deserves the nickname. But don't worry, folks. Meat

AUG 21

GET PREPARED FOR THE BACK TO SCHOOL CULTURE WARS : A parent’s guide to K-12 school success

by Mike Simpson / 4d

BACK TO SCHOOL: A parent’s guide to K-12 school success AVOID THE SCHOOL CULTURE WARS A parent’s guide to K-12 school success click on picture What Schools Can Do To Support Parents Recognize that all parents, regardless of income, education or cultural background, are involved in their children's learning and want their children to do well. Design programs that will support families to guide the

THE HEAT IS ON: CAN STANDARDIZED TESTING SURVIVE EXTREME TEMPERATURES

by Mike Simpson / 4d

As temperatures continue to rise across the United States, students are facing a new challenge in their academic pursuits: extreme heat. That's right folks, it's not just the standardized tests that are causing stress and anxiety, now we have to worry about the weather too! According to a recent report from The Hill, hotter temperatures during the school year have been shown to reduce the rate o

SAY GOODBYE TO TWIT-X: META'S THREADS WEB VERSION IS HER TO SAVE US ALL

by Mike Simpson / 4d

SAY GOODBYE TO TWIT-X META'S THREADS WEB VERSION IS HER TO SAVE US ALL In a move that's sure to delight fans of the popular messaging app, Threads, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has announced that a web version of the app is on the way. The news comes as a welcome relief to those who have been frustrated with the mobile-only nature of the app, which has been a thorn in the side of users ever

FLORIDA: WHERE NICKNAMES ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN HURRICANES

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Florida, the state that gave us Disney World, alligators, and the infamous "Florida Man" headlines, has now added another title to its repertoire: the most homophobic state in the union. And who better to make this announcement than Governor Ronald DeSantis, the man who looks like he's constantly trying to suppress a smirk? But what led to this dubious honor? It all started with the Florida nick

ARKANSAS THE BLUE LITE SPECIAL STATE: EDUCATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE WALTON FAMILY

by Mike Simpson / 4d

ARKANSAS THE BLUE LITE SPECIAL STATE EDUCATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE WALTON FAMILY Welcome to the wonderful world of Arkansas Walmart Education Blue Lite Special State, a solely owned subsidiary of the Walton family and supported by other billionaire foundations seeking to privatize public education. It's like a carnival ride, but instead of clowns and cotton candy, you get charter schools and st

AUG 20

CALIFORNIA GETS NEW MATH STANDARDS, BUT DO THEY ADD UP

by Mike Simpson / 5d

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, California has rolled out new state math guidelines that aim to put meaning-making at the center of the math classroom. The guidelines promote a focus on problem-solving and applying math knowledge to real-world situations, but critics are asking: do they add up? The new guidelines, which were approved by the California State Board of Educatio

CHATGPT FUN WHILE IT LASTED BUT IS THE PARTY OVER

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Let's face it, we've all been swept up in the hype of AI and its potential to revolutionize the world as we know it. But as the dust settles and the novelty wears off, is it time to start mourning the death of the AI boom? Or is it just taking a much-needed nap? First, let's take a look at the evidence. Reports suggest that generative AI and its chatbots are losing steam as consumers grow tired

WELCOME BACK JIM CROW: THE CULTURE WARS SAY HELLO TO AN OLD FRIEND

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Ah, public education. The cornerstone of democracy, the foundation of knowledge, the...subject of heated political debate? That's right, folks. In today's America, public education has become a battleground for the culture wars, with right-winged MAGA billionaires like Koch and DeVos leading the charge to dismantle it piece by piece. Let's start with the big one, shall we? Vouchers have become t

AUG 19

THE TIME WARP TAKES ON NEW MEANING IN HISD MEATAXE MIKE'S MUSICAL PLAY THE ROCKY HORDE TAKEOVER SHOW

by Mike Simpson / 6d

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles recently made his debut as a playwright with his musical play, "The Rocky Horde Takeover Show". The play, which was part of the convocation ceremony for Houston ISD teachers, was met with mixed reviews, to say the least. Miles himself played the role of a diner owner who mentored students in a town with an "antiquated" public school system facing reforms fro

FLORIDA THE BOOK BANNING CAPITAL OF AMERICA

by Mike Simpson / 6d

In a bizarre turn of events, Clay County in Florida has become the book ban heartland of the US. Yes, you read that right. The county has gained infamy for its high number of book challenges resulting in the removal of over 175 titles from public school libraries. And if that wasn't enough, hundreds more are unavailable due to the policy of books being pulled as soon as a challenge form is filed

TRUMP BANNED FROM PRESIDENCY FORCED TO STICK TO REALITY TV AND SELLING STEAKS

Constitution prohibits Trump from presidency

•

by Mike Simpson / 6d

The Constitution Prohibits Trump From Ever Being President Again The only question is whether American citizens today can uphold that commitment. By J. Michael Luttig and Laurence H. Tribe Trump Is Constitutionally Prohibited From the Presidency - The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/08/donald-trump-constitutionally-prohibited-presidency/675048/ Article Summary The authors

TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 8-19-23 #tbats #edchat #K12 #learning #edtech #mauifire #MauiStrong

by Mike Simpson / 6d

TOP READS THIS WEEK 8-19-23 Big Education Ape: BREAKING NEWS: TRUMP'S RACKETEERING CHARGES PROVE HE'S NOT JUST A CON MAN, HE'S A PRO CON MAN READ THE COMPLETE TEXT http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/breaking-news-trumps-racketeering.html Big Education Ape: FOUNDING FATHERS WTF: A STATE SPONSORED CATHOLIC PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL? http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/founding-father-w