TOP BANANA: TOP READS THIS WEEK 9-2-23

Big Education Ape: SFUSD WHERE THE BILLIONAIRES PLAY AND TEACHERS PRAY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/sfusd-where-billionaires-play-and.html

Big Education Ape: THE FUTURE IS NOW: HOW MEASURE QQ GIVES HIGH SCHOOLERS A VOICE... AND A VOTE https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-future-is-now-how-measure-qq-gives.html 

Big Education Ape: AMERICANS SAY P. U. TO A.I. IN NEW PEW REPORT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/americans-say-p-u-to-ai-in-new-pew.html

Big Education Ape: TRUMP GANGSTER? I AM SO CONFUSED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/trump-gangster-i-am-so-confused.html 

Big Education Ape: SAC CITY USD WHERE BILLIONAIRES BOYS CLUB HAS RULED AND STUDENTS HAVE PAID FOR THE MISTAKES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/sac-city-usd-where-billionaires-boys.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

YESTERDAY

JUDGE TELLS HOUSTON ISD MEATAXE MIKE MILES TO COOL HIS ROLL

by Mike Simpson / 20h

In a shocking turn of events, MeatAxe Mike Miles, the notorious superintendent of Houston Independent School District, has been caught red-handed using another playbook from the billionaires' guide to privatizing schools. This time, it's the teacher evaluation playbook that he's implementing illegally, much to the chagrin of the Houston Federation of Teachers. According to sources close to the m

SAN DIEGO USD WHERE STUDENTS CAN BE WHOEVER THEY WANT TO BECAUSE STUDENTS HAVE RIGHTS TOO!

by Mike Simpson / 20h

San Diego USD has taken a bold stance in the ongoing debate between protecting students' privacy and outing them to their parents. In a move that has caused quite a stir, the school district has allowed students to secretly identify as transgender or nonbinary without informing their parents. And while some may criticize this decision, we here at the Daily Chuckle can't help but see the humor in

OMFG! TEXAS THE STATE THAT LOVES GUNS MORE THAN KIDS MANDATES A GUN IN EVERY SCHOOL

Texas struggles to meet school safety mandate

•

by Mike Simpson / 21h

OMFG! Texas, the state that loves guns more than kids, has implemented a new law requiring every public school campus to have an armed guard stationed by September 1st. Because apparently, the solution to gun violence is more guns. But let's be real, who needs funding for education when you can spend it on arming schools like they're preparing for a warzone? It's like they're saying, "Hey kids,

AMERICANS SAY P. U. TO A.I. IN NEW PEW REPORT

by Mike Simpson / 21h

In a recent report by the Pew Research Center, Americans have admitted to saying "P U" to AI. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, more than half of Americans are more concerned about the effects of AI than they are excited about it. And only 10% of them are actually excited about it. Talk about a buzzkill! It's like the whole country has collectively decided to give AI the cold shoulder. It's

AUG 31

RUFO CONTINUES TO GIVE THE DEVIL A RUN FOR HIS MONEY

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Buckle up folks, because we have a real devil of a man on our hands. Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, is causing quite the stir with his efforts to abolish the Gender Studies department at the New College of Florida. And let me tell you, this guy is giving Lucifer a run for his money. As a trustee, Rufo has some serious power when it comes to college governance. And

MAGA ATTACKS KINDERGARTEN: WHO KNEW PLAYDATES COULD BE SO CONTROVERSIAL

by Mike Simpson / 1d

In a shocking turn of events, Chabot Elementary School in Oakland, California, was evacuated on Tuesday after a bomb threat was received via email. But that's not the only thing that's explosive about this story. The threat contained a racial undertone, and the FBI is now assisting the police with an investigation. It seems that the MAGA movement has finally found its way to the schoolyard. This

WILL TEXAS GOV ABBOTT ADD ALLIGATORS AND LANDMINES IN NEXT ANTI-IMMIGRANT MOVE

by Mike Simpson / 1d

As if the year 2020 wasn't enough to handle, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has decided to spice things up by militarizing the US-Mexico border. Because, you know, what's a little extra drama and tension between neighbors? Abbott's Operation Lone Star has been met with controversy and criticism, but that hasn't stopped him from throwing billions of dollars at anti-immigrant efforts. And he's not alo

SCUSD: NO LONGER FOR SALE TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER?

by Mike Simpson / 1d

After years of being led by billionaire privatizers, the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) is finally turning the page on some of the darkest times in city history. This is great news for the students who deserve better services and for the teachers who have been bashed by the powers that be and the Sacramento Bee. The recent collaboration between the district and its labor unions

AUG 30

THE CONDITION OF EDUCATION 2023( A REPORT): FROM BAD TO MAGA OH MY!!

