Jess Calarco
@jessicacalarco.com
40K followers 2.3K following 6.8K posts
Sociologist. Author. Professor. Roosevelt Institute Fellow. Expert on families, schools, kids, privilege, and power. Bylines in NYT, WaPo, MSNBC, Atlantic, etc. "Other countries have social safety nets. The US has women." www.jessicacalarco.com
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jessicacalarco.com
Other countries have safety nets. The US has women.

Their labor creates the illusion of a DIY society, making it seem like we don't need a net.

Writing HOLDING IT TOGETHER was a labor of love and fury and I'm so grateful to share it with you all #PubDay

www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697130...
Reposted by Jess Calarco
thomaszimmer.bsky.social
The overriding goal of too many journalists is to provide “balanced” coverage from a “neutral” position in equidistance to both sides. That framework is much easier to justify if you pretend to be dealing with “normal” politicians – as opposed to committed ideologues pursuing an extreme project.
Reposted by Jess Calarco
thomaszimmer.bsky.social
Sunday reading:

I wrote about the aggrieved extremist who is currently firing thousands of federal workers and ravaging state capacity based on conspiratorial nonsense - and about mainstream media’s infuriating tendency to sanitize Russell Vought and the regime he serves.

This week’s piece:
We need to talk about Russell Vought – But Properly
Why certain mainstream outlets insist on sanitizing Vought as a devout “small government” conservative – and what actually animates his war against pluralistic democracy
steady.page
Reposted by Jess Calarco
patrickdhardy.bsky.social
Something I didn't appreciate until my kids started school was just how enmeshed the tech industry is in public ed. Attendance, school lunch, communication, calendars, testing, teaching tools--everything has its own app. There's a lot of money to be made there.
jessicacalarco.com
Meanwhile, ed tech companies are salivating--eager to sell "solutions" to families whose schools will now struggle (even more than they already have) to meet their kids' learning needs.

(Here are a few of the ed tech ads I've been tracking over the past few months)
Always Icecream - Smart Fun
Kids with ADHD often thrive in the right environment-one that's flexible, engaging, and built around how they
learn best. That's exactly what Always Icecream offers
Designed to spark focus and motivation, Always
Icecream empowers learners with ADHD to feel
confident, capable, and in control of their learning.
Here's how:
Short, engaging lessons that match real attention
spans
Multisensory learning with videos, games, audio &
interactivity
Flexible scheduling--learn when energy is high,
pause when needed
Life skill development like goal-setting and time
management
Practical lessons in nutrition, safety, digital behavior
& more
Whether they're a morning person, a wiggle-break taker,
or a hands-on explorer, Always Icecream helps your
daughter learn in a way that works for them.
Try it today for just $1.99 and discover the
difference!
SHORT,
ENGAGING
LESSONS
5/7 Crimson Global Academy
Your child's learning differences are not a
disadvantage.
If your child isn't thriving in the classroom, you're not
alone. Whether they need more flexibility, individual
support, or a pace that works for them, there are better
alternatives than a traditional school.
Learn about flexible online education that works. Talk to
us today!

Does your
child struggle
with anxiety
at school?
Education designed for
students who need more
than the traditional
system.
Talk to us today! Turito USA
turito
Al Tutor
Struggling with homework? Meet your new best
friend - Turito's Al Tutor! Learn anywhere, ask anytime,
and get instant solutions "
Start your free Al session today!
Al Tutor
Smarter Learning,
Made Simple
Your all-in-one study companion for
faster progress and better results
turito
Upload
Instantly turn your files
into flashcards, quizzes,
and summaries
Paste a Link
Learn directly from
YouTube videos or
websites
Record
Capture audlo or
screen to create
notes and podcasts
Practice for
Exams
Take interactive mock tests
Start Free Al Session Today Mosaic: We Are Born To Learn
Do you ever worry your children will "fall behind"? What
does that even mean in a learner-led world? Join us
10/01 @ 12/3PM PT/ET
We'll dig into:
LN The stories & fears behind falling "behind"
How we can reframe success on each child's terms
Practical guidance for supporting learners in their
own rhythm
Join us as we rethink learning without a curriculum.
Event registration is $5, or free for Mosaic Members.
Mosaic
We Are Born
To Learn
What
My
If
Child
Falls
Behind?
Ahead, behind, on target
who decides? A closer look at
criticicm and comnarison in
Reposted by Jess Calarco
derekgottliebphd.com
This work is really important. I see the language in the 2nd ad all the time — “you’re not alone.”

