Violent Teen Deaths Rose From 1985-92, Report Says
An annual state-by-state report on the conditions facing children in the United States says that between 1985 and 1992, the well-being of the nation’s children declined in five key areas and improved in five others.
Among the findings in the Kids Count Data Book, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore, are a decline in the number of infant and child deaths during that period. But the data also show a rise in the number of violent teenage deaths and in the number of youths arrested for violent crimes.
At the same time, the report found increases in the number of teenagers remaining in school and the number who were attending school or working.
The report includes rankings for the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Information on ordering copies of the report is available from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 701 St. Paul St., Baltimore, Md. 21202; (410) 223-2890.
Tracking Entrance Exams: The number of colleges and universities that do not require applicants to take either of the best-known entrance examinations has grown to more than 200, according to an annual report from the National Center for Fair & Open Testing.
The Cambridge, Mass.-based watchdog group, known as FairTest, encourages higher-education institutions to reduce their reliance on standardized-test scores. The group said 231 four-year institutions nationwide do not require either the Scholastic Assessment Test or the American College Testing exam.
For a list of the 231 institutions, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to FairTest, 342 Broadway, Cambridge, Mass. 02139.
Improving Cooperation: The California School Boards Association believes school boards can play a supporting role in improving services for children and families, and has published guidelines to help them do so.
Among the handbook’s recommendations are establishing a vision for the school system based on community needs and advocating funding changes to improve collaborative efforts with other agencies.
Information about ordering copies of the handbook, “Collaboration for Kids: The School Board’s Role in Improving Children’s Services,” is available from the C.S.B.A., 1600 Beacon Blvd., P.O. Box 1660, West Sacramento, Calif. 95691; (916) 371-4691.