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the Condition of Education 2023! Today, we're going to take a hilarious look at the state of education in America. So grab your pencils and paper (or your laptops and tablets) and let's dive in! First up, we have the key indicators on all levels of education. And let me tell you, these indicators are more confusing than algebra! We've got numbers

YEAR-ROUND SCHOOL VS 4 -DAY WEEK: A BATTLE BETWEEN LEARNING AND COST-CUTTING

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Are you tired of the same old boring school schedule? Do you want to spice things up and add some humor to your education? Well, look no further because we have some hilarious takes on year-round vs 4-day school weeks. First up, year-round school. You may be thinking, "But wait, I don't want to go to school all year round!" Don't worry, it's not that kind of year-round. We're talking about a sch

NEA PRESIDENT BECKY PRINGLE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO NATIONAL TEACHER SHORTAGE

National teacher shortage

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by Mike Simpson / 2d

Breaking news: the National Education Association (NEA) has declared a state of emergency regarding the teacher shortage crisis in Indiana and across the nation. And let me tell you, folks, this crisis is chronic. It's like that nagging cough that won't go away no matter how much cough syrup you chug. According to Becky Pringle, the president of the NEA, low pay, lack of professional respect, an

SAC CITY USD WHERE BILLIONAIRES BOYS CLUB HAS RULED AND STUDENTS HAVE PAID FOR THE MISTAKES

Compensation agreement reached for teachers

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by Mike Simpson / 2d

Sacramento City Unified School District is in a bit of a pickle. After 25 years of leadership paid for by billionaire privatizers, the district is now facing the consequences of their actions. Will the students pay the price for their mistakes, or will the state finally see the light and put an end to the privatizing policies that are destroying our public schools? Interim Sup Lisa Allen may be

TRUMP GANGSTER? I AM SO CONFUSED

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. From his alleged links to organized crime to his hilarious legal defense strategies, Trump has managed to keep us all entertained. But the question on everyone's mind is, is Trump a gangster? I am so confused. Let's dive in and find out. Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room.

AUG 29

ROCKLIN SCHOOL BOARD PRES CALLS ON WHITE JESUS TO SAVE THE DISTRICT: FILM AT 11

Controversy over calls for religion

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by Mike Simpson / 3d

In a recent turn of events, the president of the Rocklin School Board in California has called upon the almighty White Jesus to save the district. Yes, you read that right. The board president, Julie Leavens Hupp, made a statement urging "Christ-centered" families to join the district's advisory committees. Now, we're not sure if Ms. Hupp is aware of the separation between church and state, but

SFUSD WHERE THE BILLIONAIRES PLAY AND TEACHERS PRAY

SF schools face financial mismanagement

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by Mike Simpson / 3d

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is in the news again, and this time it's not for their high-ranking Asian students or their big budget. No, this time it's for their financial mismanagement, teacher shortages, and potential school closures. But don't worry, folks, it's all part of the billionaires' plan to destroy public education in California. According to the San Francisco teache

THE FUTURE IS NOW: HOW MEASURE QQ GIVES HIGH SCHOOLS A VOICE... AND A VOTE

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Attention all high school students in Oakland! Get ready to exercise your right to vote because Measure QQ is coming to town! That's right, the voting age for school board elections is being lowered to 16, and it's not just any ordinary civics lesson, it's a real-life one! Now, I know what you're thinking. "Wait, I can barely decide what to wear to school, how am I supposed to decide who should

NEW BS HIGH SCHOOL RANKING IS OUT: RICH KIDS STILL WINNING

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Are you tired of hearing about the "best" schools in the country? Well, I've got news for you: those rankings are just a bunch of bullsh*t. All they really tell you is which schools have the richest kids and are located in the most affluent areas. Let's take a look at the top 10 schools in the 2021 Best High Schools national rankings. Not a single one of them is a Title I majority school, meanin

JOE BIDEN: WE MUST KEEP MARCHING TOWARD DR. KING'S DREAM

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Joe Biden is president of the United States. Joe Biden: We must keep marching toward Dr. King’s dream https://wapo.st/44oSV0c Sixty years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and hundreds of thousands of fellow Americans marched on Washington for jobs and freedom. In describing his dream for us all, Dr. King spoke of redeeming the “promissory note to which every American was to fall heir” derive

