The 37th edition of the Kids Count Data Book shows Ohio is performing above the national average in overall child well-being, but education remains an area where advocates say the state could improve.

The annual report, published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, analyzes child wellness trends in all 50 states. It is designed to show policymakers where states are doing well and where greater investment may be needed.

Between 2019 and 2024, Ohio’s high school graduation rate increased from 82% to 88%. But the report also shows eighth graders are struggling with math proficiency.

Christian Davis, research and policy manager for Children’s Defense Fund Ohio, said access to educational resources is a major factor.

“A lot of it is just really access to resources, educational resources,” Davis said. “Unfortunately, your ZIP code often determines what you have access to, and we see that in education systems, especially Ohio public education systems.”

A new feature in this year’s report is a scoring system ranging from zero to 1,000. Ohio scored 569 in overall child well-being, above the national score of 547.

Davis said even states that are doing well need policies aimed at improving educational outcomes.

Leslie Boissiere, vice president for external affairs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said the report also highlights “bright spots” in Ohio, including a downward trend in teen birth rates and fewer children living in homes where parents lack a high school diploma.

Boissiere said those factors are direct indicators of children’s well-being and families’ economic security.

“Stable housing is incredibly important for children,” Boissiere said. “Access to health care is another thing that's important. We want children to get the developmental and preventative treatment that they need, and we also want to know that if there's a health issue, that they have the ability to see a medical professional.”

Boissiere said she would like all Ohio policymakers to review the Kids Count report and invest in policies and programs that are proven to provide results.

Source: Public News Service