Republican Assault on Public Education

[MT15]

This probably needs its own thread. It ties in with a lot of different R culture wars: Attacks on universities, attacks on CRT and “woke”. Classifying teachers and librarians as “groomers”. Pushing vouchers to send tax money to private, often religious, schools. Betsy DeVos was an advocate for all these policies that will weaken public education, and there are several billionaires who also want to dismantle public education. Public education may have its faults, but it is responsible for an amazing amount of upward mobility. Kids from poor areas can still get a college prep education in a public school.

Vouchers (sometimes disguised as “school choice”) are a particular peeve of mine. Public money is diverted from poor schools to wealthy private schools, which aren’t required to offer accommodations for special needs or challenged students. Families with special needs kids are left out. Rural areas often suffer disproportionately because there are no private schools to attend, but their public schools still see the reduction in funding. Often the families who take advantage of the voucher money are upper class and the private schools simply raise tuition knowing the families are getting taxpayer money now.

Greg Abbot is being particularly vile in this area. No surprise. Voters will have to make a statement about public education. If we want to halt the growing divide in this country between the “haves” and “have-nots”, we need to pay attention to public education.

 

[SFIDC3]

Above reminds me of a time I was a HS senior, come home to get ready for work....my mother has her bridge club over and one of her friends (lifelong housewife, never worked, married older wealthy guy) preceded to lecture me about how the world needs "ditch diggers"......she was the perfect example of a MAGA trad wife.....back in 1982.....

 

[Dragon]

Children should be funneled towards career paths such as plumbing or being electricians as early as elementary school, according to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, amid high demand for skilled tradespeople and a brewing labor shortage as the country looks to rapidly build AI data centers.

“Not every child needs a college education,” McMahon said in an interview on Thursday on Mornings With Maria on Fox Business. “Let’s develop the skills that children have a natural propensity for and not force them into a path of education that’s not going to serve them well.”

“We need electricians and plumbers and we need HVAC operators and data engineers, all of that,” she added. “So let’s provide the kind of education for them, get them into pathways towards that education, starting even in elementary, middle schools, high schools.”

Separating students based on potential future academic and career paths, known as “tracking,” has long been divisive. Backers argue it better prepares students for the workforce and aligns curriculum with their interests and skills, while critics contend tracking reinforces inequality and denies children opportunities to pursue certain kinds of education.

The Trump administration has made a point of emphasizing vocational education and attacking big universities it accuses of being bastions of liberal ideology and discrimination……….

Education Sec. Linda McMahon wants elementary students on ‘pathway’ to be plumbers

The Trump administration has pushed to prioritize apprenticeships and technical education while at the same time cutting billions in education and research funding

www.independent.co.uk

We're already seeing a similar trend in the attacks on diversity initiatives and affirmative action in higher education.

Whether you supported those policies or not, they were intended to broaden access to universities for students who didn't come from the traditional pipeline. Rolling them back while simultaneously encouraging earlier career tracking raises a legitimate concern: are we expanding opportunity, or narrowing it?

Suggesting that children should be funneled into career tracks as early as elementary school is particularly troubling. Children develop at different rates. Many don't discover their strengths or interests until high school—or even later. Locking them into a path too early risks limiting opportunities before they've had a fair chance to explore them. The children of affluent families will almost certainly continue to attend the best schools, go to university, build professional networks, and have the flexibility to reinvent themselves throughout their careers.

History also gives us reasons to be cautious. Tracking systems have often reflected social biases rather than ability. Girls were steered toward caregiving and homemaking. Minority students were disproportionately encouraged toward vocational work while others were guided toward college. We shouldn't be repeating mistakes that reduced opportunity based on stereotypes rather than potential.

The real question is whether children from working-class families will continue to have those same opportunities—or whether they'll increasingly be encouraged to remain in the social and economic class they were born into.

That question becomes even more important in the age of AI. No career—not even the skilled trades—is guaranteed to remain unchanged over the next 20 years. The people who thrive will be those who can adapt, retrain, and keep learning throughout their lives.

If we encourage some children to specialize earlier while others continue to receive the broadest possible education and the greatest flexibility, we risk creating a society with fewer paths for upward mobility.

That's why I worry about policies that encourage early tracking. They don't just shape careers—they risk creating a permanent divide between those who always have options and those whose options become narrower with every technological shift.

The goal of education should be to maximize opportunities throughout life, not to decide a child's future before they've even had the chance to discover their potential.

