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Indiana's overall child well-being scores decline in new national report • Indiana Capital Chronicle

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Indiana's overall child well-being scores decline in new national report • Indiana Capital Chronicle


A new state-by-state report shows Indiana’s child well-being ranking has dropped — in part due to Hoosier kids’ dismal math and reading scores, as well as increased rates of youth deaths.

Although Indiana continues to rank in the bottom half of states for its rates of teen births and children living in high-poverty or in single-parent households, those numbers are showing improvement.

The 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book ranked Indiana 27th among states, three places lower than last year. It’s still a slight improvement, however, compared to 2022 and 2021, when the state ranked 28th and 29th, respectively.

In specific categories covered in the latest report, Indiana came in 15th for economic well-being, 17th in education, 31st in family and community, and 32nd in health.

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“Indiana has significant opportunities and challenges ahead in supporting the well-being of our children,” said Tami Silverman, president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute. 

“We should celebrate the progress we’ve made, especially in economic well-being areas such as parental employment rates and housing affordability; and we must acknowledge the disparities that persist for our kids,” Silverman continued. “Every child in Indiana should have access to quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. By addressing these disparities head-on, we not only invest in the future of our children but also in the economic prosperity of our state.”

The report is prepared by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in conjunction with organizations across the county, including the Indiana Youth Institute. It rates states in 16 wide-ranging areas, which are lumped together under the categories of health, education, economic well-being, and family and community support.

Gaps in reading and math

The education portion of the latest edition — focused on student achievement — reiterates low numbers familiar to Hoosier education officials.

Just 32% of fourth graders nationally were at or above proficiency in reading in 2022, the latest year for which numbers were available. That was down from the 34% who were proficient in 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Scores were even worse for eighth grade math. Nationwide, only 26% of eighth graders were at or above proficiency in math two years ago, down from 33% in 2019.

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In Indiana, one-third of fourth graders performed at or above proficiency in reading — a four percentage-point decrease from the 2019 rate of 37%, the report showed.

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Further, only 30% of Indiana eighth grade students performed at or above proficiency in math, marking an 11% decrease from 2019, ranking the state 11th nationally.

Among Indiana fourth graders in 2022, Black students had an average reading score that was 23 points lower than that of white students. Students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) had an average reading score 18 points lower than those not eligible for NSLP, according to the KIDS COUNT report.

Meanwhile, eighth grade Black students in Indiana had an average math score that was 31 points lower than white students. Hispanic students in the same grade had an average math score that was 19 points lower than their white peers. 

The Casey Foundation report contends that the pandemic is not the sole cause of lower test scores, though. Rather, the foundation says educators, researchers, policymakers and employers who track students’ academic readiness have been ringing alarm bells “for a long time.” 

U.S. scores in reading and math have barely budged in decades. In Indiana, state education officials have repeatedly pointed out that Hoosier literacy exam scores have been on the decline since 2015.

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During the 2024 legislative session, state lawmakers took decisive action as part of an ongoing push to improve literacy and K-12 student performance.

Paramount among the new laws passed was one to require reading-deficient third graders to be held back a year in school.

Stats on youth health and family life

Health-focused portions of the report show that — after peaking in 2021 — the national child and teen death rate stabilized at 30 deaths per 100,000 children and youth ages 1 to 19.

Indiana youth face mental health crises, declining school performance

But in Indiana, the death rate has continued to rise. While 29 deaths per 100,000 Hoosier children and youth were recorded in 2019, the rate increased to 36 deaths in 2022, per the report.

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The Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) has already drawn attention, for example, to higher rates of mental health crises such as depression and suicidal ideation among the state’s youth. According to IYI data, one out of every three students from 7th to 12th grade reported experiencing persistent sadness and hopelessness. One out of seven students made a plan to commit suicide.

The most recent data available additionally show that nationwide and in Indiana, the child poverty rate improved and economic security of parents increased back to pre-pandemic levels.

Between 2018 and 2022, roughly 113,000 — or 7% — of Hoosier children were reportedly living in high-poverty areas. That’s a drop from 10% between 2013 and 2017, according to the report.

From 2019 to 2022, teen births per 1,000 declined from 21 to 17, and the percentage of children in single-parent families also dropped from 35% to 32%.

Still, some gains

Advocates pointed to “some bright spots” for Hoosier kids and their families in this year’s national report, as well: 

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  • Between 2019 and 2022, more parents (75%) had full-time secure employment in Indiana — which surpassed both the national average and that of the four neighboring states: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.
  • In 2022, fewer children (22%) lived in households that faced a high housing cost burden, spending 30% of their income solely on housing expenses, in comparison to the national average (30%).
  • In 2022, more Hoosier teens (95%) between the ages 16 and 19 were either enrolled in school or employed, an improvement from 93% in 2019.          
  • Far fewer children under 19 (5%) were also uninsured. Indiana saw the fifth-highest decrease nationally in uninsured children between 2019 and 2022 — a 29% improvement.

The report offers several recommendations for policymakers, school leaders and educators that include chronicling absenteeism data by grade, establishing a culture to pursue evidence-based solutions and incorporating intensive, in-person tutoring to align with the school curriculum.

“Kids of all ages and grades must have what they need to learn each day, such as enough food and sleep and a safe way to get to school, as well as the additional resources they might need to perform at their highest potential and thrive, like tutoring and mental health services,” said Lisa Hamilton, president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “Our policies and priorities have not focused on these factors in preparing young people for the economy, short-changing a whole generation.”

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Miami Heat-Indiana Pacers Prop Bets: Streaking Tyler Herro Primed for Another Big Game

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Miami Heat-Indiana Pacers Prop Bets: Streaking Tyler Herro Primed for Another Big Game


The Miami Heat (4-6) look to get back on track against the Indiana Pacers (5-6) in Friday’s NBA Cup showdown. 

Looking to have some added fun and potentially win a little money during tonight’s Heat-Pacers game? Here are some Heat-related prop bets you should consider:

(All props are via Hard Rock Bet)

Terry Rozier O/U 16.5 points: UNDER

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Why change what works? We nailed Rozier’s points under (15.5) Tuesday night against the Pistons. He finished the overtime loss with seven points on 3 of 14 shooting (0-for-five from three-point range).

Rozier hasn’t topped 16 points in a game since Oct. 28. We feel comfortable taking the under here. 

Bam Adebayo O/U 0.5 threes made: OVER

Any prop bet at 0.5 is always intriguing. Adebayo is averaging a career-high 2.3 three-point attempts per game in the early going. He nailed his only three try Tuesday night against Detroit.

All you need from Adebayo is a single made three-point attempt. He’s accomplished that feat in two of the Heat’s last three games. Go with the over here. 

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Tyler Herro O/U 6.5 assists: OVER

This is definitely risky. Herro is averaging a career-high 5.3 assists and notched eight against the Pistons. 

Herro is playing at an All-Star level and has stepped up in Jimmy Butler’s absence. We believe in Herro. Take the over here and watch him thrive Friday night.

Will Bam Adebayo record a double-double? NO

This isn’t a simple over/under prop bet. You must decide if you want to bet on Adebayo to notch a double-double or if you want to avoid the bet entirely.

The good news is Adebayo recorded five double-doubles in the Heat’s first 10 outings. However, he’s had two games in his last five where he’s finished within two rebounds shy of a double-double. Save your money here.

NEW HEAT JERSEYS EARN NEGATIVE REVIEW

Don’t expect the Miami Heat’s latest City Culture jerseys to earn any awards in the looks department anytime soon. 

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The NBA unveiled every new City Culture jersey Thursday. Miami’s is a “Blood Red” with “Heat Culture” in black text on the front . 

Early returns on the new Heat jerseys aren’t exactly positive. CBS Sports ranked all 30 jerseys following their Thursday unveiling. The article ranked the Heat 27th (or fourth-worst).

