A number of Texas children, including some in Hays County, are coming up short educationally, with poverty and lack of adequate health care the prime underlying causes.
That’s one of the findings by The Center for Public Policy Priorities, which on Wednesday released The State of Texas Children: Texas KIDS COUNT Annual Data Book 2008-09.
Included in the book are some statistics about the factors driving the education gaps in Hays County.
This year's data book includes a special essay on “Closing the Educational Gaps,” revealing that community and statewide factors play a pivotal role in a child's academic achievement.
“In every grade, fewer economically disadvantaged kids succeed in school or graduate than their peers. This is not simply about poor kids from poor families. This is about the broader social and community problems that hold kids back, such as access to quality prenatal care, exposure to more environmental hazards, hunger and lack of affordable housing. In combination, these factors can have a powerful affect on a student’s ability to learn,” Texas KIDS COUNT Director Frances Deviney said.
Only 80 percent of Texas’ economically disadvantaged students pass the TAKS Reading, and 68 percent pass the TAKS Math tests compared to 93 percent and 84 percent of their non-disadvantaged peers, respectively, the report said.
In Hays County, economically disadvantaged children passing rates are 79.6 percent for reading and 65.2 percent for math, compared their non-disadvantaged peers’ passing rates of 93.1 percent and 84.7 percent, respectively.
Factors Driving the Education Gaps
Poverty in Texas and in Hays County
With nearly one in four kids living in poverty (24.7 percent), Texas' child rate exceeds most other states' (U.S. = 18.5 percent). That means 1.5 million Texas children live in families making less than the federal poverty level (e.g., less than $17,600 for a family of 3 in 2008). In Hays County, 3,532 children (12.9 percent) live in families below the poverty line.
According to the report, compared to their peers, these children:
• are less likely to pass the TAKS test;
• drop out of school at higher rates; and
• earn less in future employment.
Child Health in Texas and Hays County
Texas' uninsured rate for children exceeds that of every other state. Texas had the worst uninsured rate nine of the last 10 years, with 21 percent of children under 17 uninsured in 2006.
In Hays County, 5,434 children (18.6 percent) lack health insurance.
The report said children without regular health care are more likely to contract illnesses that will keep them out of school. They are more likely to have poorer oral health, vision, and hearing.
Child Nutrition in Texas and in Hays County
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, from 2004-2006, 15.9 percent of Texas households (approximately 1.3 million households with 1.4 million children) were classified as food insecure, ranking Texas as 48th in the nation. One resource for these children is the Food Stamp program.
In Hays County, 4809 children (16.7 percent) live in families receiving Food Stamps (TX = 24.1 percent).
Local News
Closing educational gaps
Kids Count book shines critical light on needs of youngsters in Texas
- Local News
-
-
Massive crane lifts old theater from Spring Lake
Every job requires the proper tool. So it was on Thursday when the old Submarine Theater was finally lifted out of Spring Lake.
-
Teachers of the Year
-
Saturday Memorial Day ceremony to pay tribute
The public is invited to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the San Marcos City Cemetery at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 26, sponsored by San Marcos American Legion Post 144.
-
Ruiz makes presentation about tax risks for boomers
Ruben Ruiz, local author and CEO of the Ruiz Financial Group, LLC and Money Concepts, recently presented at the National Group Conference, at the Fairmont Orchard Hotel on the big island of Kona, Hawaii.
-
HOT coming to Wimberley
The Heart of Texas (HOT) Chorus is coming to Wimberley for a free performance – and the public is invited.
-
2012 seniors to sweep San Marcos
The San Marcos High School seniors of the Class of 2012 will be out in force Saturday, cleaning up downtown, hoping that passers-by and local residents will donate $1 each to Project Graduation, the annual drug and alcohol free celebration for the senior class to celebrate their high school graduation.
-
Texas leading state for small business
In recognition of National Small Business Week, Texas Workforce Commissioner Tom Pauken shares some good news about our state’s positive climate for small businesses.
-
City plans park dedication in the name of San Marcos soldier killed in Afghanistan
The family of Capt. Paul Peña, the city of San Marcos, San Marcos Academy and representatives of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will dedicate a park in honor of the fallen soldier at a special Memorial Weekend ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday.
-
Cemetario del Rio
- Burn ban off – for now
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