 

[Optimus Prime]

and on a surface level I won't say I disagree

College isn't for everyone, and sometimes people know that it isn't for them (they don't know it in grade school though)

Absolutely nothing wrong with being a plumber or electrician or any trade and as a society we need to do much better not demonizing (or at least looking down on people who don't go to college and work a trade) or a condescending attitude of "there's nothing wrong with being a plumber........if you aren't smart enough or can't afford to go to college)

We need to stop requiring a college degree for a job that clearly does not require a college degree

That said, I don't trust anything this admin says and am automatically suspicious of, and question anything they say

This sounds like they are actively funneling students (and want to start in elementary school remember) away from having ambitions of going to university at all

I wonder why (really I know exactly why)

 

[TampaJoe]

and on a surface level I won't say I disagree

College isn't for everyone, and sometimes people know that it isn't for them (they don't know it in grade school though)

Absolutely nothing wrong with being a plumber or electrician or any trade and as a society we need to do much better not demonizing (or at least looking down on people who don't go to college and work a trade) or a condescending attitude of "there's nothing wrong with being a plumber........if you aren't smart enough or can't afford to go to college)

We need to stop requiring a college degree for a job that clearly does not require a college degree

That said, I don't trust anything this admin says and am automatically suspicious of, and question anything they say

This sounds like they are actively funneling students (and want to start in elementary school remember) away from having ambitions of going to university at all

I wonder why (really I know exactly why)

I agree we shouldn’t be funneling anyone. However as you point out, many students know in HS they don’t want to go to college. Allowing those kids to train in skills that do interest them makes more sense than forcing them to pursue academics in which they have no interest.

I know plumbers who drive Maseratis. So they can and do make a pretty good living.

 

[Maxp]

I agree we shouldn’t be funneling anyone. However as you point out, many students know in HS they don’t want to go to college. Allowing those kids to train in skills that do interest them makes more sense than forcing them to pursue academics in which they have no interest.

I know plumbers who drive Maseratis. So they can and do make a pretty good living.

Minimum charge by me for a plumber visit is $400 thanks to PE. There is no shortage of HVAC techs, just a shortage of competitive prices again due to PE.

 

[TampaJoe]

Minimum charge by me for a plumber visit is $400 thanks to PE. There is no shortage of HVAC techs, just a shortage of competitive prices again due to PE.

PE??

 

[Maxp]

PE??

Private equity

 

[TampaJoe]

Private equity

Understood. I have pitched deals at them before but I have never worked for a company that was owned by PE. It’s all about the numbers with those guys I hear and their horizon is 5 to 7 years.

 

[bird]

We're already seeing a similar trend in the attacks on diversity initiatives and affirmative action in higher education.

Whether you supported those policies or not, they were intended to broaden access to universities for students who didn't come from the traditional pipeline. Rolling them back while simultaneously encouraging earlier career tracking raises a legitimate concern: are we expanding opportunity, or narrowing it?

Suggesting that children should be funneled into career tracks as early as elementary school is particularly troubling. Children develop at different rates. Many don't discover their strengths or interests until high school—or even later. Locking them into a path too early risks limiting opportunities before they've had a fair chance to explore them. The children of affluent families will almost certainly continue to attend the best schools, go to university, build professional networks, and have the flexibility to reinvent themselves throughout their careers.

History also gives us reasons to be cautious. Tracking systems have often reflected social biases rather than ability. Girls were steered toward caregiving and homemaking. Minority students were disproportionately encouraged toward vocational work while others were guided toward college. We shouldn't be repeating mistakes that reduced opportunity based on stereotypes rather than potential.

The real question is whether children from working-class families will continue to have those same opportunities—or whether they'll increasingly be encouraged to remain in the social and economic class they were born into.

That question becomes even more important in the age of AI. No career—not even the skilled trades—is guaranteed to remain unchanged over the next 20 years. The people who thrive will be those who can adapt, retrain, and keep learning throughout their lives.

If we encourage some children to specialize earlier while others continue to receive the broadest possible education and the greatest flexibility, we risk creating a society with fewer paths for upward mobility.

That's why I worry about policies that encourage early tracking. They don't just shape careers—they risk creating a permanent divide between those who always have options and those whose options become narrower with every technological shift.

The goal of education should be to maximize opportunities throughout life, not to decide a child's future before they've even had the chance to discover their potential.

Which District does plumbing?

 

[CoolBrees]

I agree we shouldn’t be funneling anyone. However as you point out, many students know in HS they don’t want to go to college. Allowing those kids to train in skills that do interest them makes more sense than forcing them to pursue academics in which they have no interest.

Then you need to take this up with those who cut funding for vocational programs in the public school system.

Wanna take a guess at who did that?

And to the point, vocational school should always be an option that is a part of the public school system. Just like theater. But it should be 100% the kid’s choice.

 

[Optimus Prime]

could have gone in the celebs thread too
============================
Kelsey Grammer has strong reservations about some American educators and their commentaries!

The American actor is passionate about seeing changes in the American education system, criticizing the trend of negative views of the country that is ingrained in kids and youths.

Kelsey Grammer has in recent times gotten super involved in the patriotic side of American culture, encouraging people to study the history of the country to prepare for a brighter future.

The filmmaker linked up with Katie Miller on an upcoming episode of her podcast, claiming that the educational community is deliberately teaching that the United States is not a great country.

The actor described these teachings as a form of child abuse towards kids. In the interview which TMZ previewed, Grammer revealed that the urgency to address the situation birthed the creation of his education nonprofit organization.

The American Revelation Foundation, according to the actor, will repaint the image of America and offer a more positive view of the country’s history and values. According to the nonprofit’s website, the foundation helps people explore and celebrate America’s founding principles and enduring values.