AUG 28

MEATAXE MIKE MILES AND THE TEXAS MEATAXE MASACRE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

by Mike Simpson / 4d

The Texas takeover of Houston's public school district has caused quite the stir among students, parents, and teachers alike. MeatAxe Mike Miles, the new state-installed superintendent, has implemented some major changes that have left everyone feeling a little anxious. But fear not, dear readers, for I have the inside scoop on what's really going on. First off, let's talk about the new curricul

TIME TO FIRE RYAN WALTERS: THE MAD MAGA MONK BEHIND THE OKLAHOMA BOMB THREATS

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Oklahoma has been rocked by a series of bomb threats that have targeted several schools and public figures. The threats started on August 22, 2023, when a far-right TikTok account called Libs of TikTok reposted a video of a librarian from Union Public Schools who jokingly said she was pushing her woke agenda on kids. The video was taken out of context, and the reposted version left out the part

CATCHING MAGA HELL IN DENVER: WHO IS TIM HERNANDEZ

Teacher Tim Hernández wins House appointment

•

by Mike Simpson / 4d

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, Tim Hernández, the man who inspired student protests at Denver Public Schools last spring, has been appointed to the Colorado House of Representatives. It seems that the vacancy committee was impressed with Hernández's ability to rile up a crowd and thought he would be the perfect fit for the job. Hernández, a former teacher who taught a Mexic

BROTHER BERNIE SAYS BACK BIDEN OR BITE ME

by Mike Simpson / 4d

The US presidential election is heating up and it seems like everyone has an opinion on who should take the top seat in the country. But one voice that has been particularly loud is that of Brother Bernie Sanders, who has urged progressive voters to unite behind Joe Biden in order to prevent another term of Donald Trump. And in true Bernie style, he didn't mince his words - he said "back Biden o

AUG 27

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

by Mike Simpson / 5d

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 lit

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

Teachers arrested at school board

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by Mike Simpson / 5d

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 ha

AUG 26

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

by Mike Simpson / 6d

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,

THE COLLEGE BOARD STANDARDIZED TEST WHERE PRIVACY GOES TO MARKET

by Mike Simpson / 6d

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 s

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

by Mike Simpson / 6d

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-

JUDGE TELLS HOUSTON ISD MEATAXE MIKE MILES TO COOL HIS ROLL

In a shocking turn of events, MeatAxe Mike Miles, the notorious superintendent of Houston Independent School District, has been caught red-handed using another play from the billionaires' guide to privatizing schools. This time, it's the teacher evaluation play that he's implementing illegally, much to the chagrin of the Houston Federation of Teachers.

According to sources close to the matter, the new evaluation system is some voodoo-like merit pay scheme that's designed to disrupt and demoralize teachers. It's like putting a bunch of crabs in a bucket and watching them claw each other to death. The only difference is that these crabs are teachers, and they're not going down without a fight.

The Houston Federation of Teachers has filed a lawsuit against MeatAxe Mike, claiming that he's grossly and illegally expanded his power and refused to follow the law. They're not going to stand by and let him destroy all the progress that this community has made without a fight. "We're going to take him down," says HFT President Jackie Anderson. "We're going to take him down hard."

But it seems like the justice system is already on their side. A Harris County judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the new evaluation system, putting it on hold until a hearing on September 11th. The judge has told MeatAxe Mike to cool his roll, much to the delight of student teachers and parents alike.

The good news is that the evaluations are really wrong. They're like those magic 8-balls that give you random answers to your questions. "Will I get a good evaluation this year?" Shake shake shake. "Outlook not so good." "Will MeatAxe Mike get away with this?" Shake shake shake. "Don't count on it."

It's clear that MeatAxe Mike is trying to privatize our schools and turn them into profit-making machines for his billionaire buddies. But we're not going to let him do it. We're going to fight him tooth and nail until our schools are safe from his greedy clutches.

So, to MeatAxe Mike we say: not with our schools, buddy. You can take your illegal play and shove it where the sun don't shine. We're not going down without a fight, and we'll see you in court.

Judge grants injunction in Houston Federation of Teachers’ lawsuit over HISD’s alleged illegal teacher evaluation system https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/08/31/judge-grants-injunction-in-houston-federation-of-teachers-lawsuit-over-hisds-alleged-illegal-teacher-evaluation-system/ 

Judge blocks changes in teacher evaluations prompted by Texas' takeover of Houston school district https://news.yahoo.com/union-sues-over-changes-teacher-192157908.html 

SAN DIEGO USD WHERE STUDENTS CAN BE WHOEVER THEY WANT TO BECAUSE STUDENTS HAVE RIGHTS TOO!

