Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
@adamlaats.bsky.social
US Historian at Binghamton U. Columbo fan. Books about schools, religion, conservatism. Now writing about the roots of US public schools, c. 1790-1860. adamlaats.net
Pinned
Worth reading--here's a gift link.
When we give students BS hoops to jump through, they use AI to do the jumping.
But when we focus on real human education, AI just gets kind of...irrelevant:
When we give students BS hoops to jump through, they use AI to do the jumping.
But when we focus on real human education, AI just gets kind of...irrelevant:
I’m a Professor. A.I. Has Changed My Classroom, but Not for the Worse.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Worth reading--here's a gift link.
When we give students BS hoops to jump through, they use AI to do the jumping.
But when we focus on real human education, AI just gets kind of...irrelevant:
When we give students BS hoops to jump through, they use AI to do the jumping.
But when we focus on real human education, AI just gets kind of...irrelevant:
Counter point: What if schools' "ultimate test" is whether or not a graduate is kind to people, even if those people aren't their bosses?
How One Educator Is Prepping Students for the Ultimate Test: The Job Interview: Helping students learn how to perform well in job interviews is a critical skill schools can teach.
How One Educator Is Prepping Students for the Ultimate Test: The Job Interview
Helping students learn how to perform well in job interviews is a critical skill schools can teach.
www.edweek.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Counter point: What if schools' "ultimate test" is whether or not a graduate is kind to people, even if those people aren't their bosses?
Prediction: Books will be yanked for including the moral: "Don't be a total dick to the people in your neighborhood."
The history: In the 1980s, fundamentalists took their book protest all the way to the top. They said teaching about the "brotherhood of man" was a sinister anti-Christian plot.
The history: In the 1980s, fundamentalists took their book protest all the way to the top. They said teaching about the "brotherhood of man" was a sinister anti-Christian plot.
1. In Tennessee, public libraries have closed for up to a week to facilitate a Trump-inspired book purge.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee public libraries close for Trump-inspired book purge
One hundred and eighty-one public libraries in Tennessee are reviewing their children’s collections after Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) ordered them to remove books with LGBTQ themes…
popular.info
November 25, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Prediction: Books will be yanked for including the moral: "Don't be a total dick to the people in your neighborhood."
The history: In the 1980s, fundamentalists took their book protest all the way to the top. They said teaching about the "brotherhood of man" was a sinister anti-Christian plot.
The history: In the 1980s, fundamentalists took their book protest all the way to the top. They said teaching about the "brotherhood of man" was a sinister anti-Christian plot.
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
Sometimes I think it’s going to be the librarians who will save us all.
November 25, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Sometimes I think it’s going to be the librarians who will save us all.
School people: Great article by @benjaminjriley.bsky.social deflating the "AI hype machine."
Tech hype is literally the founding flaw of US public schools.
If you want to read the full history, my book is now 40% off thanks to Johns Hopkins. Use the code: HHOL25
Tech hype is literally the founding flaw of US public schools.
If you want to read the full history, my book is now 40% off thanks to Johns Hopkins. Use the code: HHOL25
November 25, 2025 at 1:41 PM
School people: Great article by @benjaminjriley.bsky.social deflating the "AI hype machine."
Tech hype is literally the founding flaw of US public schools.
If you want to read the full history, my book is now 40% off thanks to Johns Hopkins. Use the code: HHOL25
Tech hype is literally the founding flaw of US public schools.
If you want to read the full history, my book is now 40% off thanks to Johns Hopkins. Use the code: HHOL25
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
I can't help but wonder what the "today's-children-are-more-stressed-than-ever" crowd would say to this one from the NE Primer (1778 ed.):
November 24, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I can't help but wonder what the "today's-children-are-more-stressed-than-ever" crowd would say to this one from the NE Primer (1778 ed.):
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
I don't think I've ever disagreed and agreed more strongly with a piece, seesawing from one paragraph to the next.
Will come back to dissect.
