The well-being of kids in Oklahoma has improved according to the latest KIDS COUNT Data Book released by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA). Oklahoma is now 37th among U.S. States for overall child well-being, up from 39th place a year ago.
There are four categories making up the ranking. They are Economic Well-being, Education, Health and Family and Community.
Oklahoma did best in Economic Well-being by taking 29th place. The state has seen a drop in the percentage of children living in poverty and children whose parents lack secure employment.
The state’s weakest ranking came in the Education category. Oklahoma received a ranking of 42nd. The state is still struggling with high rates of young children not attending school, fourth graders not proficient in reading, eighth graders not proficient in math, and high school students not graduating on time. The report does indicate Oklahoma has made some progress with education, but much more still has to be done.
“Oklahoma is a great state and we are a proud state,” said OICA CEO Joe Dorman. “Thirty-seventh in the country isn’t good enough when it comes to making sure our children are safe, healthy and well-educated. At the same time, it is notable and encouraging to see that we continue to improve.”
Dorman would like to see Oklahoma continue to make improvements and plans to work with the legislature to make it happen.
“It’s a great time to build on the incremental gains we have made on behalf of children, but our challenging state budget outlook leaves us vulnerable to backsliding,” said Dorman. “We need our lawmakers to fight for better access to health care for kids, more economic opportunity, great schools, and stronger communities and families. A tough budget scenario is not an excuse to reverse course or slash essential services at the expense of Oklahoma children.”
The full report can be viewed here.
