Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
@tracyesmith.bsky.social
Retired public school administrator. Always a public school advocate, focusing on educational equity issues: literacy, technology, and public school funding. Wife, mom, and lifelong learner. #edleadership
Pinned
America’s Founders Recognized the Need for Public Education. Democracy Requires Maintaining That Commitment
America’s education story is ultimately a story of the tension between the idea that the nation’s democracy rests on the foundation of education and the inability to ever fully deliver on that commitm...
time.com
"Education, like democracy, has long been a work in progress. But that progress has come by remaining fixed on our fundamental ideas, not questioning them because of our failures to reach them—and certainly not replacing them with something else." time.com/5891261/earl... @derekwblack.bsky.social
The habits of 7 highly effective schools hechingerreport.org/proof-points...
The habits of 7 highly effective schools
Nonprofit counts more than 1,300 U.S. schools where students beat the odds
hechingerreport.org
September 6, 2025 at 11:50 PM
The habits of 7 highly effective schools hechingerreport.org/proof-points...
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
The % who support Medicaid cuts in 2026 battleground districts:
IA-01 (Miller Meeks): 9%
AK-AL (Begich): 9%
CO-08 (Evans): 8%
PA-07 (Mackenzie): 8%
PA-10 (Perry): 9%
PA-08 (Bresnahan): 8%
NE-02 (Bacon): 8%
AZ-06 (Ciscomani): 9%
WI-03 (Van Orden): 8%
CA-41 (Calvert): 8%
IA-01 (Miller Meeks): 9%
AK-AL (Begich): 9%
CO-08 (Evans): 8%
PA-07 (Mackenzie): 8%
PA-10 (Perry): 9%
PA-08 (Bresnahan): 8%
NE-02 (Bacon): 8%
AZ-06 (Ciscomani): 9%
WI-03 (Van Orden): 8%
CA-41 (Calvert): 8%
There is not a single congressional district in the U.S. where more than 15% of voters support cuts to Medicaid.
May 13, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The % who support Medicaid cuts in 2026 battleground districts:
IA-01 (Miller Meeks): 9%
AK-AL (Begich): 9%
CO-08 (Evans): 8%
PA-07 (Mackenzie): 8%
PA-10 (Perry): 9%
PA-08 (Bresnahan): 8%
NE-02 (Bacon): 8%
AZ-06 (Ciscomani): 9%
WI-03 (Van Orden): 8%
CA-41 (Calvert): 8%
IA-01 (Miller Meeks): 9%
AK-AL (Begich): 9%
CO-08 (Evans): 8%
PA-07 (Mackenzie): 8%
PA-10 (Perry): 9%
PA-08 (Bresnahan): 8%
NE-02 (Bacon): 8%
AZ-06 (Ciscomani): 9%
WI-03 (Van Orden): 8%
CA-41 (Calvert): 8%
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
A "five-and-dime" wealth tax on multi-millionaires would raise $7 TRILLION.
Would we really rather let the ultra-wealthy keep that money in their bank accounts, or get all of the things listed below? 🤔
Would we really rather let the ultra-wealthy keep that money in their bank accounts, or get all of the things listed below? 🤔
May 7, 2025 at 11:03 PM
A "five-and-dime" wealth tax on multi-millionaires would raise $7 TRILLION.
Would we really rather let the ultra-wealthy keep that money in their bank accounts, or get all of the things listed below? 🤔
Would we really rather let the ultra-wealthy keep that money in their bank accounts, or get all of the things listed below? 🤔
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
I am not often quoted in @nytimes.com DealBook, but I hope the business community is listening.
May 5, 2025 at 4:19 PM
I am not often quoted in @nytimes.com DealBook, but I hope the business community is listening.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
In space, Venus flanks Earth on the left, with a hellfire greenhouse effect. Mars on the right, which long ago had running water. Today, it's bone dry. Something bad happened on each planet.
Seems like the wrong time to limit the Nation’s capacity to conduct climate research.
Seems like the wrong time to limit the Nation’s capacity to conduct climate research.
May 5, 2025 at 7:25 PM
In space, Venus flanks Earth on the left, with a hellfire greenhouse effect. Mars on the right, which long ago had running water. Today, it's bone dry. Something bad happened on each planet.
Seems like the wrong time to limit the Nation’s capacity to conduct climate research.
Seems like the wrong time to limit the Nation’s capacity to conduct climate research.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Historically, hygiene and health are reasons to have effective government. Without it, people senselessly die. Demolishing the federal government will have terrible costs.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Emergence and interstate spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in dairy cattle in the United States
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses cross species barriers and have the potential to cause pandemics. In North America, HPAI A(H5N1) viruses related to the goose/Guangdong 2.3.4.4b hemagg...
www.science.org
April 25, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Historically, hygiene and health are reasons to have effective government. Without it, people senselessly die. Demolishing the federal government will have terrible costs.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Not a single word to help the 33m small businesses in this country. Not from anyone in the administration.
