Robbing Our Classrooms: Vouchers are a Shortcut to Inequality Heading into Spring Break, I had the privilege of attending an advocacy day at the Texas State Capitol, and it was a day filled with empowerment, positivity, and a deep sense of purpose. Surrounded by students, educators, parents, and community leaders, we came together to champion public education and push back against policies that threaten its very foundation. We were from different backgrounds, political parties and regions in Texas, but the thing we all have in common is that we want what is best for our children. No Choice at ALL: The Hidden Dangers of School Vouchers One of the most heated discussions centered around school vouchers. Dr. Calvin, a researcher from Michigan University, broke down the stark realities of these programs. In Florida, vouchers are marketed as an opportunity for the top 10% or 30% of students, but the data shows academic decline among kids who transfer to private schools. Why? Because most private schools that accept vouchers aren’t the elite institutions people imagine. Instead, many are financially distressed, pop-up schools with limited resources and unregulated standards. Zeph Capo, President of Texas Federation of Teachers made a powerful point: We must understand our past to see the present clearly.
 Voucher proponents are pulling a veil over our eyes under the guise of Education Savings Accounts or School Choice. What they fail to mention is that it is not us that have a choice it's the private schools that have the choice. And they will choose as they please. The good news is that affluent parents who already have kids in private schools are going to be able to receive a discount or rebate–unfortunately on the backs of less fortunate parents. Defund the Future? The Real Cost of School Vouchers in Texas We also examined the financial impact of vouchers. Zeph emphasized how vouchers would affect taxes. The answer was clear—property tax increases are inevitable. The cost of educating each student has risen, yet funding for public schools has remained stagnant. Meanwhile, interest groups push for subsidies that further drain public school resources. Roland Gutiérrez, Texas Senator representing district 19, didn’t hold back. He reminded us that, in Texas, the GOP has been running education for the past 40 years, and somehow are the loudest voices when it comes to criticizing public education. Their answer to making amends to compensate for their shortfall is to defund public schools. This just doesn’t sit right with me and most Texans. All while sitting on a $26 billion rainy-day fund–promising, yet not delivering—meaningful investments in public schools. Not to mention the proposed budget falls short once again, offering $5 billion when they previously promised $6 billion. One thing I know we can all agree on, since Covid, there have been many rainy days. Jon Rosenthal, Representative of Texas's 135th district, invited union members into his office for a "no holds barred" meeting. No questions were off limits. Rosenthal has been very vocal about the shortcomings of the proposed per pupil funding that is significantly inadequate to address the needs of schools and students, in the face of rising inflation and unfunded mandates. “The lack of sufficient funding is seen as a failure to prioritize public education, and Rosenthal has called for immediate action to increase the basic allotment and school safety allotment to ensure schools can provide quality education.” (reformaustin.org). During the meeting, I asked Rosenthal if the voucher scheme fails this time, will school funding be held hostage. Will schools be forced to continue to cut programs and staff? Will funding remain tied to the success or failure of the Governor to pass his signature bill? One would hope not. It is not fair for private schools to receive public funding while parents in rural areas have limited or no options for private schools or while private schools are not held to the same standards and requirements that public schools are, to receive funding. Investing in Public Schools, Not Privatization The fight isn’t just about vouchers. We discussed the need for universal school meals and healthcare, ensuring that every child is fed and healthy enough to learn. Dr. Calvin emphasized a critical truth: You have to Maslow before you can Bloom. In other words, students’ basic needs must be met before they can reach their full academic potential. Investing in HVAC systems, classroom resources, and teacher support isn’t just a policy decision—it’s a moral imperative. How effective would you be at your inside, desk- job while trying to work in Houston’s sweltering heat? Teachers and students shouldn’t be expected to just grin and bear it. The Political and Spiritual Struggle Representatives Venton Jones and James Talarico reminded us that Texas has consistently rejected vouchers in the past. History is on our side. Investing in public schools isn’t just a political battle, it’s a spiritual struggle for justice and equity. This lively, spirited meeting of minds was held in a church on the premise of the Texas State Capitol--Apropos. Representative Gene Wu followed with passion and conviction, calling out those who seek to destroy public education while looking down on the very communities they are supposed to serve. HB 2548, introduced by Rep. Cody Harris, aims to target public universities, barring them from offering certain courses related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as part of their curriculum–curriculum that teaches America’s truths. Curriculum that doesn’t exclude entire communities that Harris and others deem as insignificant–and no, I am not referring to blacks only. His words hit hard. The historical exclusion of Asians from the U.S. until 1965, the erasure of Japanese internment from our history books—these aren’t just past injustices; they are reminders of how easily communities can be marginalized when we don’t stand together. Wu was on fire as he enlightened us with his powerful truths.