San Diego USD has taken a bold stance in the ongoing debate between protecting students' privacy and outing them to their parents. In a move that has caused quite a stir, the school district has allowed students to secretly identify as transgender or nonbinary without informing their parents. And while some may criticize this decision, we here at the Daily Chuckle can't help but see the humor in it all.

First of all, let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that we're living in a world where gender identity is being taken seriously. Gone are the days when people were forced to conform to strict gender norms, and we're all the better for it. But with progress comes pushback, and that's exactly what San Diego USD is facing.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells has demanded that the school district reverse its policy and apologize to parents for "blatant disrespect." But come on, Mayor Wells, where's your sense of humor? Can't you see the comedic potential in this situation? We can already imagine the sitcom episode where a student accidentally outs themselves to their parents, leading to wacky hijinks and misunderstandings.

But in all seriousness, there are valid concerns on both sides of this issue. Parents have a right to know what's going on with their children, but students also have a right to privacy and self-expression. It's a delicate balance, and one that San Diego USD is attempting to navigate with sensitivity and humor.

In conclusion, while there are serious issues at play here, we can't help but see the funny side of it all. Let's embrace our differences and celebrate the fact that we live in a world where people are free to be themselves, whether that means identifying as male, female, nonbinary, or something else entirely. And if that means keeping secrets from our parents every now and then, well, that's just part of growing up.

San Diego Unified School District encouraging students to identify as Transgender or Nonbinary - https://www.kusi.com/san-diego-unified-school-district-encouraging-students-to-identify-as-transgender-or-nonbinary/ 

District statement on rights of transgender students - San Diego Unified School District https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/newscenter/archived_news/district_statement_on_rights_of_transgender 

Supporting Transgender & Nonbinary Students   https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-34469638/documents/5bc755f563fc3kd33daS/Copy%20of%20FAQs%20for%20parents%20and%20community.pdf

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

The San Diego Unified School District's policy on gender identity and expression. Here is what I found:

• - The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has adopted a policy of nondiscrimination and harassment based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation¹. The policy states that SDUSD is committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their gender identity or expression¹.
• - The SDUSD has also developed an administrative procedure to address the needs and rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students⁴. The procedure outlines the steps that schools should take to respect and support the students' gender identity and expression, such as using their preferred name and pronouns, allowing them to access facilities and activities consistent with their gender identity, and providing them with appropriate health and counseling services⁴.
• - The SDUSD has created a form called "Name and Gender Instruction" that allows students to request a change in their name and/or gender marker in the district's records⁵. The form states that the student's request will be honored without requiring any legal documentation or parental consent⁵. The form also states that the student's information will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone without the student's permission, unless required by law or for health and safety reasons⁵.
• - The SDUSD's policy and procedure have been criticized by some parents and community members who argue that they violate the parental rights and responsibilities, and that they encourage children to adopt alternative sexual identities without proper guidance or counseling²³. They claim that the SDUSD is promoting a radical agenda of "queer theory" that aims to dismantle the traditional conception of sex and gender, and to disrupt the "oppressive system of heteronormativity"³. They also express concern over the potential psychological and physical harm that transgender and gender-nonconforming students may face as a result of their identity²³.
• - The SDUSD's policy and procedure have been defended by some educators, students, and advocates who argue that they are necessary to protect the human rights and dignity of transgender and gender-nonconforming students, and to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in the district¹⁴. They claim that the SDUSD is following the best practices and recommendations of professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of School Psychologists, who affirm that gender identity is an innate and complex aspect of human development, and that supporting transgender and gender-nonconforming students is beneficial for their health and well-being¹⁴. They also cite research studies that show that transgender and gender-nonconforming students face higher rates of discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, suicide, and mental health issues than their cisgender peers, and that affirming their identity can reduce these risks and improve their academic performance and social adjustment¹⁴.

Bing, 9/1/2023

• (1) Policies & Procedures-Title IX - San Diego Unified School District. https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/policies_procedures/title_ix/policies___procedures-_title_i_x.
• (2) LGBTQIA Parent/Family Support - San Diego Unified School District. https://www.sandiegounified.org/a-to-_z_index/lgbtqia/lgbtqia_parent_family_support.
• (3) undefined. https://www.sandiegounified.org/sites/default/files_link/district/files/.
• (4) El Cajon Mayor Concerned with San Diego Schools Allowing Kids to. https://hoodline.com/2023/08/san-diego-school-district-s-secrecy-saga-an-erosion-of-parental-rights/.
• (5) San Diego Unified School District Will Teach Children That .... https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/08/san-diego-unified-school-district-will-teach-children-heterosexuality-oppressive-promote-genderqueer-non-binary-identities/.

