The 35th edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT(r) Data Book <https://www.aecf.org/resources/2024-kids-count-data-book> examines the unprecedented declines in student math and reading proficiency brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on education<https://www.aecf.org/blog/pandemic-learning-loss-and-absence-threaten-economy-and-young-peoples-futures>. The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress reveals that between 2019 and 2022, fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math scores plummeted, representing decades of lost progress. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for action to address the growing academic disparities among U.S. students. Of note, Michigan ranks 34th in the country when it comes to overall child well being, according to the 2024 data book, and Michigan is in the bottom ten states for education for the second year in a row. Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> Join the MiYouth<http://mail2.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/miyouth> Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services. [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
