Joyce Reynolds-Ward
@jreynoldsward.blacksky.app
SFF writer. Horsewoman. Dreaming of a better future. Retired special education teacher. Blathers about stuff.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
I’m currently in a situation where a class is over enrolled by a handful. But the sweet spot for this class is 15 so 20 was already a stretch. 25 is just a totally different kind of class, one that will be bad for student learning.
November 15, 2025 at 1:35 AM
I’m currently in a situation where a class is over enrolled by a handful. But the sweet spot for this class is 15 so 20 was already a stretch. 25 is just a totally different kind of class, one that will be bad for student learning.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
My experience is that 15 is a sweet spot. Maybe lower in classes that require more differentiation. For many schools, 15 would require having at least one more entire school, b/c caps are 30. But there are classes with even more than 30.
November 15, 2025 at 1:32 AM
My experience is that 15 is a sweet spot. Maybe lower in classes that require more differentiation. For many schools, 15 would require having at least one more entire school, b/c caps are 30. But there are classes with even more than 30.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Smaller classes *behave* differently, like organisms. A class of 6 is a different organism than 15 or 30 or 100 or 300. But in classes under 20 it’s easier to create safety, get kids to focus, and create community. But we wouldn’t want that!
November 15, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Smaller classes *behave* differently, like organisms. A class of 6 is a different organism than 15 or 30 or 100 or 300. But in classes under 20 it’s easier to create safety, get kids to focus, and create community. But we wouldn’t want that!
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
We could solve like half the problems in education with smaller class sizes (like 15 instead of 30 kids crushed in a room). Including that it would be easier to find teachers b/c they wouldn’t get so burnt out.
Every decade, we hear "the kids can't read or write!"
Interventions that don't work are proposed. Those that do work are ignored: reducing class sizes, making kids & families feel safe at school and welcome, becoming a community resource.
When their expensive reform fails, they yell at us again.
Interventions that don't work are proposed. Those that do work are ignored: reducing class sizes, making kids & families feel safe at school and welcome, becoming a community resource.
When their expensive reform fails, they yell at us again.
November 15, 2025 at 1:29 AM
We could solve like half the problems in education with smaller class sizes (like 15 instead of 30 kids crushed in a room). Including that it would be easier to find teachers b/c they wouldn’t get so burnt out.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Oh wow @reuters.com got the photo here:
November 14, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Oh wow @reuters.com got the photo here:
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Right here. Three weeks ago.
He was on a friendly podcast, where the host was giving him a chance to boost his campaign, with no pushback. And he chose to lead off with "I'm not racist, I just genuinely want to know why Black people never tip."
Three weeks ago.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMnc...
He was on a friendly podcast, where the host was giving him a chance to boost his campaign, with no pushback. And he chose to lead off with "I'm not racist, I just genuinely want to know why Black people never tip."
Three weeks ago.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMnc...
Graham Platner Shares Newly Resurfaced Video, Addresses Controversies and Talks Running For Senate
YouTube video by Pod Save America
www.youtube.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Right here. Three weeks ago.
He was on a friendly podcast, where the host was giving him a chance to boost his campaign, with no pushback. And he chose to lead off with "I'm not racist, I just genuinely want to know why Black people never tip."
Three weeks ago.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMnc...
He was on a friendly podcast, where the host was giving him a chance to boost his campaign, with no pushback. And he chose to lead off with "I'm not racist, I just genuinely want to know why Black people never tip."
Three weeks ago.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMnc...
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Corps and (some in) ed tech are making assumptions about AI proliferation in edu for which there just isn't a recent research basis.... assumptions that do not reflect the reality of youth literate lives.
November 15, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Corps and (some in) ed tech are making assumptions about AI proliferation in edu for which there just isn't a recent research basis.... assumptions that do not reflect the reality of youth literate lives.
Yep. When I hear "education reformer" it's usually either someone who washed out of teaching in under five years or has never been near a classroom.
And they never involve teachers in these bold new initiatives! It's always someone who wants a government contract for their curricula/standardized test/tutor service. My wife has been a middle/high school teacher for 15 years and you're so right - it's a cycle.
November 15, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Yep. When I hear "education reformer" it's usually either someone who washed out of teaching in under five years or has never been near a classroom.
Exactly this.
One of the old-timers at the school I used to teach at (a k-8 building) used to say that he could predict low test scores and behavior problems simply by looking at the student-teacher ratios in kindergarten.
Class sizes matter when it comes to k-12 classrooms.
One of the old-timers at the school I used to teach at (a k-8 building) used to say that he could predict low test scores and behavior problems simply by looking at the student-teacher ratios in kindergarten.
Class sizes matter when it comes to k-12 classrooms.
Every decade, we hear "the kids can't read or write!"
Interventions that don't work are proposed. Those that do work are ignored: reducing class sizes, making kids & families feel safe at school and welcome, becoming a community resource.
When their expensive reform fails, they yell at us again.
Interventions that don't work are proposed. Those that do work are ignored: reducing class sizes, making kids & families feel safe at school and welcome, becoming a community resource.
When their expensive reform fails, they yell at us again.
November 15, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Exactly this.
One of the old-timers at the school I used to teach at (a k-8 building) used to say that he could predict low test scores and behavior problems simply by looking at the student-teacher ratios in kindergarten.
Class sizes matter when it comes to k-12 classrooms.
One of the old-timers at the school I used to teach at (a k-8 building) used to say that he could predict low test scores and behavior problems simply by looking at the student-teacher ratios in kindergarten.
Class sizes matter when it comes to k-12 classrooms.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
The shutdown was an excuse, not a reason, to go after SNAP.
SNAP recipients have to re-apply either every 6 months or year. Onerous process, with almost no fraud.
There are no shutdown-related requirement for SNAP renewal. But it would predictably result in low-income families going hungry.
SNAP recipients have to re-apply either every 6 months or year. Onerous process, with almost no fraud.
There are no shutdown-related requirement for SNAP renewal. But it would predictably result in low-income families going hungry.
Brooke Rollins says on Newsmax SNAP participants will have to re-apply for the program.
Details are still unclear.
via Grace Yarrow for @politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Details are still unclear.
via Grace Yarrow for @politico.com
www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Trump administration will require SNAP participants to reapply for benefits
The move is part of USDA chief Brooke Rollins’ effort to overhaul the nation’s largest anti-hunger program and get rid of “fraud.”
www.politico.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The shutdown was an excuse, not a reason, to go after SNAP.
SNAP recipients have to re-apply either every 6 months or year. Onerous process, with almost no fraud.
There are no shutdown-related requirement for SNAP renewal. But it would predictably result in low-income families going hungry.
SNAP recipients have to re-apply either every 6 months or year. Onerous process, with almost no fraud.
There are no shutdown-related requirement for SNAP renewal. But it would predictably result in low-income families going hungry.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Imagine hating us so much you'd rather expose yourself in the Epstein files than let us have health care and SNAP benefits.
But there's always money for a war with Venezuela!
There's nothing more capitalist than killing people so senators with Ratheon stock can buy a bigger house.
But there's always money for a war with Venezuela!
There's nothing more capitalist than killing people so senators with Ratheon stock can buy a bigger house.
November 13, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Imagine hating us so much you'd rather expose yourself in the Epstein files than let us have health care and SNAP benefits.
But there's always money for a war with Venezuela!
There's nothing more capitalist than killing people so senators with Ratheon stock can buy a bigger house.
But there's always money for a war with Venezuela!
There's nothing more capitalist than killing people so senators with Ratheon stock can buy a bigger house.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
God we need more craft discussions and less fights about which tropes are good or bad that play out in a way that makes it clear no one even understands what a trope is anymore.
Romance should evolve, but its so clear when people want the shine and financial benefit of Romance without respecting the genre, its conventions, or the readers. It's disturbing, but not surprising that we've arrived in a place where CRAFT DOESNT MATTER is a thing people believe.
November 14, 2025 at 7:53 PM
God we need more craft discussions and less fights about which tropes are good or bad that play out in a way that makes it clear no one even understands what a trope is anymore.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
According to what?!?
The Blue wave elected a huge diversity of candidates
SOME OF THEM WHITE MEN.
with no questionable backgrounds and @emilyslist has published data on why he wouldn’t win
AND TWO OTHER WHITE DUDES ARE RUNNING
we can redeem folks without giving them power
The Blue wave elected a huge diversity of candidates
SOME OF THEM WHITE MEN.
with no questionable backgrounds and @emilyslist has published data on why he wouldn’t win
AND TWO OTHER WHITE DUDES ARE RUNNING
we can redeem folks without giving them power
In order to move men, we have to welcome folks who have done things in the past we abhor. We have to allow folks to redeem themselves.
It’s sometimes uncomfortable, but it’s the only way we can win moving forward.
The math doesn’t math without more men.
It’s sometimes uncomfortable, but it’s the only way we can win moving forward.
The math doesn’t math without more men.
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
According to what?!?
The Blue wave elected a huge diversity of candidates
SOME OF THEM WHITE MEN.
with no questionable backgrounds and @emilyslist has published data on why he wouldn’t win
AND TWO OTHER WHITE DUDES ARE RUNNING
we can redeem folks without giving them power
The Blue wave elected a huge diversity of candidates
SOME OF THEM WHITE MEN.
with no questionable backgrounds and @emilyslist has published data on why he wouldn’t win
AND TWO OTHER WHITE DUDES ARE RUNNING
we can redeem folks without giving them power
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
The unwritten agreement that a stupid contextually appropriate murder joke will get a ban, but only a temporary one, everyone's honor is preserved, you return and laugh it off not crashout like some entitled goon
November 14, 2025 at 5:21 PM
The unwritten agreement that a stupid contextually appropriate murder joke will get a ban, but only a temporary one, everyone's honor is preserved, you return and laugh it off not crashout like some entitled goon
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
"yes, this will get me a temp ban and/or cost me tenbux and I'm doing it anyway because it's funny"
retvrn to poster's bushido, too many have forgotten the old ways
retvrn to poster's bushido, too many have forgotten the old ways
everyone gets so mad at the mods here for doing basic mod shit. sometimes you gotta make a little murder joke and eat a three day ban for it. that’s life baby, there’s beauty in that.
