A new report shows Arizona’s 8th grade math proficiency improved dramatically in 2015, rising the ranks from 35th in the nation to 18th.
Rankings were released as part of the annual Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. And while children’s advocacy groups are celebrating this progress, the report shows the state still has work to do in areas like preschool participation.
Dana Wolfe Naimark is the president of Children’s Action Alliance. She says Arizona ranks 48th in preschool participation, "especially children who come from disadvantaged families. Preschool participation can really give them that leg up so they can start kindergarten ready to succeed."
Overall, the report shows very minor improvement for Arizona children, improving slightly over last year to 45th in the nation.
Editor's note: The link to the Kids Count Data Book has been updated.
