Beth H

Beth H

@springers1.bsky.social

Retired. Former state bureaucrat, school psychologist and current chicken keeper. Love my two springer spaniels, reading and genealogy.

74 followers758 following25 posts

Beth H reposted

Aaron Rupar
@atrupar.com

There has been an increasing sense in Minneapolis that we are on our own, that our elected representatives are unwilling and/or unable to take action to get these murderous Nazi thugs out of our community. I really hope that changes today. The time for pleading TV hits ended weeks ago.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

@chuckwendig.bsky.social I read the Book of Accidents and it scared the crap out of me. I loved it! So I started Black River Orchard. The chapter The Apple delighted me. Two pages of amazing writing. About an Apple. There is truly something special about well crafted words on a page.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I’ve been thinking a lot about the plan of the Trump administration to close the Department of Education. I’ve worked in both local school districts and a state Ed agency in a battleground state. Here are my thoughts about what could happen.

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Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

States very differently meaning services for special ed children may vary by state. I also worry that federal funds could be allocated, by states, for religious Ed in public schools or for “patriotism classes” maybe even used as a grant for Brett Favre to build another building.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I’ve been thinking a lot about the plan of the Trump administration to close the Department of Education. I’ve worked in both local school districts and a state Ed agency in a battleground state. Here are my thoughts about what could happen.

View full thread
Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

And just some additional thoughts. Title 1 funds are an item considered on the chopping block. I think there is a misperception that these go primarily to cities (blue enclaves) but these funds are for districts with high levels of poverty. This will effect rural school districts as much as it

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

Does urban. (I’m new at this thread posting.) the push here for private school vouchers will also likely impact rural communities. For profit schools are not likely going to rural areas. Not enough money to be made there. Also very few church schools in rural areas. So this will impact

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I’ve been thinking a lot about the plan of the Trump administration to close the Department of Education. I’ve worked in both local school districts and a state Ed agency in a battleground state. Here are my thoughts about what could happen.

View full thread
Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

School counselors, school social workers and school psychologists. These funds are appropriated by Congress for these grants. Without the DOE I’m not sure how these grants will continue. During the last Trump admin, the federal grant staff was very thin. This meant states received far less support

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

From DOE to implement these grants. So if the department is gone who will ensure the appropriated funds are sent to the states and who will monitor the states to ensure the funds are being spent on the required activities?

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I’ve been thinking a lot about the plan of the Trump administration to close the Department of Education. I’ve worked in both local school districts and a state Ed agency in a battleground state. Here are my thoughts about what could happen.

View full thread
Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

3. Competitive grants. DOE and other agencies conduct grant competitions, inviting state agencies to apply for funds. These are specific in nature. These funds support innovative practices for academic programs but also for practices that support student mental health and wellness

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

And school climate. These dollars are sent to states to support local school districts. These grants pay for teacher training, parent engagement, curriculum materials and even support additional staff in schools. Staff school districts would not be able to afford on their own.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I’ve been thinking a lot about the plan of the Trump administration to close the Department of Education. I’ve worked in both local school districts and a state Ed agency in a battleground state. Here are my thoughts about what could happen.

View full thread
Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

2. Oversight. In order to receive the funds states are required to follow federal laws. Think IDEA/special ed laws. Without oversight by the federal agency states may be able to do whatever they want with the funds. Who will stop them? In my state I think about private voucher programs.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

Without oversight parents of special ed children may have no ability to file a complaint or receive an investigation. Special education is expensive and in my state the Republican legislature has been reducing funding for public education.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I’ve been thinking a lot about the plan of the Trump administration to close the Department of Education. I’ve worked in both local school districts and a state Ed agency in a battleground state. Here are my thoughts about what could happen.

View full thread
Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

There are more uncertain things and much will depend upon your state. Some of these “uncertain things” are in no particular order: 1. Threats of huge budget cuts (2trillion?) will most certainly include cuts to DOE budget items. Less money to states.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I’ve been thinking a lot about the plan of the Trump administration to close the Department of Education. I’ve worked in both local school districts and a state Ed agency in a battleground state. Here are my thoughts about what could happen.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

There are certainties and there are unknowns. This will be chaotic. Most people don’t know what employees of DOE do. Sending the funds to the states still requires people. The funds are allocated, by law, and are often formula based.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

Does anyone else feel like there is no clear leadership of the Democratic Party? I don’t think all of the hand wringing and gnashing of teeth about the election is helping. I would like to know if they have a plan to moderate the actions that Trump and Co will be taking.

Beth H
@springers1.bsky.social

I was an observer on “the other platform” and know I won’t emotionally survive the oncoming shit show doom scrolling on that site. I have lots of feelings about the election and what is to come. Let’s talk history, share great fiction recommendations, and admire each others pets!

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