#GiftLink #GiftArticle
Will come back to dissect.
#GiftLink #GiftArticle
America’s Children Are Unwell. Are Schools Part of the Problem?
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:42 AM
I don't think I've ever disagreed and agreed more strongly with a piece, seesawing from one paragraph to the next.
Will come back to dissect.
#GiftLink #GiftArticle
Will come back to dissect.
#GiftLink #GiftArticle
Here's one in honor of Universal Children's Day.
In 1827, white adult Thomas Hale visited the all-Black NYC African Free School.
He was dismayed that the class was derailed due to students' "Levity and Laughter, which Seemed rather generally to prevail.”
In 1827, white adult Thomas Hale visited the all-Black NYC African Free School.
He was dismayed that the class was derailed due to students' "Levity and Laughter, which Seemed rather generally to prevail.”
November 20, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Here's one in honor of Universal Children's Day.
In 1827, white adult Thomas Hale visited the all-Black NYC African Free School.
He was dismayed that the class was derailed due to students' "Levity and Laughter, which Seemed rather generally to prevail.”
In 1827, white adult Thomas Hale visited the all-Black NYC African Free School.
He was dismayed that the class was derailed due to students' "Levity and Laughter, which Seemed rather generally to prevail.”
In honor of Universal Children's Day, here is some student art n poetry from NYC's segregated "African Free School," c. 1819 and 1822:
November 20, 2025 at 2:53 PM
In honor of Universal Children's Day, here is some student art n poetry from NYC's segregated "African Free School," c. 1819 and 1822:
Hey #skystorians, what are the classic or new books you're recommending when your non-specialist friends are watching Ken Burns and want to read more?
I'm saying 1.) Elizabeth Fenn's Pox Americana and
2.) @michaelhattem.bsky.social 's Memory of '76.
I'm saying 1.) Elizabeth Fenn's Pox Americana and
2.) @michaelhattem.bsky.social 's Memory of '76.
The Memory of ’76
The surprising history of how Americans have fought over the meaning and legacy of the Revolution for nearly two and a half centuries Finalist, George Wash...
yalebooks.yale.edu
November 20, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Hey #skystorians, what are the classic or new books you're recommending when your non-specialist friends are watching Ken Burns and want to read more?
I'm saying 1.) Elizabeth Fenn's Pox Americana and
2.) @michaelhattem.bsky.social 's Memory of '76.
I'm saying 1.) Elizabeth Fenn's Pox Americana and
2.) @michaelhattem.bsky.social 's Memory of '76.
Hey #skystorians, wasn't there a Hallmark Holiday movie featuring a history PhD character?
I thought I remembered one, but now I can't find anything about it....
I thought I remembered one, but now I can't find anything about it....
November 19, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Hey #skystorians, wasn't there a Hallmark Holiday movie featuring a history PhD character?
I thought I remembered one, but now I can't find anything about it....
I thought I remembered one, but now I can't find anything about it....
Gift link for the morning crowd.
Ass-coveting is gonna skyrocket in Texas.
Ass-coveting is gonna skyrocket in Texas.
Federal Judge Orders Some Texas Schools to Remove Ten Commandment Posters
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Gift link for the morning crowd.
Ass-coveting is gonna skyrocket in Texas.
Ass-coveting is gonna skyrocket in Texas.
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
My statement on McMahon's plan to dismember the U.S. Department of Education.
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
November 18, 2025 at 6:02 PM
My statement on McMahon's plan to dismember the U.S. Department of Education.
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
www.newamerica.org/education-po...
Please read Peter's take on Heritage's FL-devouring "principles."
They are trying to prevent schools from showing children the real world, including
1.) not every patriotic American is white n Christian;
2.) it's more than okay to be gay;
3.) the science of evolution and climate change is solid.
They are trying to prevent schools from showing children the real world, including
1.) not every patriotic American is white n Christian;
2.) it's more than okay to be gay;
3.) the science of evolution and climate change is solid.
