A compendium of indicators depicting both the
promises and the challenges confronting our Nation’s
young people. The report, the 16th in an ongoing
series, presents 41 key indicators on important aspects
of children’s lives. These indicators are drawn from our
most reliable statistics, are easily understood by broad
audiences, are objectively based on substantial research,
are balanced so that no single area of children’s lives
dominates the report, are measured regularly so that
they can be updated to show trends over time, and are
representative of large segments of the population rather
than one particular group.
The report continues to present key indicators in seven
domains: family and social environment, economic
circumstances, health care, physical environment and
safety, behavior, education, and health. This year’s
report also incorporates several modifications that reflect
the Forum’s efforts to improve its quality and breadth.
In addition to updating data sources and expanding
several indicators, the report presents a special feature on
children’s kindergarten experience