November 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM
"yes, this will get me a temp ban and/or cost me tenbux and I'm doing it anyway because it's funny"
retvrn to poster's bushido, too many have forgotten the old ways
retvrn to poster's bushido, too many have forgotten the old ways
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
And by “not good” I mean they absolutely want to surrender on white supremacy. They’d like to come to a detente there so they can focus on healthcare, cause “polling” sure.
November 14, 2025 at 5:21 PM
And by “not good” I mean they absolutely want to surrender on white supremacy. They’d like to come to a detente there so they can focus on healthcare, cause “polling” sure.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Be a writer they said. It’s fabulous they said. lithub.com/the-publishi...
The Publishing Industry Gambled on Me… and Lost
Eight years ago, when I sold two books to an imprint of a Big Five, I was on top of the world. I was thirty-one and eight weeks pregnant, a recent graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. My agent s…
lithub.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Be a writer they said. It’s fabulous they said. lithub.com/the-publishi...
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
all of the absurdly talented writers whose careers have imploded through no fault of their own over the past decade plus of media consolidation and olivia nuzzi gets soft focus profiles for her memoir about fucking a fascist crank
really makes the blood boil
really makes the blood boil
November 14, 2025 at 5:26 PM
all of the absurdly talented writers whose careers have imploded through no fault of their own over the past decade plus of media consolidation and olivia nuzzi gets soft focus profiles for her memoir about fucking a fascist crank
really makes the blood boil
really makes the blood boil
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
I'ma need y'all to fully grasp this:
COMPUTERS
ARE
NOT
SENTIENT!
ANYTHING that requires complex & rational thought, emotion, or critical thinking, a computer CANNOT do.
It can only regurgitate what it is SCRIPTED to do!
It's why this AI "revolution" is BULLSHIT, and y'all are falling for it!
COMPUTERS
ARE
NOT
SENTIENT!
ANYTHING that requires complex & rational thought, emotion, or critical thinking, a computer CANNOT do.
It can only regurgitate what it is SCRIPTED to do!
It's why this AI "revolution" is BULLSHIT, and y'all are falling for it!
November 14, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I'ma need y'all to fully grasp this:
COMPUTERS
ARE
NOT
SENTIENT!
ANYTHING that requires complex & rational thought, emotion, or critical thinking, a computer CANNOT do.
It can only regurgitate what it is SCRIPTED to do!
It's why this AI "revolution" is BULLSHIT, and y'all are falling for it!
COMPUTERS
ARE
NOT
SENTIENT!
ANYTHING that requires complex & rational thought, emotion, or critical thinking, a computer CANNOT do.
It can only regurgitate what it is SCRIPTED to do!
It's why this AI "revolution" is BULLSHIT, and y'all are falling for it!
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
This is the part about Platner that pisses me off the most.
Even if I bought all of his bullshit about the posts, the tattoo, etc. and believed that he really is a Changed Man yadda yadda yadda…
…ok, fine: Run for city council or county commissioner or something first, not for the U.S. Senate.
Even if I bought all of his bullshit about the posts, the tattoo, etc. and believed that he really is a Changed Man yadda yadda yadda…
…ok, fine: Run for city council or county commissioner or something first, not for the U.S. Senate.
No reaching out to communities that were affected by the rhetoric and actions. Just jump on a podcast with a bro and get a softball interview while getting your ass kissed 💋
November 14, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
If he had STARTED his campaign playing the "I used to be a complete dick, then I changed, here's my journey from asshole to decent person" narrative, including "I even got a fucking Nazi tattoo because I was a naive moron in my youth" I'd be a LOT more sympathetic.
But he didn't.
But he didn't.
November 14, 2025 at 5:38 PM
If he had STARTED his campaign playing the "I used to be a complete dick, then I changed, here's my journey from asshole to decent person" narrative, including "I even got a fucking Nazi tattoo because I was a naive moron in my youth" I'd be a LOT more sympathetic.
But he didn't.
But he didn't.
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
So about Blonde racists being allowed to take their racism into aiding death and abetting pedophiles and those that love them
November 14, 2025 at 6:07 PM
So about Blonde racists being allowed to take their racism into aiding death and abetting pedophiles and those that love them
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
A “parent who couldn’t keep a roof over her head” these people casually hate poor people and run them over if it lets them grandstand
ALLEGED: Gaetz raped a minor.
=======================
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November 14, 2025 at 12:42 AM
A “parent who couldn’t keep a roof over her head” these people casually hate poor people and run them over if it lets them grandstand
Reposted by Joyce Reynolds-Ward
I know it's really about control, but the way these evil monsters talk about banning books to save the children out of one side of their mouths, and downplay an actual pedophile out of the other is rage inducing
November 14, 2025 at 12:49 AM
I know it's really about control, but the way these evil monsters talk about banning books to save the children out of one side of their mouths, and downplay an actual pedophile out of the other is rage inducing