education
A place to hash out all opinions on education policy, charter schools, statewide testing, and what the political world is and isn't doing about it.
Spare Changing. Honorable Mention in The Moment That Changed Everything Challenge.
“Kirabo?” He blinked awake. For a moment, he felt out of place. Chalky walls reflected white light from a cold glass window. The sound of city leaked through its translucent charm, even from several stories high, and the smell of brewing coffee seemed to soften the keen edges of a modern, greyscale design. A heartening, feminine voice greets him through a cracked door.
By Talia Frankabout a year ago in The Swamp
Lockdown
I can give you the date: March 11, 2020. Everything that led up to this moment and the fallout afterward may fall from the world’s memory over time, but I kept a running timeline from pre-2020 to January 2021. I know that one day my grandchildren will ask if any of “that stuff” actually happened so I collected article headlines, news photos, and the abundance of memes that one day won’t make sense out of context.
By Barb Dukemanabout a year ago in The Swamp
The Process for Entering the United States. AI-Generated.
Entering the United States legally and gaining citizenship is a process that can seem complex, but it’s essential for anyone hoping to live and work in the country long-term. While illegal immigration is a topic of concern, this article will focus on the importance of following the legal steps to enter the U.S. and eventually become a U.S. citizen. Let’s dive into the journey from entry to citizenship!
By Timothy A Rowlandabout a year ago in The Swamp
Looking Through the Eyes of The Shadow Self
The mists were thick as Kat climbed along the hard crust of crystalline frost that covered the path. An irregular echo of footsteps followed her. It was the ice cracking the rocks. She made it to the top of a high mountain. The low sunlight illuminated the deep waters below. She turned to look around. Cast upon surfaces of mists and clouds loomed the enormous blind Spectre of Brocken, known as the Grey Man of the mountains, whose Gaelic title is Am Fear Liath Mòr.
By Katherine D. Grahamabout a year ago in The Swamp
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire. AI-Generated.
Introduction The Israel-Hamas ceasefire, as complex as it may seem, represents a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. Over the years, several ceasefire attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success. This article delves into the significance of these ceasefires, the challenges in achieving lasting peace, and what lies ahead for the region.
By Timothy A Rowlandabout a year ago in The Swamp
Say His Name: George Floyd
During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone was in quarantine, daily life was interrupted, and everyone was staying safe from the deadly virus. However, one event that received national attention was the death of George Floyd. On May 25, 2020, the then 46-year-old was suspected of using fake money and was stopped by police and then, they held him to the ground. What happened next was shocking. Now former Minneapolis police officer and convicted murderer, Derek Chauvin, was seen on video pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. Despite Floyd’s constant pleas that he couldn't breathe to Chauvin and from bystanders to let him breathe, Chauvin ignored their pleas and the other officers at the scene refused to intervene. Floyd’s death sparked worldwide outrage and protests from around the world. One of the things that continues to irk me is when anytime a black person has been killed by the police, most people would say the following: “If he/she would’ve followed the officer’s orders, then they wouldn’t have been shot.” This is such a tone deaf way of saying that a black person who lost their life deserved it. To me, it's a form of victim blaming. Even if they obeyed a police officer's orders, no one deserves to have their lives taken in a tragic manner. Also, opponents of racial injustice protests would also describe black people as thugs, drug dealers, and everything under the sun. As a person of color, I ask everyone to not paint all black people with one brush. You're missing the entire point of why we still hold Black Lives Matter protests. The point of these protests is to call for accountability of any police officer who takes the life of black individuals. In other words, arresting police officers as opposed to putting them on administrative leave (paid or unpaid) or on bond. Also, seeing them being convicted and sentenced to time in prison, making sure that the families of the slain receive justice.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in The Swamp
Israel to Free 737 Prisoners in Initial Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Jerusalem: In a landmark decision, Israel’s justice ministry has announced that 737 prisoners and detainees will be released as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, which was approved on Saturday. The ministry confirmed on its official website that the government has authorized the release of these individuals, who are currently held in Israeli prisons. This move is a key component of the broader agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions and facilitating the return of hostages held by Hamas.
By Jebaraj Jacob about a year ago in The Swamp
Charter School Debt Increases To At Least $2,899,721
“Any charter that refuses to pay what is owed should be revoked.” – Scott Schmerelson “If a charter school refuses to pay the fees they owe, even after given opportunities to pay their debt to our students, then I do support revoking the charter from the school.” – Karla Griego
By Carl J. Petersenabout a year ago in The Swamp
Well-Intentioned But Flawed (And Perhaps Dangerous)
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” – German Proverb Almost 11% of the unhoused population in the United States is located within the City and County of Los Angeles. In 2023, only New York City had more than the 71,320 Angelenos without a home. For visualization, that is more than the number of people who attended Super Bowl LXI at the $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium.
By Carl J. Petersenabout a year ago in The Swamp