I've been reposting this one a lot lately.
curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/03/more...
curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/03/more...
More Culture Panic From Heritage Foundation
The slightly-cranky voice navigating the world of educational "reform" while trying to still pursue the mission of providing quality education.
curmudgucation.blogspot.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Please read Peter's take on Heritage's FL-devouring "principles."
They are trying to prevent schools from showing children the real world, including
1.) not every patriotic American is white n Christian;
2.) it's more than okay to be gay;
3.) the science of evolution and climate change is solid.
They are trying to prevent schools from showing children the real world, including
1.) not every patriotic American is white n Christian;
2.) it's more than okay to be gay;
3.) the science of evolution and climate change is solid.
Rule #1: States should not outsource their guiding education principles to anyone.
Rule #2: When the Heritage Foundation is pals with groypers like Nick Fuentes, we should not let them anywhere near our children.
Rule #2: When the Heritage Foundation is pals with groypers like Nick Fuentes, we should not let them anywhere near our children.
This should alarm everyone.
On Thursday, Florida, by unanimous vote, became the first state in the country to adopt “The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education.”
It was written by the Heritage Foundation, the same group behind Project 2025.
THIS IS INDOCTRINATION
On Thursday, Florida, by unanimous vote, became the first state in the country to adopt “The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education.”
It was written by the Heritage Foundation, the same group behind Project 2025.
THIS IS INDOCTRINATION
November 17, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Rule #1: States should not outsource their guiding education principles to anyone.
Rule #2: When the Heritage Foundation is pals with groypers like Nick Fuentes, we should not let them anywhere near our children.
Rule #2: When the Heritage Foundation is pals with groypers like Nick Fuentes, we should not let them anywhere near our children.
I was happy to be on the shortlist for the Hampel Outstanding Book Award from the History of Ed Society.
The book looks at the original sin of public schooling: Thinking that a hi-tech shortcut can replace teachers on the cheap.
Want a copy? Take 40% off with the code HHOL25.
The book looks at the original sin of public schooling: Thinking that a hi-tech shortcut can replace teachers on the cheap.
Want a copy? Take 40% off with the code HHOL25.
Mr. Lancaster's System
The Failed Reform That Created America's Public Schools
www.press.jhu.edu
November 17, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I was happy to be on the shortlist for the Hampel Outstanding Book Award from the History of Ed Society.
The book looks at the original sin of public schooling: Thinking that a hi-tech shortcut can replace teachers on the cheap.
Want a copy? Take 40% off with the code HHOL25.
The book looks at the original sin of public schooling: Thinking that a hi-tech shortcut can replace teachers on the cheap.
Want a copy? Take 40% off with the code HHOL25.
It's a big deal. Florida has swallowed whole the Bill-Bennett-warmed-over school principles of the Heritage Foundation.
But here's the thing: The "Phoenix Declaration" wants to ban climate-change science, but its wording leaves plenty of room to ban denialism.
www.fldoe.org/newsroom/lat...
But here's the thing: The "Phoenix Declaration" wants to ban climate-change science, but its wording leaves plenty of room to ban denialism.
www.fldoe.org/newsroom/lat...
November 17, 2025 at 2:04 PM
It's a big deal. Florida has swallowed whole the Bill-Bennett-warmed-over school principles of the Heritage Foundation.
But here's the thing: The "Phoenix Declaration" wants to ban climate-change science, but its wording leaves plenty of room to ban denialism.
www.fldoe.org/newsroom/lat...
But here's the thing: The "Phoenix Declaration" wants to ban climate-change science, but its wording leaves plenty of room to ban denialism.
www.fldoe.org/newsroom/lat...
In case you missed this one:
@vauhinivara.bsky.social looked deeper than the usual at AI in schools.
For sure, AI can do some good things, but I get skeeved when billionaires hope to make more billions pushing anything on children.
@vauhinivara.bsky.social looked deeper than the usual at AI in schools.
For sure, AI can do some good things, but I get skeeved when billionaires hope to make more billions pushing anything on children.