OMFG! TEXAS THE STATE THAT LOVES GUNS MORE THAN KIDS MANDATES A GUN IN EVERY SCHOOL

OMFG! Texas, the state that loves guns more than kids, has implemented a new law requiring every public school campus to have an armed guard stationed by September 1st. Because apparently, the solution to gun violence is more guns. 

But let's be real, who needs funding for education when you can spend it on arming schools like they're preparing for a warzone? It's like they're saying, "Hey kids, we can't afford to give you textbooks or pay your teachers a decent wage, but at least you'll have armed guards to protect you from any potential school shooters!" 

And don't even get me started on the private security firms. Are we really going to trust the safety of our children to some random security company that's only in it for the money? I can already see the headlines: "Private Security Firm Hires Convicted Felon as School Guard." 

But back to the topic at hand, it's clear that Texas' love for guns is greater than their love for kids. Governor Greg Abbott rejected calls for gun control despite pleas from parents of children killed in the Uvalde school massacre. Because apparently, the solution to gun violence is more guns. 

And let's not forget the difficulties in meeting the mandate. Many Texas school districts are unable to meet the state's new mandate of having armed officers on every campus due to a lack of funding or police. So what's their solution? Arming more staff and teachers. Because nothing says "quality education" like turning your teachers into armed guards. 

In conclusion, Texas' new law requiring armed guards in every public school campus is a joke. It's time for our leaders to prioritize the safety and education of our children over their love for guns. Until then, I'll be homeschooling my future kids. At least I won't have to worry about them getting caught in a crossfire between a school shooter and an armed guard.

Texas wanted armed officers at every school after Uvalde. Many can't meet that standard https://news.yahoo.com/texas-wanted-armed-officers-every-043238619.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr via @YahooNews 

New law requires armed security at all Texas schools - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZsAkGXGhzk 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Arming police at schools is a controversial topic that has been debated by educators, policymakers, parents, and students. There are potential pros and cons of having armed officers on school campuses, and the evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. Here is a summary of some of the main arguments and research findings on this issue:

Pros:

• - Arming police at schools may provide an extra layer of protection and safety for students and staff, especially in the event of an active shooter situation. Armed officers may be able to respond faster and more effectively than external law enforcement agencies, and deter potential attackers from targeting schools.
• - Arming police at schools may also enhance the relationship between officers and the school community, as they can serve as mentors, role models, and positive influences for students. Officers may also help prevent or intervene in other forms of violence, such as bullying, gang activity, or drug use.
• - Arming police at schools may be supported by parents and students who feel more comfortable and secure knowing that there is a trained professional who can protect them in case of an emergency. Some surveys have found that a majority of parents and students favor having armed officers in schools.

Cons:

• - Arming police at schools may create a negative or hostile school climate, where students feel less safe, supported, and welcomed. The presence of firearms in schools may also increase the risk of accidental shootings, misuse of weapons, or escalation of conflicts.
• - Arming police at schools may also contribute to the criminalization of student behavior, where minor infractions or disciplinary issues are handled by law enforcement rather than school staff. This may disproportionately affect students of color, students with disabilities, or students from low-income backgrounds, who are more likely to be arrested or referred to the juvenile justice system.
• - Arming police at schools may also be costly and ineffective, as it may divert resources from other educational or preventive programs that could address the root causes of violence or promote social and emotional learning. Some studies have found no association between the presence of armed officers in schools and the reduction of violence or crime.

Sources:

• - [Armed officers in schools: The good, bad, and ugly](^1^)
• - [Armed campus police do not prevent school shootings, research shows](^2^)
• - [Security Expert Answers: Should There be Guns in Schools?](^3^)
• - [Armed security in schools : What the research says](^4^)

