The results aren’t all doom and gloom, though. Texas rose two positions from last year and ranks higher than most states for eighth-grade math proficiency (15th) and at least one parent with full-time employment (17th). Still, the number of children who are not proficient in math and have no parent with a full-time job is “unacceptably high,” the foundation reports.
“The two most important things we could do to raise our child well-being rankings are to provide more children with health insurance and reduce the teen birth rate,” said Center for Public Policy Priorities Research Associate Jennifer Lee in a news release.
The release also points out the disconcertingly high number of Texas Latino and African-American children living in high-poverty neighborhoods, where their health and safety are at risk and their educational opportunities are stagnated.
“All children ― regardless of race or ethnicity ― should have the chance to compete and succeed in life,” said Ms. Lee. “It’s time to adopt comprehensive policy solutions ― like closing the health care coverage gap ― that benefit children of all backgrounds and prepare them to be healthy, well-educated, and financially secure.”
Read the full report.
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