NV Gets Low Grades For Child Welfare, Education

A Nevada advocacy group is challenging the state Legislature to improve programs for child health, safety and education.

The nonprofit Children's Advocacy Alliance released a report card Tuesday that grades the state "D'' in children's health, "D'' in safety and security, and "F'' in education.

Nevada First Lady Kathleen Sandoval says she sees progress, but the state still has a lot of work to do.

KSNV-TV reports that factors contributing to the failing grade in education included readiness of children to begin school, student achievement, high school graduation rates and funding.

The state ranks 47th in high school dropouts and 45th lowest in per-child spending on education.

Nevada ranked last nationally in preschool enrollment, at 32 percent.

The state spends $8,223 per pupil, well below the $10,000 national average.
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