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: Click here to share your opinions and ideas.

According to popular narrative, kids aren’t learning, schools are failing and nothing works. In a reality check last week, several new reports show reform efforts are paying off, and students are doing better on both national and state measures. I write about the reality and the myth. In a guest column, a recent APS high school graduate talks about conquering an eating disorder and learning to appreciate her size and her strengths. And readers sound off about whether high schools should create a track that allows students to graduate in three years.

A new narrative for public education by Maureen Downey

Guest columnists:

Overcoming bulimia, gaining strength by Kate de Give | Response to recent conversation from our readers

About the Author

Featured

Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo