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.

With kids spending so many hours on smartphones, computers and tablets, do they have any time left over to read or play games? I discuss the challenges of raising techno-savvy kids, who are learning by example. Unfortunately, it is the bad example of parents who are also increasingly tied to their smartphones and laptops. In a guest column, the DeKalb County solicitor discusses the importance of parents getting their kids to school. And readers take aim at a study that found poor children growing up in metro Atlanta face steeper odds of rising out of poverty than many of their peers elsewhere in America.

Growing disconnect by Maureen Downey

Guest columnists:

Truancy: No excuses for parents by Sherry Boston

Response to recent conversation from our readers

About the Author

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez