Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-6-25
Trump Plans to Revise U.S. History in the Smithsonian and All Other Federal Sites https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/05/trump-plans-to-revise-u-s-history-in-the-smithsonian-and-all-other-federal-sites/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Trump issued an executive order to revise U.S. history exhibits in federal sites, focusing on patriotism and removing content seen as divisive.
- Vice-President JD Vance and attorney Lindsey Halligan are assigned to oversee the changes, with Halligan advocating against “overemphasizing” negative aspects of history.
- Halligan, a Trump ally, has a background in politics, law, and media, and her role in reshaping cultural institutions has sparked controversy.
- Critics fear this initiative erases critical historical narratives and normalizes authoritarian tendencies.
The Atlantic: The Inside Story of How Trump Regained Power: "I Run the Country and the World" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/05/the-atlantic-the-inside-story-of-how-trump-regained-power-i-run-the-country-and-the-world/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Donald Trump made a surprising return to power in 2024 after a controversial exit in 2021.
- His comeback involved years of plotting, with key figures like Kevin McCarthy supporting him.
- The Atlantic journalists secured an interview with Trump, despite being initially rejected, by using unconventional methods.
- During the interview, Trump expressed his confidence and control with the statement, "I run the country and I run the world."
Fact-Checking Trump's Claims About His First 100 Days https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/05/fact-checking-trumps-claims-about-his-first-100-days/ via @dianeravitch
### Key Points
- Glenn Kessler fact-checked 32 claims made by Trump during his interview about his first 100 days in his second term.
- Trump falsely claimed the U.S. was losing $2 trillion annually on trade, doubling the actual deficit figure and misrepresenting trade deficits as losses.
- Trump’s assertion that other countries emptied their prisons and sent dangerous individuals to the U.S. has no factual basis.
- Trump misrepresented the amount collected through China tariffs and claimed there was no inflation under his administration, both of which are false.
- Trump falsely stated that grocery and energy prices have decreased; in reality, food prices rose slightly, and gas prices remained steady.
- Trump incorrectly claimed the U.S. experienced its highest inflation ever under Biden, ignoring historical inflation rates in the 1970s and 1940s.
- Trump exaggerated trade deficit figures under Biden and mischaracterized them as economic losses, while ignoring similar trends during his own presidency.
- Trump falsely claimed Apple invested $500 billion under his administration, when such investments were announced during Biden’s presidency.
- Trump misrepresented tariffs imposed by China and other countries, inflating their rates and ignoring accurate data.
- Trump’s tariffs harmed industries like furniture manufacturing in North Carolina, leading to job losses.
- Trump’s claim of making 200 trade deals is unsubstantiated, with no details or evidence provided.
- Trump falsely suggested that U.S. military spending in Japan and South Korea is entirely one-sided, ignoring their financial contributions.
- Trump exaggerated investments into the U.S. economy, citing $7 trillion in new projects, while actual figures are much lower.
- Trump falsely claimed a Chinese leader called him to negotiate tariffs, which the Chinese government denied.
- Trump exaggerated claims about Kilmar Abrego García’s gang affiliation and used doctored photos to support his narrative.
- Trump falsely stated that violent protesters from 2020 were not prosecuted, while records show several convictions.
- Trump accused the Jan. 6 committee of destroying evidence, which is untrue as most records are publicly available.
- Trump’s tax-related comments contradict his history of paying little or no taxes, as documented by The New York Times.
- Trump falsely claimed Medicaid spending cuts would only target fraud and waste, while actual cuts would significantly reduce Medicaid funding.
- Trump falsely accused Nancy Pelosi of insider trading, despite no evidence supporting the claim.
- Trump exaggerated savings attributed to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which experts believe were overstated.
- Trump falsely claimed Stacey Abrams received $2 billion for environmental projects, misrepresenting her role in grant awards.
- Trump misrepresented his election victory, claiming widespread cheating and overstating his popular vote margin.
- Trump falsely claimed he could have prevented the Ukraine war and the Hamas attack, despite no evidence supporting this.
- Trump inaccurately stated Obama handed Crimea to Russia, ignoring the historical context of Russia’s annexation.
- Trump exaggerated U.S. financial support for Canada, inflating trade deficit and military expenditure figures.
- Trump misleadingly claimed Iran funded Hamas with billions under Biden, though funding levels remained consistent with prior years.
- Trump exaggerated Saudi Arabia’s investment in the U.S., citing an unconfirmed $1 trillion pledge.
- Trump falsely claimed Biden ignored the Abraham Accords, which Biden supported and sought to expand.
- Trump criticized antisemitism at college protests but offered no evidence of widespread destruction or violence.
It's All About the Timing https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/its-all-about-the-timing?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
### Key Points
- The Unity Caucus tightly controls internal union communications, restricting other members' ability to communicate with their electorate.
- Michael Mulgrew, a prominent Unity figure, has criticized opposition voices while leveraging union resources for Unity's messaging, often blurring the line between information and campaigning.
- Opposition groups like "A Better Contract" face significant challenges in organizing and communicating due to financial and procedural barriers imposed by Unity.
- Email communication for election campaigns is heavily regulated, with high costs and logistical hurdles, favoring Unity's dominance.
- Unity resists modernizing voting processes, such as implementing electronic voting, which could increase member participation but potentially reduce Unity's control.
- Unity's practices, such as requiring expensive email setups and prioritizing their own communication, hinder fair competition in union elections.
- Opponents criticize Unity's lack of ethics, transparency, and efforts to maintain control over union processes at the expense of democracy.
glen brown: The Supreme Court Is About to Let Religion Ruin Public Education https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-supreme-court-is-about-to-let.html
### Key Points
- The Supreme Court is reviewing cases that may allow taxpayer funding for religious charter schools and religious opt-outs in public schools.
- Justices are divided, with GOP-appointed justices favoring religious inclusion and Democratic appointees opposing it, citing the need to maintain secular public education.
- The Oklahoma case centers on whether public charter schools are public or private entities and the implications for taxpayer-funded religious education.
- Concerns include the potential elimination of LGBTQ content, curriculum disruptions, and increased litigation over religious influence in education.
- The court’s decisions could lead to a system where public education becomes heavily influenced by religious preferences, altering its secular foundation.
Reconsidering Growth Mindset and Grit: Evidence Overview https://radicalscholarship.com/2025/05/05/reconsidering-growth-mindset-and-grit-evidence-overview/ via @plthomasEdD
### Key Points
- Growth mindset and grit are widely promoted in education but lack strong empirical evidence supporting their influence on student achievement.
- Advocates for these theories often overstate their causal impact on academic outcomes, with research plagued by flawed designs, expectancy bias, and reporting errors.
- Implementation of growth mindset and grit is frequently reduced to slogans and isolated lessons, leading to misunderstandings and oversimplifications.
- Meta-analyses and independent studies show mixed or weak results, with some findings suggesting negative impacts.
- Continued support for these theories may stem from ideological beliefs, such as deficit thinking, meritocracy, and rugged individualism, which often perpetuate systemic racism and classism.
- Overemphasis on these interventions risks ignoring broader societal factors like poverty and inequity, effectively blaming students for systemic challenges.
- Numerous scholars and studies have raised concerns about the validity, robustness, and ideological underpinnings of growth mindset and grit approaches.
Teacher Tom: None of Us Likes to Be Told What to Do https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/05/none-of-us-likes-to-be-told-what-to-do.html
## Key Points
- Resistance to being controlled is a natural, adaptive trait in both humans and animals.
- Punishments and rewards often fail to foster independent thinking in children and may lead to resentment or compliance without understanding.
- Effective parenting involves guiding children to understand natural consequences rather than imposing artificial punishments or rewards.
- Encouraging children to think for themselves leads to cooperation, problem-solving, and initiative.
- The author offers a course to teach parents and educators effective communication strategies for fostering independent thinking in children.
Background on need to strengthen NYC Chancellor’s regs on student privacy | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/background-on-need-to-strengthen-nyc-chancellors-regs-on-student-privacy/
- The Parent Coalition for Student Privacy provides resources, toolkits, and webinars for educators and parents to protect student and teacher privacy.
- Toolkits are available in English and Spanish, offering tips for advocating better privacy policies in schools.
- Recent discussions highlight risks of using AI in classrooms and weaknesses in NYC Chancellor’s regulations on student privacy.
- The DOE Data Privacy Working Group was formed to address concerns about data privacy policies and practices.
- Issues with Talkspace, an online mental health company sharing NYC teen data with ad trackers, are ongoing despite assurances.
- Council hearings have addressed student mental health and privacy concerns related to Teenspace.
Schools Matter: If You Need a Reputable Lawyer, Here’s Your DO NOT CALL LIST http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/if-you-need-reputable-lawyer-heres-your.html
- The article references a 60 Minutes story discussing law firms allegedly involved in actions that threaten the rule of law, listing several prominent firms.
