Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-25-25
This Cartoon Was Deleted from a PBS Special About the Artist, Art Spiegelman https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/24/this-cartoon-was-deleted-from-a-pbs-special-about-the-artist-art-spiegelman/ via @dianeravitch
This article discusses the controversy surrounding the removal of a cartoon critical of Donald Trump from a PBS documentary about Art Spiegelman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning comic artist. The decision, made by the executive producer of the PBS series “American Masters,” has sparked debate over censorship and media independence, especially as Trump has proposed defunding PBS and NPR.
### Key Points
- A cartoon by Art Spiegelman, critical of Trump, was removed from a PBS documentary two weeks before its scheduled airing.
- The cartoon depicted scatological imagery and was deemed a “breach of taste” by PBS executives, who feared it might offend viewers.
- Art Spiegelman is known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel “Maus,” which has faced bans in libraries.
- The decision to remove the cartoon has raised concerns about public media bowing to political pressure, particularly as Trump pushes to defund public broadcasting.
New Policy! No Posts Today or Tomorrow! https://dianeravitch.net/2025/05/24/new-policy-no-posts-today-or-tomorrow/ via @dianeravitch
Diane Ravitch announces a new policy for her blog, stating that there will be no posts on Saturdays or Sundays, except for breaking news or pre-scheduled posts. She reflects on her 65th college reunion at Wellesley College, highlighting its diversity and inclusivity, and shares stories about her classmate Linda Gottlieb, who produced the film "Dirty Dancing." Readers express admiration for Diane’s contributions to education and her dedication to public education advocacy.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch announces no weekend blog posts, except for breaking news or pre-scheduled posts.
- Diane shares her experience at her 65th college reunion at Wellesley College, emphasizing its diversity and inclusivity.
- She recounts insights from her classmate Linda Gottlieb about the production of "Dirty Dancing."
- Readers express gratitude and admiration for Diane's dedication to education and advocacy.
Big Education Ape: THE BIRTHDAY COUP MOVIE PLOT: A POLITICAL THRILLER WITH A DASH OF TRUTH #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-birthday-coup-movie-plot-political.html
A fictional movie plot, "The Birthday Coup," is outlined as a satirical political thriller that imagines a fascist president orchestrating a coup disguised as a military parade. The story humorously explores themes of power, corruption, and resistance, culminating in the restoration of democracy and a sequel focused on justice. The article also highlights protests against authoritarianism and emphasizes the importance of defending democratic values.
### Key Points
- A satirical movie plot describes a fascist U.S. president staging a coup during a military parade, with absurd and humorous elements.
- Resistance grows as defecting soldiers and civilians unite to thwart the coup, leading to the restoration of democracy.
- The sequel focuses on the trial of coup plotters, blending drama with humor and exposing corruption.
- The article underscores the value of democracy and resistance against authoritarianism, linking to real-life protests like "No Kings Day."
Big Education Ape: TRUMP'S AMERICA: THE PALL OF DARKNESS GRIPS OUR LAND https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/trumps-america-pall-of-darkness-grips.html
A detailed critique of Donald Trump's presidency highlights its impact on American values, identity, and global standing. The article dissects how Trump's actions and rhetoric reshaped key aspects of American culture, including individualism, diversity, optimism, patriotism, and community, often with divisive and negative consequences.
### Key Points
- Trump's presidency transformed American individualism into narcissism, prioritizing self-aggrandizement over self-reliance.
- Diversity suffered under Trump's rhetoric, fostering xenophobia and division instead of unity in the "melting pot."
- Optimism was replaced with fear-mongering and despair, evident in his "American carnage" speech and policies.
- Patriotism became tribal loyalty to Trump, culminating in events like the Capitol insurrection.
- Truth and innovation were undermined by Trump's prolific misinformation, eroding trust in institutions.
- Community spirit was fractured, with crises like the pandemic highlighting deep societal divisions.
- Freedom of expression was stifled for critics, while Trump freely spread misinformation.
- Trump's work ethic and global diplomacy were criticized as self-serving and damaging to America's reputation.
NYC Mayors Race and UFT Slates – who is in the shadows? | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2025/05/23/nyc-mayors-race-and-uft-slates-who-is-in-the-shadows/
NYC Mayors Race and UFT Slates – who is in the shadows?
### Key Points
- The article discusses the NYC mayoral race and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) elections, highlighting the connections between political endorsements and union decisions.
- ARISE, a caucus within UFT, is not endorsing a mayoral candidate but mentions candidates Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander as frequently discussed among activists.
- Unity Caucus, which has historically controlled UFT endorsements, has a record of poor political choices, including controversial decisions during Bloomberg’s third term as mayor.
- Concerns are raised about Unity’s potential endorsement processes, lack of transparency, and past mistakes, including inviting Andrew Cuomo to speak despite his controversial policies.
- Criticism is directed at another caucus for its "leave your politics at the door" approach, which raises questions about its stance on key issues like immigration, racism, and labor support.
- NYCOPSR, supported by certain factions, backs Jim Walden, a technocrat labeled as "Bloomberg light," raising concerns about financial and political alignment.
I Attend the RTC Luncheon So You Don't Have To https://open.substack.com/pub/arthurgoldstein/p/i-attend-the-rft-luncheon-so-you?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
I Attend the RTC Luncheon So You Don't Have To (At 52 Broadway, rubber chicken is optional.)
### Key Points
- The author attended two luncheons, noting better food at 52 Broadway compared to the Spring Conference at the Hilton, and criticized GOP policies like opposing teacher tenure and supporting school choice, which they believe harm public schools.
- Criticism of Michael Mulgrew and the Unity caucus for undermining teachers' benefits, including health insurance, and for failing to support legislative measures benefiting retirees.
- The author expressed admiration for Amy Arundell and her dedication to service, endorsing her for UFT President while criticizing Mulgrew's leadership and Unity's actions.
- Discussion of past and present challenges faced by public school teachers, including systemic issues like overcrowded classrooms, standardized testing, and administrative interference.
- Advocacy for protecting Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and immigrant communities, and highlighting the importance of union solidarity and free speech.
- Reflections on the 59th annual luncheon, the recognition of long-serving UFT members, and the importance of union power in resisting external threats to education and labor rights.
Education Research Report: Unfair expectations place extra pressure on new teachers https://educationresearchreport.blogspot.com/2025/05/unfair-expectations-place-extra.html
Education Research Report: Unfair Expectations Place Extra Pressure on New Teachers
### Key Points
- The concept of "classroom readiness" is criticized as a policy slogan that does not reflect the real challenges of teaching.
- Standardized tests fail to prepare new teachers for the complexities of classroom environments and may contribute to teacher burnout and attrition.
- Researchers argue that "classroom readiness" is not a one-time achievement but a continuous professional journey requiring mentorship and development.
- Teaching performance assessments oversimplify the diverse demands of classrooms and often leave new teachers unprepared.
- New teachers face unrealistic expectations, including managing complex student needs, curriculum changes, and classroom challenges without sufficient support.
- Passing assessments does not guarantee effective teaching, as many graduates still need significant training and mentorship.
- Structured support systems, mentorship, and real-world teaching experiences are essential for new teachers to succeed.
- Investments in hands-on training and continuous professional development are more effective than relying solely on standardized testing.
glen brown: Arresting political opponents amounts to fascism https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/05/arresting-political-opponents-amounts.html
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Hey! Look at That! Engagement Opportunities Around... https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/05/hey-look-at-that-engagement.html?spref=tw
Seattle Schools Community Forum discusses updates on the Superintendent search process, including public engagement opportunities, surveys, and student sessions. Issues like nepotism in school staffing and potential school closures are also highlighted, emphasizing transparency and stakeholder involvement.
### Key Points
- Updates on Seattle Public Schools Superintendent search, including a community survey available in multiple languages and student engagement sessions.
- Criticism of the lack of focus on superintendent qualities and role understanding in the survey.
- Announcement of a Community Engagement meeting on June 25, 2025, at James Baldwin Elementary.
- Concerns about nepotism in Seattle Public Schools, particularly in staffing and promotions.
- Discussion on potential school closures, with skepticism about cost savings and district transparency.
Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html
Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
5-24-25
The article is a compilation of various educational, political, and societal issues, including critiques of policies, systemic challenges, and reflections on leadership and activism. It covers topics such as public education reform, voucher programs, memoirs by prominent educators, school system inefficiencies, and the role of courage and individuality in education.
### Key Points
- Diane Ravitch’s memoir reflects her ideological shift from supporting standardized testing and privatization to advocating for public schools and addressing systemic inequalities.
- Federal education policies like No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top have been critiqued for emphasizing standardized testing and neglecting equity-focused reforms.
- Trump’s interest in accepting a Qatari luxury jet as Air Force One raises ethical and constitutional concerns under the Emoluments Clause.
- William Kristol criticizes the Trump administration for policies targeting immigrants, foreign students, and academic institutions, undermining U.S. democracy and innovation.
- Tennessee’s universal school voucher program and similar initiatives in other states strain budgets, harm public schools, and fail to deliver educational improvements.
- Seattle Public Schools face a $100 million deficit, declining enrollment, and administrative inefficiencies, with controversial plans for school closures.
- A superintendent criticizes federal directives undermining equity programs, highlighting their impact on marginalized students.
- Maya Angelou’s philosophy on courage inspires educators, students, and leaders to resist censorship and advocate for inclusion in public education.
- Teacher Tom emphasizes the importance of individuality and creativity in education, critiquing standardized systems that suppress uniqueness.
- The Supreme Court upheld rulings against religious charter schools and blocked Trump’s order to dismantle the Education Department, signaling hope for public education.
- Diane Ravitch’s memoir blends personal stories with research, advocating for systemic changes in education and addressing poverty as the root cause of inequality.
- Glen Brown critiques a House bill for cutting Medicare and Medicaid, benefiting the wealthy, and increasing federal debt.
- Social media use among preteens correlates with rising depressive symptoms, with cyberbullying and disrupted sleep identified as contributing factors.
- Karen Lewis’s leadership transformed the Chicago Teachers Union into a force for systemic change, focusing on broader social justice issues.
- The California Department of Education celebrates classified school employees and promotes a photo contest to highlight healthy school meals.
- Public policy should focus on balancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) with traditional academics while making higher education more accessible.
- Metro Nashville Public Schools face criticism for financial mismanagement and controversial policies, while debates over voucher programs and federal education roles continue.
- Foundations funding U.S. education reforms are critiqued for lacking accountability and perpetuating a crisis mentality about public schools.