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Dear reader,  

In the pandemic’s aftermath, learning loss, frustration and loneliness have persisted, leaving students in many schools more likely to act out. That’s part of the reason we took a close-up look how so-called restorative justice works, at a time when climbing rates of student misbehavior have led to calls for stronger penalties, or even the return of police who were banned from some school districts in 2020. The story, set in Montgomery County, Maryland, also appeared in The Washington Post, and we’d love to know what you think. 

Also this week, we explain why some Native American tribes are being left out of programs meant to help reduce cost barriers for Indigenous students, who have historically faced significant challenges in attending and staying in college. And recent research reminds readers that even with public confidence in higher education plummeting, there are many who still believe deeply in the value of a college degree.  

Finally, it may also be heartening to learn how two-year community colleges are changing with the times, to be more in tune with local job markets. Please remind others to sign up for our newsletters, and become a member so we can keep bringing you these stories and much more. 

Liz Willen, Editor

What does restorative justice look like?
Maryland lawmakers prioritized the alternative disciplinary practice four years ago, but the rollout has been complicated