So many buy from China, and don't have alternatives.
So many didn't have the cash to front run the tariffs and buy inventory
So many buy from China, and don't have alternatives.
So many didn't have the cash to front run the tariffs and buy inventory
April 11, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Not a single word to help the 33m small businesses in this country. Not from anyone in the administration.
So many buy from China, and don't have alternatives.
So many didn't have the cash to front run the tariffs and buy inventory
So many buy from China, and don't have alternatives.
So many didn't have the cash to front run the tariffs and buy inventory
“...thirty percent of Americans read at a level that you would expect from a 10-year-old child.” He continued, “It is actually hard to imagine — that every third person you meet on the street has difficulties reading even simple things.” David Brooks via @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/o...
Opinion | The Stupidity of the Tariffs Are the Achievement of a Lifetime
Maybe we’re just not good at thinking anymore.
www.nytimes.com
April 11, 2025 at 1:24 PM
“...thirty percent of Americans read at a level that you would expect from a 10-year-old child.” He continued, “It is actually hard to imagine — that every third person you meet on the street has difficulties reading even simple things.” David Brooks via @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/o...
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Pennsylvania Says Schools Already Comply with Civil Rights Laws and Are Not Ordered to Scrap DEI | “Regardless of changes taking place at the federal level, the Shapiro Admin will continue to do everything in our power to support Pennsylvania learners, educators, and schools.” via @chalkbeat.org.
Pennsylvania Says Schools Already Comply with Civil Rights Laws and Are Not Ordered to Scrap DEI - Bucks County Beacon
“Regardless of changes taking place at the federal level, the Shapiro Administration will continue to do everything in our power to support Pennsylvania learners, educators, and schools,” said Pennsyl...
buckscountybeacon.com
April 10, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Pennsylvania Says Schools Already Comply with Civil Rights Laws and Are Not Ordered to Scrap DEI | “Regardless of changes taking place at the federal level, the Shapiro Admin will continue to do everything in our power to support Pennsylvania learners, educators, and schools.” via @chalkbeat.org.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
PA Tells Trump To Back Off In Slickest Way Possible open.substack.com/pub/curmudgu...
PA Tells Trump To Back Off In Slickest Way Possible
Some days I love my commonwealth's current administration.
open.substack.com
April 10, 2025 at 1:23 PM
PA Tells Trump To Back Off In Slickest Way Possible open.substack.com/pub/curmudgu...
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Very proud of the work @repmcneill.com is doing to keep our kids safe.
www.lehighvalleynews.com/school-news/...
www.lehighvalleynews.com/school-news/...
Carbon monoxide bill inspired by Allentown day care incident clears state House
State Rep. Jeanne McNeill has sponsored a bill that would address the need for carbon monoxide detectors in child care and family care centers. An incident at an Allentown day care in 2022 sparked the...
www.lehighvalleynews.com
April 10, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Very proud of the work @repmcneill.com is doing to keep our kids safe.
www.lehighvalleynews.com/school-news/...
www.lehighvalleynews.com/school-news/...
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
“They were careless people…they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness…and let other people clean up the mess they had made…” -- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (April 10, 1925).
April 10, 2025 at 12:16 PM
“They were careless people…they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness…and let other people clean up the mess they had made…” -- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (April 10, 1925).
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
The U.S is the wealthiest country in the history of the world. We should not have the highest rate of child poverty of nearly every major country on earth. We should have the lowest.
It's time to end this international embarrassment & create an economy that works for all.
It's time to end this international embarrassment & create an economy that works for all.
April 1, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The U.S is the wealthiest country in the history of the world. We should not have the highest rate of child poverty of nearly every major country on earth. We should have the lowest.
It's time to end this international embarrassment & create an economy that works for all.
It's time to end this international embarrassment & create an economy that works for all.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
(1/4) Strong leadership means taking risks and trying things - but when it doesn’t work, realising your mistake and correcting it. Quickly.
April 4, 2025 at 2:32 PM
(1/4) Strong leadership means taking risks and trying things - but when it doesn’t work, realising your mistake and correcting it. Quickly.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
There are 33m companies in the USA. Only 21k employe 500 or more. And they only make up 23% of workers.
Trump and Elon are ignoring the more than 32m entrepreneurs that can't afford to build a new factory or pay tariffs or absorb cancelled contracts.
Trump and Elon are ignoring the more than 32m entrepreneurs that can't afford to build a new factory or pay tariffs or absorb cancelled contracts.
April 4, 2025 at 1:57 PM
There are 33m companies in the USA. Only 21k employe 500 or more. And they only make up 23% of workers.
Trump and Elon are ignoring the more than 32m entrepreneurs that can't afford to build a new factory or pay tariffs or absorb cancelled contracts.
