The 2017 Race for Results: Building a Path to Opportunity for All Children report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation documents that racial and ethnic disparities prevent children of color and children from immigrant families from achieving success on key milestones. The data measure 12 indicators and produce an index score to show varying access to opportunity for each group of children.
Nebraska is home to 35,187 Hispanic or Latino children. Compared to other groups, Hispanic or Latino children have the second lowest access to opportunity, with an overall index score of 393. These children did not have the highest score in any category, but rather the lowest score in the following four categories:
- Children, 4th graders, who did not score at or above proficient in reading 2015: 82 % – A good education in reading and writing is the foundation to pursuing higher education and degrees. When children are given the tools to learn to read and write, they are more likely to become successful and find high paying salaries.
- Children, ages 0 to 17, who live with a householder who has at least a high school degree 2013-2015: 56 % – Children who live in a home with a parent who has at least a high school degree are more likely to have access to economic resources and better education outcomes
- Children, ages 0 to 17, living above 200% poverty 2013-2015: 29% – Children from families with higher incomes have access to more resources and are more likely to have higher performances in school. Children from low-income families tend to score lower on cognitive tests and are less likely to graduate high school and go to college than their higher income peers.
- Young adults, ages 25-29, who have completed an associate’s degree or higher 2013-2015: 15% – Young adults are more likely to be economically stable in their futures when achieving a post-secondary education. Having an associate’s degree or higher will open doors to valuable employment opportunities.
Hispanic or Latino children in Nebraska did not have the lowest or highest score for the other 8 indicators.
- Babies not born at a normal birthweight 2015: 8% – Children who are born underweight are at higher risk for dying in their first year or developing disabilities. The environment of pregnancy can affect birthweight; conditions include poverty, stress, violence, and etc.
- Children, ages 3 to 5, enrolled in nursery school, preschool, or kindergarten 2013-2015: 59% – Early childhood education constructs a path to success and assists with brain development and skill building. Children who are enrolled in school at a young age are more likely to pursue a higher education and then earn high incomes in stable jobs.
- Children, 8th graders, who did not scored at or above proficient in math 2015: 84% – The performance of children on standardized tests and in school often reflects the resources children have to higher education. When children do not do well on math tests, their path to success is at risk.
- Children not graduating high school on time 2014-2015: 12% – Earning a high school diploma can lead to more opportunities, like pursuing a degree in secondary education or finding successful jobs. Increasing the number of children who graduate on time will encourage young adults to contribute within their communities.
- Children, ages 0 to 17, who live in low poverty areas (poverty <20%) 2011-2015: 57% – Living in a neighborhood in poverty is associated with higher risk of violence and rates of crime. Financial insecurity negatively impacts children’s schools, education, resources, and afterschool programs.
- Children, ages 0 to 17, who do not live in a two-parent families 2013-2015: 35% – Living in a two parent family is associated with having more economic, educational, and emotional resources. Children who do not live in two-parent households are less likely to succeed than children in single-family households.
- Young Adults, ages 15 to 19, who delay childbearing until adulthood 2015: 10% – Childbearing in teenage years can have negative effects. Babies are more likely to be born preterm or underweight if they have teen mothers. These children are more likely to have barriers to education and success.
- Young adults ages 19 to 26 who are in school or working 2013-2015: 81% – These young adults are able to build their skill sets while attending school or working. Giving young adults the opportunity to learn career skills will increase their chances of earning higher salaries and succeeding.
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