But the subtext is: “You’re absolutely alone."

Whatever this “Crimson” organization is offering, it DEPENDS on you feeling alone.

That’s what makes it predatory.
jessicacalarco.com
Meanwhile, ed tech companies are salivating--eager to sell "solutions" to families whose schools will now struggle (even more than they already have) to meet their kids' learning needs.

(Here are a few of the ed tech ads I've been tracking over the past few months)
Always Icecream - Smart Fun
Kids with ADHD often thrive in the right environment-one that's flexible, engaging, and built around how they
learn best. That's exactly what Always Icecream offers
Designed to spark focus and motivation, Always
Icecream empowers learners with ADHD to feel
confident, capable, and in control of their learning.
Here's how:
Short, engaging lessons that match real attention
spans
Multisensory learning with videos, games, audio &
interactivity
Flexible scheduling--learn when energy is high,
pause when needed
Life skill development like goal-setting and time
management
Practical lessons in nutrition, safety, digital behavior
& more
Whether they're a morning person, a wiggle-break taker,
or a hands-on explorer, Always Icecream helps your
daughter learn in a way that works for them.
Try it today for just $1.99 and discover the
difference!
SHORT,
ENGAGING
LESSONS
5/7 Crimson Global Academy
Your child's learning differences are not a
disadvantage.
If your child isn't thriving in the classroom, you're not
alone. Whether they need more flexibility, individual
support, or a pace that works for them, there are better
alternatives than a traditional school.
Learn about flexible online education that works. Talk to
us today!

Does your
child struggle
with anxiety
at school?
Education designed for
students who need more
than the traditional
system.
Talk to us today! Turito USA
turito
Al Tutor
Struggling with homework? Meet your new best
friend - Turito's Al Tutor! Learn anywhere, ask anytime,
and get instant solutions "
Start your free Al session today!
Al Tutor
Smarter Learning,
Made Simple
Your all-in-one study companion for
faster progress and better results
turito
Upload
Instantly turn your files
into flashcards, quizzes,
and summaries
Paste a Link
Learn directly from
YouTube videos or
websites
Record
Capture audlo or
screen to create
notes and podcasts
Practice for
Exams
Take interactive mock tests
Start Free Al Session Today Mosaic: We Are Born To Learn
Do you ever worry your children will "fall behind"? What
does that even mean in a learner-led world? Join us
10/01 @ 12/3PM PT/ET
We'll dig into:
LN The stories & fears behind falling "behind"
How we can reframe success on each child's terms
Practical guidance for supporting learners in their
own rhythm
Join us as we rethink learning without a curriculum.
Event registration is $5, or free for Mosaic Members.
Mosaic
We Are Born
To Learn
What
My
If
Child
Falls
Behind?
Ahead, behind, on target
who decides? A closer look at
criticicm and comnarison in
jessicacalarco.com
According to the designer, it's supposed to be sun protective. But apparently they're not worried about the arms... 🙄
jessicacalarco.com
Are these designers trying to win a contract from Gilead?
Image showing "cocoon" bodysuits from Alaïa, which trapped models' arms inside. Alongside an image of a design from Maison Margiela featuring a mouth guard that seems to make talking impossible. Image of a design from Courreges showing a revealing tank top with a hood that fully covers the model's face.
jessicacalarco.com
Meanwhile, ed tech companies are salivating--eager to sell "solutions" to families whose schools will now struggle (even more than they already have) to meet their kids' learning needs.