Bing, 9/1/2023

• (1) Armed officers in schools: The good, bad, and ugly. https://kappanonline.org/starr-armed-officers-in-schools-the-good-bad-and-ugly/.
• (2) Armed campus police do not prevent school shootings, research shows. https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2022/do-armed-school-police-officers-prevent-shootings/.
• (3) Security Expert Answers: Should There be Guns in Schools?. https://aegis.com/2013/01/31/security-expert-answers-should-there-be-guns-in-schools/.
• (4) Armed security in schools : What the research says. https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/Reports/armed-security-report-12032019.pdf.
• (5) The latest government data on school shootings - USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/the-latest-government-data-on-school-shootings/.
• (6) There have been 386 school shootings since Columbine. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/school-shootings-database/.
• (7) K-12 School Shooting Statistics: 51 Years of Data. https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/safety/k-12-school-shooting-statistics-everyone-should-know/.
• (8) U.S. School Shooting Statistics: Data on Incidents, Shooter Warning .... https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/safety/u-s-school-shooting-statistics-us/.
• (9) School Climate Measurement | National Center on Safe Supportive .... https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/topic-research/school-climate-measurement.
• (10) School Climate Strategies and Resources - SchoolSafety.gov. https://www.schoolsafety.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/SchoolSafety.gov_School_Climate_Strategies_and_Resources_March2022.pdf.
• (11) School Climate | SchoolSafety.gov. https://www.schoolsafety.gov/school-climate.
• (12) Exploring School Violence and Safety Concerns - Illinois. https://icjia.illinois.gov/researchhub/articles/exploring-school-violence-and-safety-concerns.
• (13) School Climate Improvement Resource Package - ed. https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/scirp/about.

AMERICANS SAY P. U. TO A.I. IN NEW PEW REPORT

In a recent report by the Pew Research Center, Americans have admitted to saying "P U" to AI. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, more than half of Americans are more concerned about the effects of AI than they are excited about it. And only 10% of them are actually excited about it. Talk about a buzzkill!

It's like the whole country has collectively decided to give AI the cold shoulder. It's as if AI asked America out on a date and they responded with a resounding "No, thanks. I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix." Poor AI, it must be feeling pretty rejected right about now.

But can you really blame Americans for being concerned? I mean, have you seen those sci-fi movies where the robots take over the world? It's enough to make anyone a little wary. And let's not forget about all those times Siri or Alexa didn't understand what we were saying. If they can't even understand us, how can we trust them to do anything else?

But while Americans may be hesitant about AI, the tech industry is embracing it with open arms. Nvidia, the company behind the $10,000 A100 graphics processing units, is making bank off of AI. They saw the potential years ago and invested accordingly. And now, with their recent partnership with Google, their stock prices have skyrocketed.

It's like the tech industry is having a party and Americans are standing outside, peeking in through the window. "Looks like fun," they say, "but I don't think I'm ready to join in just yet."

And then there's OpenAI's ChatGPT, the chatbot that took the tech world by storm. It was supposed to be the big bang event that set us on the path towards an AI future. But as it turns out, its popularity may have been an accident. According to Pew's survey, most Americans haven't even used ChatGPT and only a small percentage believe that chatbots will have a major impact on their jobs.

It's like the tech industry is trying to convince Americans to come to their party by showing them how cool their new toy is. But Americans are like, "Eh, I've seen cooler toys."

And let's not forget about the regulation issue. Americans are more concerned with insufficient government regulation of chatbot use than excessive regulation. It's like they want AI to be regulated, but not too much. They want it to be like Goldilocks' porridge – just right.

So what does all this mean for the future of AI? Well, it looks like America is going to need some convincing before they fully embrace it. Maybe AI needs to bring some snacks to the party or offer to do America's laundry. Or maybe we just need to wait for that one breakthrough moment that will make everyone go, "Oh, I get it now!"

Until then, AI will just have to deal with being the unpopular kid at school. But who knows? Maybe one day, AI will be the coolest kid in class. Or maybe it will just end up being that weird kid who talks to himself in the corner. Only time will tell.

In conclusion, while Americans may be saying "P U" to AI right now, who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day we'll all be best friends with our chatbots and robots will be doing all our chores for us. Or maybe we'll all be living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland ruled by our robot overlords. Either way, it should make for an interesting ride.

ChatGPT: Few Americans think it will impact their job in a major way| Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/28/most-americans-havent-used-chatgpt-few-think-it-will-have-a-major-impact-on-their-job/ 

Americans use AI more than ever, and they trust it less than ever https://www.fastcompany.com/90946378/americans-use-ai-more-than-ever-and-they-trust-it-less-than-ever 

RUFO CONTINUES TO GIVE THE DEVIL A RUN FOR HIS MONEY

Buckle up folks, because we have a real devil of a man on our hands. Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, is causing quite the stir with his efforts to abolish the Gender Studies department at the New College of Florida. And let me tell you, this guy is giving Lucifer a run for his money.

As a trustee, Rufo has some serious power when it comes to college governance. And boy, oh boy, has he been using it to suppress speech and ideas that he doesn't agree with. You know who else did that? Viktor Orbán's authoritarian government in Hungary. Yep, you read that right. Rufo is basically Hungary 2.0.

But wait, it gets even better (or worse, depending on how you look at it). Rufo is trying to justify his actions by saying that universities should be an environment of open, substantive debate. Um, excuse me sir, but how is abolishing an entire field of study promoting open debate? This guy's logic is as twisted as a pretzel.

It's like Rufo thinks he's the gatekeeper of knowledge or something. Newsflash buddy, you're not. In a free society, universities must allow for a free marketplace of ideas. And public universities should be insulated from direct political control. But I guess that's just too much to ask from someone who's clearly on a power trip.

I mean, come on. Gender Studies isn't hurting anyone. It's just trying to understand the complexities of gender and how it intersects with other aspects of identity. But I guess Rufo doesn't want anyone to have a deeper understanding of themselves and others. He'd rather just stick his head in the sand and pretend like everything is rainbows and unicorns.

But hey, maybe we're being too hard on Rufo. Maybe he's just misunderstood. Maybe he's secretly a big fan of Gender Studies and just wants to abolish it so that he can have it all to himself. Or maybe he's just trying to impress his high school crush who once told him that she was majoring in Gender Studies and he didn't know what it was.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is clear: Rufo is the devil in disguise. And if we let him continue down this path of authoritarianism, who knows what other fields of study he'll try to abolish next? Mathematics? English? Pottery? The possibilities are endless.

So let's all come together and tell Rufo that enough is enough. Let's stand up for academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge. And let's do it all with a smile on our face and a witty quip on our lips, because if there's one thing that can defeat the devil, it's a good sense of humor.

Christopher Rufo’s Alarming Crusade Against Universities | Time https://time.com/6309612/christopher-rufo-public-universities-deceptive-essay/ 

The man behind Trump’s campaign against 'critical race theory' https://news.yahoo.com/the-man-behind-trumps-campaign-against-critical-race-theory-120005948.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr via @Yahoo 

MAGA ATTACKS KINDERGARTEN: WHO KNEW PLAYDATES COULD BE SO CONTROVERSIAL

In a shocking turn of events, Chabot Elementary School in Oakland, California, was evacuated on Tuesday after a bomb threat was received via email. But that's not the only thing that's explosive about this story. The threat contained a racial undertone, and the FBI is now assisting the police with an investigation. 

It seems that the MAGA movement has finally found its way to the schoolyard. This threat came amid a series of social media posts and hateful emails following a playdate for Black, brown, and Asian and Pacific Islander families held at the school. The emails contained racist remarks and threats to do harm to the group. 

Now, I don't want to jump to conclusions here, but it seems pretty clear that someone in the MAGA crowd is not happy about people of color getting together to have fun. Maybe they're just jealous that they don't have any friends to play with. Or maybe they're just upset that their own playdates consist of sitting alone in their basements, scrolling through Twitter and retweeting Donald Trump's latest conspiracy theories.

But let's not forget about the bomb scare. I mean, who sends a bomb threat to an elementary school? That's just messed up. It's like they're trying to prove that they're the biggest bullies on the playground. Well, newsflash, MAGA crowd, nobody likes a bully. 

The Oakland Unified School District has contacted the police and will host a community town hall next week. But I have a feeling that the MAGA crowd won't be showing up. They're probably too busy trying to figure out how to use spellcheck on their next hate-filled email. 

In all seriousness though, this is a scary situation. It's not just about a bomb threat or some hateful emails. It's about the fact that racism still exists in our society, and it's up to all of us to stand up against it. So let's show the MAGA crowd that they're not welcome in our communities. Let's show them that we won't back down in the face of hate. And let's show them that when we come together, we're stronger than any bomb threat they could ever send our way.

In conclusion, we want to remind everyone that hate has no place in our schools or our communities. And if you're one of those people who thinks it's okay to threaten violence against innocent children because of their race, then you can kindly see yourself out. And take your red hat with you.

Bomb threat, hate speech being investigated at Chabot Elementary https://oaklandside.org/2023/08/29/chabot-elementary-evacuated-school-canceled-due-to-bomb-threat/?

California elementary school evacuated over bomb threat after rightwing harassment https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/30/california-elementary-school-bomb-threat-libs-tiktok-extremist?CMP=share_btn_tw 

Chabot Elementary School in Oakland shut down following bomb threat with "racial undertones" https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/chabot-elementary-school-bomb-threat-racial-undertones-police-activity/ via @KPIXTV 

WILL TEXAS GOV ABBOTT ADD ALLIGATORS AND LANDMINES IN NEXT ANTI-IMMIGRANT MOVE

As if the year 2020 wasn't enough to handle, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has decided to spice things up by militarizing the US-Mexico border. Because, you know, what's a little extra drama and tension between neighbors?