- The blog post contains a critical perspective on legal capitulation, cowardice, and dictator worship, as labeled by the author.
- The blog includes links to other articles and posts on topics such as poverty, education reform, and societal issues like testing and teacher challenges.
- The blog archives span many years, showcasing a wide range of topics related to education, politics, and social justice.
Weekend Quotables, by @mikeklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelklonsky/p/weekend-quotables-c07?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
- Former President Trump, during an interview, expressed uncertainty about his obligation to uphold the Constitution, reflecting actions and rhetoric that align with fascist tendencies.
- Critics, including Michael Tomasky and Chris Hedges, highlight the rise of fascism under Trump’s leadership and its roots in systemic failures, including liberalism’s inability to counteract capitalist excesses.
- Comments from global figures, such as Israel’s Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese, criticize oppressive policies and international complicity in human rights violations.
- Avram C. Albert advocates for a collective, democratizing spirit to address inequalities and foster meaningful lives for all, inspired by figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Chinese Third Graders Lag Behind U.S. High School Students (The Onion)* | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/05/05/chinese-third-graders-lag-behind-u-s-high-school-students-the-onion/
### Key Points
- The satirical article by The Onion humorously claims that Chinese third-graders are lagging behind U.S. high school students in math and science, mocking international test score comparisons.
- The piece exaggerates educational gaps, stating that Chinese 8-year-olds struggle to match the knowledge level of American 17-year-olds in subjects like calculus and chemistry.
- The satire critiques the obsession with comparing education systems globally and highlights the absurdity of such comparisons.
- The author clarifies at the end that the article is fictitious and meant to poke fun at U.S. school reformers' focus on test scores and education quality debates.
Janresseger: Trump Says He’ll Fully Return Education to the States: Why That’s a Dangerous Idea | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/trump-says
- The U.S. Department of Education, established in 1979, ensures equal educational opportunities and civil rights protections, but President Trump’s proposal to dismantle it and transfer responsibilities to states risks harming vulnerable students.
- The Department plays a critical role in funding, supporting, and enforcing laws like IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which protects students with disabilities and ensures education in the least restrictive environment.
- Federal involvement in education addresses disparities, such as Texas’ unofficial cap on identifying students with disabilities, ensuring accountability and compliance with civil rights laws.
- Staff cuts in the Office of English Language Acquisition under Trump’s administration jeopardize support for over 5 million English language learners, including bilingual education programs and indigenous language initiatives.
- Federal oversight has historically been critical in addressing inequities, as seen in cases like Lau v. Nichols, which mandated supplemental English classes for non-English-speaking students.
Rethinking Educational Leadership Searches: Lessons from the Michigan Presidency – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/05/05/rethinking-educational-leadership-searches-lessons-from-the-michigan-presidency/
The article, written by Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, addresses the selection of the next president for the University of Michigan. It emphasizes the need for a transformative leader who embodies the university's values, history, and future, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The author advocates for a president with deep ties to Michigan, proven leadership in advancing equity, and the ability to navigate the complexities of higher education without compromising academic freedom or institutional integrity.
### Key Points
- The University of Michigan must select a president who reflects the institution’s values, history, and future, emphasizing the importance of a leader with ties to Michigan.
- The next president should represent diversity, particularly by considering a Latino/a candidate, reflecting demographic realities and signaling inclusivity to students.
- Leadership experience in advancing equity and diversity, with measurable results, is prioritized over pedigree or elite academic associations.
- The president should not be a business executive or politician but someone with a nuanced understanding of higher education and shared governance.
- The leader must bring fresh perspectives as an external candidate while maintaining a meaningful connection to Michigan’s culture and community.
- A politically astute leader is required to navigate funding, academic freedom, and political challenges while safeguarding the university’s core values.
- The focus should be on selecting a president who sees Michigan as a destination, not a stepping stone, and who deeply understands and loves the university.
Education Research Report: How Much Can Families Afford to Pay for College? https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/how-much-can-families-afford-to-pay-for.html
- The paper examines families’ capacity to pay for college in the U.S., focusing on changes over time and differences by race and socioeconomic status.
- Data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) shows that the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) has been increasing, primarily driven by families in the upper income quartile.
- Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), the study explores alternative measures for determining the ability to pay for college, finding that adjustments to the EFC calculation can redistribute payment burdens depending on implementation details.
Education Research Report: US College Students’ Well-Being https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/us-college-students-well-being.html
- The study examines factors contributing to poor mental health among students at an elite private institution, focusing on Dartmouth as a case study.