He continued in the preview that there is an ongoing plot within the education system to teach children negative views about the United States. As outlined by the website, the actor will be starring in daily educational videos that each cover 1 year of United States history.

Grammer, a few days ago at “Planet Tyrus,” podcast once again clamored for major changes in the US education system, arguing that an abysmal understanding of American history leaves people vulnerable to outside influence.

The New York Post shared that the veteran actor discussed that having a full understanding of the country’s origins is essential to developing a strong sense of identity.

In his view, Grammer argued that the foundations are easier to mislead or manipulate, making history education more important than ever. The actor felt that the educational system has “gone astray” from teaching the country’s core values substantively.

The movie star then attacked the stereotyping of the Founding Fathers, explaining that “mindset” ignores their accomplishments. He cited Thomas Jefferson as an example; he was only 33 years old when he wrote the Declaration of Independence, which Grammer says is one of the most influential political documents in history.

The actor also addressed the issue of the American Revolution, stating that it was driven by ideals and shared principles and not fueled by race or identity. Ultimately, Grammer emphasized that the foundation of America was placed on freedom and opportunity, alongside people’s thoughts and aspirations.................

Kelsey Grammer Doubles Down On Educational System With 'Child Abuse' Comparison

Kelsey Grammer has in recent times gotten involved in the patriotic side of American culture, encouraging people to study the history.

theblast.com

 

[camdudetenger2018]

could have gone in the celebs thread too
============================
Kelsey Grammer has strong reservations about some American educators and their commentaries!

The American actor is passionate about seeing changes in the American education system, criticizing the trend of negative views of the country that is ingrained in kids and youths.

Kelsey Grammer has in recent times gotten super involved in the patriotic side of American culture, encouraging people to study the history of the country to prepare for a brighter future.

The filmmaker linked up with Katie Miller on an upcoming episode of her podcast, claiming that the educational community is deliberately teaching that the United States is not a great country.

The actor described these teachings as a form of child abuse towards kids. In the interview which TMZ previewed, Grammer revealed that the urgency to address the situation birthed the creation of his education nonprofit organization.

The American Revelation Foundation, according to the actor, will repaint the image of America and offer a more positive view of the country’s history and values. According to the nonprofit’s website, the foundation helps people explore and celebrate America’s founding principles and enduring values.

He continued in the preview that there is an ongoing plot within the education system to teach children negative views about the United States. As outlined by the website, the actor will be starring in daily educational videos that each cover 1 year of United States history.

Grammer, a few days ago at “Planet Tyrus,” podcast once again clamored for major changes in the US education system, arguing that an abysmal understanding of American history leaves people vulnerable to outside influence.

The New York Post shared that the veteran actor discussed that having a full understanding of the country’s origins is essential to developing a strong sense of identity.

In his view, Grammer argued that the foundations are easier to mislead or manipulate, making history education more important than ever. The actor felt that the educational system has “gone astray” from teaching the country’s core values substantively.

The movie star then attacked the stereotyping of the Founding Fathers, explaining that “mindset” ignores their accomplishments. He cited Thomas Jefferson as an example; he was only 33 years old when he wrote the Declaration of Independence, which Grammer says is one of the most influential political documents in history.

The actor also addressed the issue of the American Revolution, stating that it was driven by ideals and shared principles and not fueled by race or identity. Ultimately, Grammer emphasized that the foundation of America was placed on freedom and opportunity, alongside people’s thoughts and aspirations.................

Kelsey Grammer Doubles Down On Educational System With 'Child Abuse' Comparison

Kelsey Grammer has in recent times gotten involved in the patriotic side of American culture, encouraging people to study the history.

theblast.com

whats crazy is how kelsey grammer played a new collage professor in boston on the 2024 version of frasier

 

[MT15]

 

[MT15]

 

[Optimus Prime]

 

[zztop]

Trump 2.0 has deleted or altered nearly 400 US datasets, endangering public health, education and more

Health data appears to be most affected by administration’s attempt to wipe findings that don’t align with its priorities, tracker shows

www.theguardian.com

A database of federal law enforcement officer misconduct records. A survey measuring physical, sexual and emotional violence against children and youth. Real-time pollution readings collected by air quality monitors from US embassies around the world.

These are among the hundreds of federal datasets that the Trump administration has taken down or altered as part of its aggressive campaign to wipe all mentions of data findings that do not align with the administration’s priorities.

Over the past year and a half, at least 28 federal datasets have been deleted and another 338 data collections have been modified, according to an online tracker released last week from dataindex.us, a group of data policy experts, researchers and developers that formed last year to monitor changes to government data.

 

[Optimus Prime]

The White House posted a video of Tim and Moby in MAGA hats. Their creators responded with a copyright lesson.​

The White House posted a video of Tim and Moby in MAGA hats. Their creators responded with a copyright lesson.

Tim and Moby's creators responded with a video explaining copyright infringement. Copyright lawyers say they have a case against the White House.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[MT15]

They need to take action.