(Here are a few of the ed tech ads I've been tracking over the past few months)
Always Icecream - Smart Fun
Kids with ADHD often thrive in the right environment-one that's flexible, engaging, and built around how they
learn best. That's exactly what Always Icecream offers
Designed to spark focus and motivation, Always
Icecream empowers learners with ADHD to feel
confident, capable, and in control of their learning.
Here's how:
Short, engaging lessons that match real attention
spans
Multisensory learning with videos, games, audio &
interactivity
Flexible scheduling--learn when energy is high,
pause when needed
Life skill development like goal-setting and time
management
Practical lessons in nutrition, safety, digital behavior
& more
Whether they're a morning person, a wiggle-break taker,
or a hands-on explorer, Always Icecream helps your
daughter learn in a way that works for them.
Try it today for just $1.99 and discover the
difference!
SHORT,
ENGAGING
LESSONS
5/7 Crimson Global Academy
Your child's learning differences are not a
disadvantage.
If your child isn't thriving in the classroom, you're not
alone. Whether they need more flexibility, individual
support, or a pace that works for them, there are better
alternatives than a traditional school.
Learn about flexible online education that works. Talk to
us today!

Does your
child struggle
with anxiety
at school?
Education designed for
students who need more
than the traditional
system.
Talk to us today! Turito USA
turito
Al Tutor
Struggling with homework? Meet your new best
friend - Turito's Al Tutor! Learn anywhere, ask anytime,
and get instant solutions "
Start your free Al session today!
Al Tutor
Smarter Learning,
Made Simple
Your all-in-one study companion for
faster progress and better results
turito
Upload
Instantly turn your files
into flashcards, quizzes,
and summaries
Paste a Link
Learn directly from
YouTube videos or
websites
Record
Capture audlo or
screen to create
notes and podcasts
Practice for
Exams
Take interactive mock tests
Start Free Al Session Today Mosaic: We Are Born To Learn
Do you ever worry your children will "fall behind"? What
does that even mean in a learner-led world? Join us
10/01 @ 12/3PM PT/ET
We'll dig into:
LN The stories & fears behind falling "behind"
How we can reframe success on each child's terms
Practical guidance for supporting learners in their
own rhythm
Join us as we rethink learning without a curriculum.
Event registration is $5, or free for Mosaic Members.
Mosaic
We Are Born
To Learn
What
My
If
Child
Falls
Behind?
Ahead, behind, on target
who decides? A closer look at
criticicm and comnarison in
Reposted by Jess Calarco
joshuaweishart.bsky.social
The Education Department has been repurposed to destabilize public education so they can privatize much of it.

The harm inflicted on children in the process is just another casualty of the Project 2025 education agenda.
sarapartridge.bsky.social
There are reports that the *entire* office of special education at the US Dept of Education has been cut. These hardworking folks ensure kids with disabilities get equal access to a quality education.

America’s children deserve better than this.
Reposted by Jess Calarco
jayvanbavel.bsky.social
New research finds that conservatives tended to endorse moral absolutism, whereas liberals tend to endorse moral relativism.

Moral absolutists are more likely to support banning practices they deem immoral psycnet.apa.org/record/2026-...
Reposted by Jess Calarco
lutzfernandez.bsky.social
"And when masked men grab a parent from the school car line or the corner coffee shop, all students in that school or neighborhood are subject to trauma and made to understand: The state can make people disappear. It is to be feared."
The Assault on Children
MAGA's use of kids to consolidate authoritarianism
nobody-wants-this.ghost.io
Reposted by Jess Calarco
ngage.bsky.social
The youngins are so darn alright.
jessicacalarco.com
11 is getting an early start on her chess-themed poster for next weekend's No Kings protest.
Photo of a tween girl kneeling on the floor drawing on large poster paper, next to a rough sketch showing a standing pawn next to a tipped over King piece with a swoop of hair, with "checkmate" written at the top
Reposted by Jess Calarco
joshuasweitz.bsky.social
New reporting: many apparently fired at CDC in 'error'. This is a failure by design given that the admin does not care about fulfilling agency missions. This is the kind of error that should have political consequences.

