In a new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Oregon ranks in the middle among states for overall child well-being. While the state is in the top 25% for child health, it ranks near the bottom in education. In 2022, nearly three-quarters of 4th graders in Oregon were not proficient readers, and nearly 80% of 8th graders were not proficient in math. The pandemic also led to a 10% increase in chronic absenteeism, with about 40% of Oregon students being chronically absent in 2022. The report recommends increased investment in areas such as reliable internet access and low-cost or free meals for students. Oregon schools have been criticized for not more closely regulating the use of federal COVID relief money to improve educational outcomes for kids. [bd896f63]
According to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Ohio ranks low in child well-being. In the report, Ohio is highlighted as one of the states where a significant percentage of students are not proficient in reading and math. Specifically, 65% of 4th graders in Ohio are not proficient in reading, while 74% of 8th graders in Ohio are not proficient in math. These numbers reflect a trend of slipping proficiency that started before the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in basic reading and math skills is predicted to have significant economic consequences, with students' future earnings taking a $900 billion hit. Chronic absences and lack of resources are contributing factors. The report calls for measures such as free school lunches, addressing chronic absenteeism, expanding tutoring services, and investing more state resources in public schools to improve outcomes. [45ce90a9]