 The care and concern the representatives have for their constituents and democracy was on full display at the Texas State Capitol. Moving Forward As the day ended, I left with a renewed sense of purpose. We already have a system of choice—public education—but it is being undermined by those who seek to profit from our children’s futures. The fight for equitable, fully funded public schools is not just about policy, it’s about the soul of our nation, and ensuring that every child—regardless of zip code, income, or background—has access to a quality education. I stand in unity and solidarity with those who believe in public education. There's power in numbers. We will keep fighting for our kids--we will NOT back down. –LaTanya Brooks Educator and Proud Member of AFT #PublicSchoolProud #ProudProductOfPublicSchools #BlowingTheWhistle #SaveTexasSchools #NoVouchersTX #AFT #PublicFundsForPublicSchools #FundOurSchools
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Comparing AI Resources for Marketing: Which One is Right for You?Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the marketing landscape, providing businesses with powerful tools to automate tasks, analyze data, and personalize customer interactions. With numerous AI-powered marketing resources available, choosing the right one for your business can be challenging. In this blog post, we'll compare some of the top AI resources for marketing, highlighting their strengths and best use cases. ChatGPT (OpenAI) Best for: Content creation, customer support, and brainstorming ideas ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool that can assist with generating marketing copy, responding to customer inquiries, and ideating content strategies. Marketers can use ChatGPT to draft blog posts, social media captions, and email newsletters. While it excels at natural language processing, it may require human editing to ensure brand voice consistency. Jasper AI Best for: Copywriting and SEO-focused content Jasper AI is a robust AI writing assistant that helps marketers create high-converting copy for websites, ads, and blogs. It includes SEO optimization features, making it ideal for content marketers looking to improve search rankings. Its templates and tone customization options make it a favorite among brands with specific messaging needs. HubSpot AI Best for: CRM automation, email marketing, and lead nurturing HubSpot AI enhances marketing automation with smart workflows, predictive lead scoring, and chatbot capabilities. It helps businesses streamline customer relationship management (CRM) by analyzing customer data and optimizing email campaigns. HubSpot AI is a great choice for businesses focused on inbound marketing strategies. Surfer SEO Best for: SEO optimization and content strategy Surfer SEO leverages AI to analyze top-performing content and provide real-time recommendations for keyword usage, content length, and structure. This tool is ideal for content marketers aiming to rank higher on search engines and improve organic traffic. Lumen5 Best for: Video content creation and repurposing blog posts into videos Lumen5 is an AI-powered video creation tool that helps marketers turn written content into engaging videos. This is particularly useful for social media marketing, as video content has higher engagement rates than text-based posts. Persado Best for: AI-driven emotional marketing and ad copy generation Persado uses machine learning to analyze consumer emotions and generate high-impact marketing messages. It helps brands craft compelling ad copy that resonates with their audience, making it a great choice for performance marketing campaigns. Choosing the Right AI Tool for Your Needs When selecting an AI marketing resource, consider your primary objectives:
Final Thoughts AI-powered marketing tools can significantly enhance efficiency, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. By selecting the right AI resource for your business goals, you can optimize your marketing strategy and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Do you use any AI tools for marketing? Share your experiences in the comments! Exploring How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Roles, Skills, and Opportunities in STEM FieldsThe Impact of AI on STEM Careers: A New Frontier
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of our lives, and nowhere is this more apparent than in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The advent of AI has brought profound changes to these industries, both in terms of the nature of work and the skill sets required. As AI continues to evolve, it’s reshaping careers in STEM in ways that are both exciting and challenging. In this article, we’ll explore the major impacts of AI on STEM careers, the opportunities it creates, and the challenges it poses for professionals and students alike. 1. New Roles and Specializations AI is not only enhancing existing STEM roles but also creating entirely new fields. Careers in AI development, machine learning, data science, and robotics are booming. Professionals who specialize in developing algorithms, training models, and building AI systems are in high demand. These fields require a combination of programming skills, mathematical proficiency, and domain-specific knowledge, leading to a surge in demand for AI-savvy engineers, data scientists, and researchers. Moreover, as AI becomes more integrated into industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and energy, interdisciplinary roles that combine AI expertise with traditional STEM fields are emerging. For example, bioinformatics and AI-driven drug discovery are transforming healthcare, creating new career opportunities at the intersection of biology, data science, and AI. 2. Automation of Routine Tasks AI excels at automating repetitive and routine tasks, which is transforming how STEM professionals work. In fields like engineering and data analysis, tasks that once required manual calculation, data entry, or repetitive experimentation can now be automated. Engineers, for instance, can use AI-driven software to optimize designs, predict system failures, or streamline manufacturing processes. While automation may replace certain repetitive tasks, it also allows STEM professionals to focus on higher-level problem-solving, innovation, and creativity. Instead of spending hours on data cleaning or routine testing, professionals can dedicate more time to designing new solutions, conducting complex analyses, and driving innovation. 