Legal Fight to Save DOE, Dual Enrollment on the Rise, and Model Schools Recognized

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

A coalition of major teachers’ unions and Massachusetts school districts has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The suit, filed in Boston, follows an executive order that led to over 1,300 layoffs and a plan to reassign the department’s responsibilities to other federal agencies. Plaintiffs argue the move is unlawful and undermines critical federal support for public education, including Title I funding, Pell Grants, and special education services. The legal action reflects growing concern over the potential impact on educational equity and access nationwide. 

In other news, dual enrollment is rapidly growing in California, with participation increasing 58% since 2018. This approach allows high school students to earn college credit early, boosting confidence, reducing time and cost toward a degree, and improving long-term academic success. Colleges benefit from increased enrollment and retention, while employers gain access to students with industry-aligned skills. Programs like those at Mt. San Jacinto College and Gateway College and Career Academy show that dual enrollment students are more likely to graduate, persist in college, and enter the workforce with relevant experience—making it a key strategy for addressing future education and labor market challenges. 

A live podcast recording of Autism Goes to College will take place at UCLA on April 17 in recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Hosted in partnership with several UCLA centers, the event will feature neurodivergent students sharing their college experiences, followed by a Q&A session. The goal is to raise awareness and foster dialogue around supporting autistic students in higher education. Key partners including UC Riverside, The Far Fund, and the Chapman Family Foundation support the program.  

Students interested in community service opportunities are invited to a virtual info session on the Inland Empire College Corps program, taking place Wednesday, April 23 from 12 to 12:45 p.m. The program allows students at eight local campuses to earn up to $10,000 while serving their communities. Hosted by Growing Inland Achievement, the session will provide details on eligibility, application links, and campus contacts. Attendees will also be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. For more information, email info@inlandempiregia.org.  

To close this report, we highlight two middle schools in the Desert Sands Unified School District. Indio Middle School and John Glenn Middle School, have been named to the 2025 California Schools to Watch List for demonstrating strong academic performance and effective teacher support systems. Both campuses have maintained this designation through multiple re-evaluations, with IMS first earning the title in 2018 and JGMS originally recognized in 2004. The Schools to Watch program highlights model middle schools across the state that promote academic growth, equity, and student well-being. A total of 90 California schools earned or renewed this designation in 2025. 

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