School starts for students whose families rely on public education, which the Trump administration is trying to end. For years, however, school reforms have made schools less personable; as a result, school attendance has decreased, especially since the pandemic. Why do kids reject school? Bullying, harassment, family problems, parental work schedules, mental health, illnesses, transportation, […]
AI Literacy for Preschoolers? The Frightening Redefining of Childhood
President Trump’s goal to make artificial intelligence (AI) accessible to students in grades K-12 raises far-reaching concerns. Here, I would like to discuss the potential effects this could have on preschool. The right-wing The74 wants to get children using AI before kindergarten. They reference the link noted in my last post, where Donald Trump grins over […]
The TROUBLING Teacher Union Connection to Open AI, Microsoft, and Anthropic
The AFT and UFT have signed an agreement with Open AI, Microsoft, and Anthropic to fund AI teacher training, stating that this will put teachers in the driving seat. Why worry? Here’s a list of concerns. Tech companies have made billions for years from public education, with little accountability, and students have not become better learners. […]
This July 4th: What Children See
‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you did it to me.’ ~Matthew 25:40 (English Standard Version) If you’re a parent or a teacher, you know that students are observant. On this Fourth of July, one must ask how to celebrate independence and the freedom […]
The Trump Administration is Ending Special Education!
…[B]efore IDEA, before the Department of Education existed. State and local schools did not educate these kids; they barred them from the classrooms. These kids [with disabilities] were institutionalized and abused. There is a reason that the Department of Education and IDEA exist, and it is because educating kids with disabilities can be really hard. […]
Privatization Parallels for National Parks and Public Schools
Over the years, with the push for school privatization, Americans have increasingly given up ownership of their public schools. Likewise, we’re in jeopardy of losing access to national parks and land that should belong to us. These are two very public establishments for the benefit of Americans, and they have a lot in common. For […]
What a Difference Teachers Could Make With $45 Million!
President Donald Trump will hold a military parade on his birthday, costing approximately $45 million, claiming it’s for the 250th birthday of the Army and Flag Day. This money might not seem like much to some, and no offense to the army. But I’m thinking about what teachers, known for scrimping and saving, would do […]
Chall’s Missing STAGES OF READING DEVELOPMENT in the Science of Reading
In a sense, each teacher adds by putting a brick upon another brick in a child’s reading development. And together all build a great structure. ~Jeanne S. Chall, Stages of Reading Development (1983, p. 169) Searching the so-called Science of Reading (SoR) research, one may spot citations from the late Harvard reading Professor Jeanne Chall. […]
High School Career Push: For Whom and For What?
Are public school students pushed into aligning their futures with career and technical education (CTE) instead of college to fit business needs, or college instead of CTE? Career education has been politicized and driven by school privatization for years. It doesn’t have to be this way. The CTE versus college debate is unnecessary. Both are […]
Mothers and Children Should Be Welcomed and Protected in America!
On this Mother’s Day, many of us will enjoy cards, flowers, brunches, and children who work overtime to show appreciation. Or maybe your kids are teens and will be less than enthusiastic. It happens, and you will hope that it passes soon. Some will start the day with church attendance to thank God for their […]