Today’s moderator: Maureen Downey

Maureen Downey has written about local, state and federal education policy at the AJC for 12 years. She’s also taught college classes in mass communications and journalism. However, she’s learned more about schools from having four children in them.

»Join the discussion online today: Share your opinions and ideas on Maureen's blog Get Schooled.

Parents applaud get-tough policies in schools — until their own child is on the receiving end. I examine the no-win situation that schools face today in doling out discipline. In a guest column, an Emory professor notes that the performance of U.S. students in the early grades peters out in high school. What are we doing that slows the progress of our students once they reach high school? And readers sound off on the stiff prison sentences handed out last week in the DeKalb County schools corruption trial.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com