- Well-being among high school and college-age students has declined significantly since 2013, with the trend exacerbated by COVID-19 and lockdowns.
- At Dartmouth, 26% of students report moderate to severe depression, 22% report moderate to severe anxiety, and 10% have contemplated suicide.
- Financial stress negatively impacts students’ well-being, with higher ill-being reported among females, those engaging in little exercise, students with low GPAs, non-athletes, non-club members, non-religious students, those in fraternity housing, or those on financial aid.
RFK Jr. Eliminates Biden’s Progress to Protect Children From Lead Poisoning - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2025/05/05/rfk-jr-eliminates-bidens-progress-to-protect-children-from-lead-poisoning/
### Key Points
- RFK Jr. has dismissed the critical issue of lead poisoning, which significantly impacts children's health and learning, particularly affecting children in low-income communities.
- The Biden-Harris administration had initiated a $58 million program to reduce lead in homes, schools, and childcare facilities, aiming to eliminate lead pipes by 2034. This plan has been rescinded under the Trump administration.
- House Republicans, invoking the Congressional Review Act, have sought to repeal Biden's lead-elimination rule, potentially blocking future federal requirements on lead line replacement or stricter lead limits.
- The Trump administration has taken no concrete action on lead poisoning, despite acknowledging its dangers, and has also cut funding for CDC programs addressing lead poisoning.
- States like Virginia and Montana, along with American Indian reservations, face significant lead contamination issues in schools and homes. Many states lack adequate policies or funding to address these problems.
- The lack of federal action and funding leaves states and local communities to tackle lead poisoning independently, which has proven insufficient.
Seattle Schools Community Forum: This and That, May 5, 2025 https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/05/this-and-that-may-5-2025.html?spref=tw
### Key Points
- Seattle Public Schools face academic, financial, and governance challenges, with $100 million deficits for three years and declining enrollment.
- Four School Board seats are open for election, presenting an opportunity for reform, with calls for candidates to bring expertise and community engagement.
- Concerns over central administration staffing growth and financial mismanagement have been raised, with calls for better oversight and governance.
- Community involvement has increased, with parents and stakeholders demanding a greater say in school decisions, especially after proposed school closures.
- Allegations of nepotism and lack of transparency in district hiring and promotions have also surfaced.
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-5-25
https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_5.html
The article is a comprehensive roundup of political, educational, and societal issues in the United States, focusing on controversial policies, grassroots activism, and challenges to democracy. It highlights topics such as public education funding, authoritarian governance, corporate-driven reforms, and privacy violations, while emphasizing the importance of democratic values and resistance to oppressive systems.
### Key Points
- Governor Greg Abbott signed a $1 billion school voucher program into law, raising concerns about its impact on public school funding and educational inequality. Critics argue that the program benefits private school students while draining public school resources.
- Donald Trump’s administration has targeted organizations like the Voice of America (VOA) and other government-funded media, threatening press freedom and democratic ideals globally. Critics emphasize VOA’s importance in combating propaganda and supporting democracy.
- Maine Governor Janet Mills stood up to Trump’s executive order banning transgender athletes, successfully recovering withheld federal funds for schools through legal action. This highlights the importance of resisting political intimidation.
- The MAGA school curriculum promotes authoritarian values, discouraging diversity and critical thinking. It draws comparisons to fascist regimes, with educators urged to adopt democratic and inclusive teaching practices.
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee rejected federal funds for summer meals, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without food assistance. Tennessee also ranks among the lowest in public school funding, with critics blaming prioritization of voucher programs over public education.
- Billionaire-backed education reforms, such as those by Bill Gates and Betsy DeVos, aimed to privatize public education through charter schools and vouchers but faced backlash for poor outcomes and undermining public schools. Grassroots activism has played a key role in resisting these efforts.
- Trump’s administration has been criticized for invasive data collection practices, including creating registries of Jewish academics and individuals with autism, raising ethical and privacy concerns.
- The "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement rejects scientific advancements, endangering public health. Critics argue it overlooks real health challenges like diabetes and racial disparities while promoting regressive policies.
- Grassroots protests and legal actions emphasize resistance to authoritarianism and the defense of democratic values, with educators and activists playing a significant role in challenging oppressive systems.
- Trump’s second term introduced controversial policies, including cuts to education funding, promoting "patriotic education," and halting federal support for NPR and PBS. These actions raised concerns about constitutional overreach and democracy.