Trump and Elon are ignoring the more than 32m entrepreneurs that can't afford to build a new factory or pay tariffs or absorb cancelled contracts.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
I thought the Trump Administration said not to worry; states would still get their education funds. “State education officials nationwide say the U.S. Dept. of Ed is blocking access to tens of millions of $$ meant for K-12 schools” and firing half the staff has only exacerbated the issue.
States Get Antsy as Education Department Layoffs Delay Millions for Schools
Reimbursements for federal education aid are weeks late, according to state chiefs.
www.edweek.org
March 28, 2025 at 11:18 AM
I thought the Trump Administration said not to worry; states would still get their education funds. “State education officials nationwide say the U.S. Dept. of Ed is blocking access to tens of millions of $$ meant for K-12 schools” and firing half the staff has only exacerbated the issue.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Layoff announcements are on rise, with job cuts at their highest since the pandemic.
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart
March 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Layoff announcements are on rise, with job cuts at their highest since the pandemic.
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Sold a Story has a new mini-series. We found a high-poverty school district where nearly every kid can read well. They’ve been teaching the same way for 25 years. But a new law, inspired by our reporting, put that at risk. All three podcast episodes are out now.
What if I told you that in a small, rust belt city, where abandoned buildings line the streets, kids are doing better in reading than in some of the richest school districts in America? www.youtube.com/shorts/KsBNf...
The Outlier: Steubenville, Ohio
YouTube video by APM Reports
www.youtube.com
March 11, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Sold a Story has a new mini-series. We found a high-poverty school district where nearly every kid can read well. They’ve been teaching the same way for 25 years. But a new law, inspired by our reporting, put that at risk. All three podcast episodes are out now.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen displays of unfettered cruelty.
Cruelty isn’t power. It’s a primal display of weakness and ignorance.
Kindness and empathy are intelligence. We must never forget that.
Cruelty isn’t power. It’s a primal display of weakness and ignorance.
Kindness and empathy are intelligence. We must never forget that.
March 10, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Over the last few weeks, we have seen displays of unfettered cruelty.
Cruelty isn’t power. It’s a primal display of weakness and ignorance.
Kindness and empathy are intelligence. We must never forget that.
Cruelty isn’t power. It’s a primal display of weakness and ignorance.
Kindness and empathy are intelligence. We must never forget that.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
For Women's History Month, may we all remember and summon the courage of Rachel Carson, who wrote Silent Spring to inform the world what DDT was doing to the songbirds, raptors,and by extension, us. While battling cancer, she stood her ground against savage attacks by the chemical industry...
March 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
For Women's History Month, may we all remember and summon the courage of Rachel Carson, who wrote Silent Spring to inform the world what DDT was doing to the songbirds, raptors,and by extension, us. While battling cancer, she stood her ground against savage attacks by the chemical industry...
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
One of my companies informed me they cancelled a $2m conference in Florida. Why ?
They didn’t feel they could pass on the incremental cost of tariffs. So they are cutting expenses.
That’s a city that lost a ton of tourism revenue.
The cost of tariffs isn’t just the cost of the tariff
They didn’t feel they could pass on the incremental cost of tariffs. So they are cutting expenses.
That’s a city that lost a ton of tourism revenue.
The cost of tariffs isn’t just the cost of the tariff
March 10, 2025 at 9:38 PM
One of my companies informed me they cancelled a $2m conference in Florida. Why ?
They didn’t feel they could pass on the incremental cost of tariffs. So they are cutting expenses.
That’s a city that lost a ton of tourism revenue.
The cost of tariffs isn’t just the cost of the tariff
They didn’t feel they could pass on the incremental cost of tariffs. So they are cutting expenses.
That’s a city that lost a ton of tourism revenue.
The cost of tariffs isn’t just the cost of the tariff
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
Helpful @nytimes.com data analysis today on the impact of Medicaid. Cutting this program would hurt many Americans, including millions of children.
March 10, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Helpful @nytimes.com data analysis today on the impact of Medicaid. Cutting this program would hurt many Americans, including millions of children.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
"We may lose one of the most vital services that actually kept us safe in 2024 and kept our elections moving," Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said about cuts to a federal cybersecurity agency that helps safeguard elections.
Election Officials Say Cuts to CISA Are Already Affecting Operations
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
March 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
"We may lose one of the most vital services that actually kept us safe in 2024 and kept our elections moving," Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said about cuts to a federal cybersecurity agency that helps safeguard elections.
Reposted by Tracy Smith, Ed.D.
The average household will pay around $1,800 from Trump’s tariffs, but the poorest Americans will be shelling out the largest share of their incomes.
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart
March 5, 2025 at 2:08 PM
The average household will pay around $1,800 from Trump’s tariffs, but the poorest Americans will be shelling out the largest share of their incomes.
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart
My @morningjoe-msnbc.bsky.social Chart