Unserious people cause real-world harm.

🎁
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/h...
Trump Administration Will Rehire Scores of Experts Fired in Error
www.nytimes.com
jessicacalarco.com
11 is getting an early start on her chess-themed poster for next weekend's No Kings protest.
Photo of a tween girl kneeling on the floor drawing on large poster paper, next to a rough sketch showing a standing pawn next to a tipped over King piece with a swoop of hair, with "checkmate" written at the top
jessicacalarco.com
Because they want a world where only the wealthy elite can afford to buy health--and where, for everyone else, it's survival of the fittest.
Reposted by Jess Calarco
cdelawalla.bsky.social
I’m a mom.
I’m a scientist.
I’m an activist.

I’m not going to stand by while unqualified, Quack, fringe-ass conspiracy theorists make decisions about my family’s health that is going to kill people.

Join me outside of HHS on 10/16 at 3pm.
@standupforscience.bsky.social
Take back science!
Reposted by Jess Calarco
sarahposner.bsky.social
They think everyone else is as incompetent as they are at building things. They only know how to break things.
jessicacalarco.com
They know they won't be in power forever. So, they're breaking as much as they can right now, in the hope that whoever follows them won't be able to put it all back together.
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: @CDCgov hit hard by massive firings that several staff describe to me as a “bloodbath.”
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
jessicacalarco.com
It's what we saw with Covid. We enacted new policies that really helped people, and we got very close to passing Build Back Better. But when the GOP, Manchin, Sinema, and their billionaire buddies got in the way, many Dems pulled back to protect the status quo rather than keep pushing big change.
Reposted by Jess Calarco
victorerikray.bsky.social
I've been saying this exact thing in talks. They are breaking things that aren't easy to fix. And in some cases, like civil rights, destroying a legacy that took a couple of centuries to build, and don't have a ton of buy-in from dems, even if they get power back.
jessicacalarco.com
Exactly. It's the Humpty Dumpty plan for the permanent destruction of democracy.
jessicacalarco.com
You could call it the Humpty Dumpty playbook for the permanent destruction of democracy.
jessicacalarco.com
They know they won't be in power forever. So, they're breaking as much as they can right now, in the hope that whoever follows them won't be able to put it all back together.
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: @CDCgov hit hard by massive firings that several staff describe to me as a “bloodbath.”
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
Reposted by Jess Calarco
standupforscience.bsky.social
We will NOT stand for Trump and Vought decimating our health sciences with RFK Jr's permission.

JOIN US FOR A RALLY AT HHS ON FRIDAY 10/17!

WE ARE TAKING BACK SCIENCE.

#ImpeachTheQuack
#GetOutTheVought
#TakeBackScience
standupforscience.bsky.social
FIGHT FOR SCIENCE RALLY ✊🌏
⏰ WHEN: October 17th, 2025
📍WHERE: 200 Independence Ave SW, Washington DC!
RSVP to JOIN THE FIGHT IRL: zurl.co/LayiM ‼️

📲 Join us Virtually!: zurl.co/Um47l
Poster Image with a woman yelling into a megaphone.; Title reads: Fight for Science. Bubbles read: 3:00pm, Rally, Oct 17th.; Subtitle reads: Health and Science for the People!; A pin emoji with text: 200 Independence Ave SW, Washington DC; a Virtual Call emoji with text: Join us virtually at:  bit.ly/4mXwrfY ; bottom corner has QR code and a logo for Stand Up For Science
jessicacalarco.com
They know they won't be in power forever. So, they're breaking as much as they can right now, in the hope that whoever follows them won't be able to put it all back together.
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: @CDCgov hit hard by massive firings that several staff describe to me as a “bloodbath.”
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
Reposted by Jess Calarco
lenasun.bsky.social
NEW: @CDCgov hit hard by massive firings that several staff describe to me as a “bloodbath.”
Among those RIFd:
—leadership of the center for immunization and respiratory diseases;
—leadership of global health center
—leadership of the measles outbreak response; 1/4
Reposted by Jess Calarco