How Chatbots and AI Are Already Transforming Kids’ Classrooms
Educators across the country are bringing chatbots into their lesson plans. Will it help kids learn or is it just another doomed ed-tech fad?
www.bloomberg.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:21 PM
In case you missed this one:
@vauhinivara.bsky.social looked deeper than the usual at AI in schools.
For sure, AI can do some good things, but I get skeeved when billionaires hope to make more billions pushing anything on children.
@vauhinivara.bsky.social looked deeper than the usual at AI in schools.
For sure, AI can do some good things, but I get skeeved when billionaires hope to make more billions pushing anything on children.
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
Schools in England have become testing sites for AI. I know it's common to say education is now an experimental lab for AI, but in England it's more methodologically true. 3 examples of escalating seriousness and an explanation coming up 🧵
November 14, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Schools in England have become testing sites for AI. I know it's common to say education is now an experimental lab for AI, but in England it's more methodologically true. 3 examples of escalating seriousness and an explanation coming up 🧵
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
Nnnnnnnnnope.
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
In Explaining His Gaffe, Heritage Foundation Leader Pleads Ignorance
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Nnnnnnnnnope.
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
The terrible "Compact" gets all the attention, but this drive for a new accreditor has huuuuge implications for the future of higher ed.
It me, again on the new “state run” accreditor for higher education
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
10 Universities Seek Recognition by a New Accreditor
The Commission for Public Higher Education has received letters of intent from colleges in four Southern states as it works toward federal approval and rebuts allegations of partisanship.
www.insidehighered.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:37 PM
The terrible "Compact" gets all the attention, but this drive for a new accreditor has huuuuge implications for the future of higher ed.
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
It me, again on the new “state run” accreditor for higher education
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
10 Universities Seek Recognition by a New Accreditor
The Commission for Public Higher Education has received letters of intent from colleges in four Southern states as it works toward federal approval and rebuts allegations of partisanship.
www.insidehighered.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:26 PM
It me, again on the new “state run” accreditor for higher education
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
Nnnnnnnnnope.
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
In Explaining His Gaffe, Heritage Foundation Leader Pleads Ignorance
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Nnnnnnnnnope.
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
No conservative intellectual can say they just didn't think to distance themselves from their violent and racist right wing.
Since Buckley, that has been their whole thing.
[gift link:]
Huge news. Ever since SCOTUS tied on Oklahoma's religious public school, we knew ADF would find a new test case.
There's no question: a religious public school is against the Colorado AND US Constitution.
ADF is hoping SCOTUS will okay it anyway.
There's no question: a religious public school is against the Colorado AND US Constitution.
ADF is hoping SCOTUS will okay it anyway.
This is big news: Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group, has helped to seed a test case in Colorado over whether public schools can provide Christian education
www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
Christian law firm sought Colorado test case for religious public schools, emails suggest
Alliance Defending Freedom approached a Colorado lawyer about starting a school in Colorado to spark a legal test of publicly funded religious education, according to an email authored by the lawyer.
www.chalkbeat.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Huge news. Ever since SCOTUS tied on Oklahoma's religious public school, we knew ADF would find a new test case.
There's no question: a religious public school is against the Colorado AND US Constitution.
ADF is hoping SCOTUS will okay it anyway.
There's no question: a religious public school is against the Colorado AND US Constitution.
ADF is hoping SCOTUS will okay it anyway.
Reposted by Adam "I Was Hoping We Could Keep It" Laats
#skystorians - do you have a good intro/explainer text on the concept of the Noble Savage suitable for undergrads? Scanning my own library everything I have just skims it or take the concept for granted rather than acting as a 'first encounter with a concept' teaching source.
November 12, 2025 at 2:06 PM
#skystorians - do you have a good intro/explainer text on the concept of the Noble Savage suitable for undergrads? Scanning my own library everything I have just skims it or take the concept for granted rather than acting as a 'first encounter with a concept' teaching source.