GIA Education Report: 9/18/24

Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva.  

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded $251 million in grants to 27 organizations across the country through the Disability Innovation Fund program. These grants aim to support individuals with disabilities in securing competitive, integrated employment in high-demand fields. Recipients, including universities, nonprofits, and state agencies, will implement innovative programs to help youth and adults with disabilities transition into the workforce. The initiatives will focus on areas such as advanced technology careers, early intervention for justice-involved youth, and reintegration strategies, to create sustainable employment pathways for individuals with disabilities. Learn more about this program at: www.ed.gov 

The U.S. Senate has declared September as National Literacy Month, emphasizing the importance of early literacy by third grade as a predictor of long-term success. Led by Senators Katie Britt, Bill Cassidy, and Jack Reed, the resolution aims to improve literacy rates nationwide, especially among young children. According to recent data, a significant portion of fourth and eighth graders are not meeting grade-level expectations. National statistics show many students still struggle with reading proficiency, and this initiative seeks to address these gaps through awareness and educational programs. 

A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge has ruled that Chino Valley Unified School District’s “parental notification” policy, which required schools to inform parents when a student requested to use a different name or pronoun than listed on official records, is unconstitutional and discriminatory. The ruling permanently halts the policy, citing that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of California’s Constitution by discriminating against transgender and gender nonconforming students. The case, brought by State Attorney General Rob Bonta, highlights broader issues affecting students, parents, and school officials across the state. 

Redwood Elementary School’s dual language immersion (DLI) program continues to grow in popularity, with about 100 families applying annually for 50 kindergarten spots. Now in its sixth year, the DLI program aims to enhance language development and cultural awareness for both native and non-native Spanish-speaking students. The program, which will expand to sixth grade by 2025-26, is part of the school’s efforts to strengthen community ties and cultural understanding.  

Proposition 2, a $10 billion bond measure, will be on the ballot for California voters in November. The bond aims to fund maintenance and repairs for K-8 schools and community colleges, with $8.5 billion allocated to schools and $1.5 billion to community colleges. Supporters argue the bond will create jobs and modernize schools, ensuring safer and more effective learning environments. However, critics raise concerns about the long-term financial burden on taxpayers and potential inefficiencies in managing funds, citing past issues with misallocated resources in public projects. 

Four educators were honored as San Bernardino County’s Teachers of the Year during the Stars in Education Celebration, hosted by the County Superintendent of Schools. The honorees were nominated by their peers for their commitment to creating equitable and innovative learning environments. The Teachers of the Year include Ronald Osburn from Liberty II State Preschool, Jamie Fleming from the Independent Learning Academy, Matthew Guzman from Del Rey Elementary, and Melissa McCann from Live Oak Early Education Center. 

And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.