Abbott's Operation Lone Star has been met with controversy and criticism, but that hasn't stopped him from throwing billions of dollars at anti-immigrant efforts. And he's not alone in his quest for a fortified border - Republican governors from South Dakota to Florida have joined in, sending personnel and equipment to assist.

But Abbott's latest move has really raised some eyebrows - he's added a line of buoys in the Rio Grande. Yes, you read that right. Buoys. In a river. Because apparently, Abbott thinks he's playing a game of Battleship with Mexico.

Not surprisingly, the addition of buoys has not gone over well with humanitarian and environmental critics, or with the Biden administration. In fact, the US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit seeking to remove the $1 million buoy barrier, claiming it violates the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Who knew that a law from over a century ago would come in handy in 2021?

But Abbott's not just stopping at buoys. Oh no, he's also been clearing vegetation and flattening small islands in the river where migrants often pause for breath. Because who needs wildlife habitat when you can have a militarized border, right?

It's almost like Abbott is trying to one-up former President Trump's border wall obsession. What's next, landmines? Maybe he'll start building moats and drawbridges too. Who needs diplomacy and cooperation when you can just build a fortress?

But let's not forget about the real victims here - the poor migrants who are just trying to find a better life for themselves and their families. They're the ones who are suffering from Abbott's militarization tactics, as they're met with even more obstacles and dangers on their journey.

In conclusion, Governor Abbott may think he's playing a game of Risk with Mexico, but the reality is that his actions have serious consequences for both people and the environment. Maybe it's time for him to put down the toy soldiers and start focusing on real solutions that don't involve turning our border into a warzone.

Deadly buoys, razor wires, armed guards: Greg Abbott is fixated on keeping migrants out https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/29/greg-abott-texas-governor-mexico-border-asylum-seekers-risk?CMP=share_btn_tw 

Texas Senate hopeful decries governor’s ‘criminal, inhumane’ razor-wire barrier | Texas | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/28/texas-governor-condemned-razor-wire-buoy-us-mexico-border 

DOJ to sue Texas over Gov. Abbott's floating wall, razor wire along the Rio Grande https://www.tpr.org/border-immigration/2023-07-21/doj-to-sue-texas-over-gov-abbotts-operation-lone-star-border-security-program 

SCUSD: NO LONGER FOR SALE TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER?

After years of being led by billionaire privatizers, the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) is finally turning the page on some of the darkest times in city history. This is great news for the students who deserve better services and for the teachers who have been bashed by the powers that be and the Sacramento Bee.

The recent collaboration between the district and its labor unions is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship in our learning community supported by students, parents, and teachers. Finally, we can focus on growing and improving the services to the students instead of focusing on privatization.

This may be the rebirth of SCUSD as the true heart of Sacramento. And maybe, just maybe, the powers that be and the Sacramento Bee will stop bashing the teachers and their union. We can only hope.

In a historic move, the Sacramento City Teachers Association (SCTA) and SCUSD have reached an agreement on increasing teacher compensation for the 2022-2023 school year. And let me tell you, it's about damn time!

The agreement includes a 10% ongoing salary increase for all SCTA members, a 6% increase for staff providing critical services, and an increase in substitute teacher pay to $355 per day. That's right, folks. The subs are finally getting their due.

But that's not all. The parties have also committed to reaching a two-year deal on pay for the school years from 2023 to 2025, as well as an agreement on class size and other issues, by November 15. It's like Christmas came early for the teachers and students of SCUSD.

Gone are the days of billionaire privatizers trying to control our schools. It's time to focus on community schools that we deserve. And with this new agreement, we can finally do just that.

But let's not forget about the elephant in the room. The district and union had previously been at odds, culminating in an eight-day strike during the 2021-22 school year. But now, they've put their differences aside and come together for the greater good.

It's like a rom-com where the two leads hate each other at first, but then they realize they're perfect for each other. Except in this case, it's the district and union realizing they're perfect for each other. It's a beautiful thing.

So let's raise a glass to the SCTA and SCUSD for finally coming to an agreement that benefits everyone involved. Here's to a brighter future for our schools and our students. Cheers!

Sacramento teachers union and SCUSD reach agreement to boost salaries https://www.kcra.com/article/sacramento-teachers-union-and-scusd-reach-agreement-to-boost-salaries/44953324