3. Enhanced Problem-Solving Capabilities AI's ability to process massive amounts of data quickly has revolutionized problem-solving in STEM fields. Whether it’s predicting weather patterns, analyzing the structure of proteins, or designing new materials, AI is allowing scientists and engineers to tackle problems that were once considered too complex. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of experimental data in physics or chemistry, revealing patterns that humans might miss. In engineering, AI can simulate thousands of design iterations in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods, resulting in more efficient products and systems. This ability to handle large datasets and perform complex simulations is empowering STEM professionals to make breakthroughs faster than ever before. 4. Upskilling and Lifelong Learning As AI technologies become more prevalent, STEM professionals are increasingly required to upskill to remain competitive in the job market. For engineers, scientists, and mathematicians, understanding how AI works, how to implement it in their respective fields, and how to collaborate with AI specialists is essential. STEM careers now demand a combination of traditional technical expertise and proficiency in AI-related technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and data science. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest AI advancements are becoming integral parts of a STEM career, with professionals needing to adapt to rapid technological changes. For students entering STEM fields, curricula are increasingly incorporating AI courses to prepare them for the evolving landscape. Universities and training programs are offering specialized tracks in AI, machine learning, and data analytics, ensuring that future professionals are equipped with the necessary skills. 5. AI as a Tool for Research and Discovery In STEM research, AI is proving to be an invaluable tool for accelerating discoveries. In fields like physics, chemistry, and biology, AI is being used to analyze complex data, simulate experiments, and generate new hypotheses. For example, AI-powered tools are helping researchers understand quantum physics and particle interactions by analyzing vast amounts of experimental data. AI’s ability to process data at an unprecedented scale has also made it a key player in genomics and drug discovery. By sifting through large datasets of genetic information, AI helps identify potential genetic markers for diseases, leading to personalized medicine and more effective treatments. The integration of AI into research is not only speeding up the pace of discovery but also opening new avenues for interdisciplinary research, where AI is applied to solve problems in traditionally separate domains. 6. Challenges and Ethical Considerations While AI brings many opportunities to STEM careers, it also presents challenges. One of the major concerns is the ethical use of AI. In fields such as healthcare, engineering, and environmental science, the decisions made by AI systems can have significant real-world impacts. This raises questions about accountability, transparency, and fairness in AI algorithms. STEM professionals need to be aware of these ethical concerns and ensure that AI is used responsibly. This may involve understanding the biases that can arise in AI models, developing systems that are transparent in their decision-making processes, and considering the societal impact of AI applications. There’s also the challenge of ensuring that AI does not exacerbate inequality within STEM fields. Access to AI education and training may be limited in some regions or communities, potentially creating a skills gap between those who have AI expertise and those who don’t. Addressing this gap is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably. 7. The Future of STEM Careers Looking ahead, the role of AI in STEM careers will only continue to grow. Fields such as quantum computing, AI-driven robotics, and autonomous systems are likely to drive the next wave of innovation. Professionals in STEM will increasingly need to work alongside AI systems, leveraging these tools to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to space exploration. AI will also make STEM fields more accessible to a broader audience. As AI-driven tools become more user-friendly, individuals without formal STEM backgrounds may be able to contribute to areas such as data science, engineering, and environmental science. This democratization of STEM through AI could lead to a more diverse and inclusive future for these fields. Conclusion: Embrace the Change AI is revolutionizing STEM careers in profound ways, from enhancing problem-solving abilities to automating routine tasks and opening new interdisciplinary opportunities. While this shift requires STEM professionals to continuously learn and adapt, the potential for innovation is immense. By embracing AI as a tool for discovery, creation, and collaboration, STEM professionals can drive progress in a world increasingly shaped by technology. The future of STEM is undeniably intertwined with AI, and the possibilities are endless for those willing to embrace this exciting new frontier. Manufacturing terms glossary Lost in industry-specific jargon like CAPA, composites, and Kaizen? Explore this helpful manufacturing glossary with over 80 manufacturing terms and definitions.  Photo by Kateryna Babaieva from Pexels Do you work in manufacturing? Chances are, if you work in manufacturing, you hear a lot of industry-specific jargon like CAPA, composites, and Kaizen. It can be hard to keep up. That’s why Propel created this manufacturing glossary with over 80 manufacturing terms and definitions. Read More REGISTER YOUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FOR AN "ALL STAR CODE WEEKEND INTENSIVE" BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE2/2/2022  Don't miss out on this LEGO ENGINEERING HOLIDAY WORKSHOP In Katy, Tx Image by suchocka from Pixabay American Robotics Academy, where robots rule, is excited to offer a 5-day creative and festive Holiday LEGO Engineering Workshop. Each day your child will learn about the old and new LEGO elements which allows them to become more independent builders. The camps are being held from December 27-31, for both In-Person and Virtually! Both Holiday LEGO Workshops are 5 days of winter themed fun for students in grades K-4th. This class will emphasize the importance of fundamentals of building and set the groundwork to not only make their creations structurally sound, but also prepare them to make their creations move. Reindeer Games-FR Freshman Robotics (FR) 1st-4th grade Things can be a little crazy around this time of the year! Everyone will focus and help Santa with his Reindeers. Students will help their teammates create the setting and structures using Infrared Wireless robot for a variety of activity-based challenges. Students will explore the use of motors, gears, pulleys and IR technology while building Lego Robot inventions. Each build will be followed by a thrilling challenge that illustrates the need for “simplicity” and the pitfalls of “complexity”. Students will collaborate in creating new gadgets designed for Santa’s sleigh to be faster, diverse range of off-road, race against the clock and how many presents the sleigh can pull. This class will discuss drive and follower gears and the various ranges of gear ratios. Here is your chance for students to learn which gear ratios are associated with speed or torque. Every enrollment will receive a special wrapped gift from us to put underneath the tree! This includes a gift and special certificate for their upcoming class! Workshops Days Dec 27 - Dec 31 In-Person winter camps are located at Grace Anglican Community 24968 Katy Ranch Rd, Katy, TX 1/2 Day AM 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM- COST: $185 1/2 Day PM 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM- COST: $185 FULL Day 9:00 AM-4:00 PM- COST: $325 LIVE Virtual winter camps are 1 hour every day via Zoom The cost for the 5-day virtual camp is $150 and students will get to keep their LEGO kits! AM Session 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM PM Session 4:00-5:00 PM As an early bird special, the first 5 students to sign up for each camp will receive a FREE Robotics T-shirt! OTHER PROGRAMS Baker Montessori Class Descriptions Visit the registration site for all the classes available First Baptist Academy Class Descriptions Visit the registration site for all the courses available Poe Elementary Class Descriptions Visit the registration site for all the courses available St John Paul II Class Descriptions Visit the registration site for all the courses available The Kipling School Class Descriptions Visit the registration site for all the courses available #STEMRobotics #LegoRobotics #STEMWinterCamp #WinterCamp #LearningSTEM #Robotics #AfterSchoolPrograms #STEMEducation
STEM Winter Camp: SNOW Sylvan Learning Centers offer fun camps and experiences for children all year long. Camps include:
Sylvan Winter Camp: SNOWDuring this 4-day camp, the kids will collaborate on fun *snow* themed activities that sharpen their STEM skills and writing skills all while having a blast with new friends.  Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels Event to be held December 20th - 23rd 12 until 4pm $249 Call/text to register (713) 340-0333 Space is limited!  Image by Steven Weirather from Pixabay Book your tickets for this Sylvan Winter Camp: SNOW. Date & Time Mon Dec 20 2021 at 12:00 pm Location Sylvan Learning (Pearland & South Houston, TX) 10228 Broadway Ste 156 Pearland, TX 77584 You may also like the following Sylvan's Winter Camp: New Year's Resolutions Sylvan Winter Camp: New Year's Resolutions in Pearland This amazing event will be held on December 27th at 12:00 noon Also check out other Kids Events & Activities in Pearland. #STEMCamp #STEM #STEMfun #STEMNewYears #STEMWinterCamp #SylvanWinterCamp #STEMActivities #STEMKidsActivities #STEMlearning #STEMforfamilies #STEMPearland #STEMHouston #STEMTexas
FREE PROGRAM WORKING TO BRIDGE THE GENDER GAP IN Science, Technology, Engineering and Math12/8/2021 MakerGirl x Pflugerville Library STEM Event Photo by Vanessa Loring from Pexels Children interested in 3-D printing can get a virtual introduction to the process of designing and printing their own projects. Recommended for children ages 7-11. Sessions will include:
Each session begins at 6pm and runs for 75 minutes. Register here for the following dates and themes:
This free program is sponsored by EOS North America. MakerGirl is a nonprofit working to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. We do this by educating girls 7-14 through STEM workshops. While MakerGirls' target audience is girls 7-14, they are not gender exclusive and welcome boys and non-binary students to register.  Photo by Mushroom from Pexels Pflugerville Public Library 1008 W. Pfluger Street Pflugerville, TX Directions Tuesday, December 14, 2021 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm #MakerGirls #MakerSpace #GirlsInSTEM #3dPrinting #KidsSTEM #PflugervillePublicLibrary #STEMeducation #STEM #STEMEvent
COME CELEBRATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WHILE DECORATING LUNCH BAGS FOR HUNGRY KIDS FOR KIDSMEANS. INC
Holman Draft Hall 820 Holman Street, Houston, TX 77002 Thursday, December 9th 5pm - 8pm #womeninstem #womeninstemm #networking #houstonwomeninstem #awisgch #awis #stemevents
 Click here to register for this event.
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