“Miami could have come up with some really cool options, but this looks like a catchphrase or a bumper sticker slapped onto a red jersey,” the article argued, adding, “[T]his look pales in comparison to other City Edition uniforms.”

ODEN FEARED PLAYING FOR HEAT

The Miami Heat are no strangers to taking chances on talented yet risky players, as retired big man Greg Oden once learned firsthand. 

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Oden, the 2007 No. 1 pick, spent the 2013-14 season on the Heat after injuries ruined his Portland Trail Blazers career. Oden reflected on his short Heat tenure over a decade later on former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel’s podcast.

Oden admitted he feared getting in trouble or becoming the player who jinxed the two-time defending champions. He said he spent five days a week with teammate Michael Beasley, though they limited their South Beach trips to avoid any issues. 

“We can’t get in trouble in Miami,” Oden told Manziel. “Like we’re on this team, we’re going to make it to the f—- Finals, we’re going to get rings, just don’t f— it up, basically. Being on that team, it felt like it meant a little bit more, and I wasn’t going to be the one to mess that up, especially after two championships.”

HEAT PLAYERS CHASING SIX-FIGURE PAYDAY

If calling yourself an NBA Cup champion wasn’t enough to motivate Heat players, how does half a million dollars sound?

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Although the NBA Cup (formerly the In-Season Tournament) has its detractors, the league is trying to make the event stick. 

What better way to do so than by financially motivating players to give their all?

According to USA Today, players on the winning NBA Cup team earn nearly $515,000. That’s up from the $500,000 players on the Los Angeles Lakers netted in last season’s tournament.

MORE HEAT NEWS

Former Miami Heat Center Ranked Among Greatest NBA ‘What-If’ Stories

O.J. Simpson, Dwyane Wade In An Elevator? What Could Go Wrong?

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Jake Elman works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jakeelman97@gmail.com or follow him on X @JakeElman97.





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‘It just felt like home.’ Warren Central DE Tyrone Burrus explains decision to flip to IU.

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‘It just felt like home.’ Warren Central DE Tyrone Burrus explains decision to flip to IU.


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The more Tyrone Burrus Jr. thought about his college decision, the more he kept coming back to Bloomington.

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Of course, the Hoosiers’ magical 10-0 season and current No. 5 ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings did not hurt IU’s chances. Burrus, a 6-4, 235-pound senior defensive end at Warren Central, picked Louisville over IU in late June. But he never completely got IU out of his mind.

“I just wanted to see improvement,” Burrus Jr. said of Indiana’s program. “I knew it was a whole new staff coming in and I knew they had plans to change everything. I told them I’d continue looking out. And then they started winning games and I’m like, ‘OK, let me go see for myself in person.’ I like the scheme of how I’d play if I was there and (when I got there), it was ever better.”

Burrus visited twice — once for the Nebraska game last month and again on Saturday for the Michigan game. He made his decision to commit to IU public on his Instagram account on Thursday morning.

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Through 11 games this season, Burrus has 42 tackles, including nine for a loss, and six sacks for the Class 6A fifth-ranked Warriors (10-1), who will host Center Grove (7-4) in a Class 6A regional Friday. He cited his “great relationship” with IU defensive ends coach Buddha Williams and defensive tackles coach Pat Kuntz as a major factor in his commitment.

“I just got to thinking about where I wanted to go and where I wanted to spend my next four years,” Burrus said. “I just kept going down to games (at IU) to see and talk to the coaches and what really did it was I have a real good relationship with coach (Elijah) Jones at my high school. I got the same type of vibe that Buddha gives me. And it just felt like home.”

Burrus is rated as a three-star prospect on the 247Sports composite and the No. 9 overall prospect in the state in the 2025 class. He also had offers from Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue and West Virginia.

Indiana now has 21 known commitments in the 2025 high school graduating class. Lawrence North wide receiver Davion Chandler, Carmel offensive lineman Evan Parker, Kokomo tight end Andrew Barker and Bloomington South kicker Bryce Taylor are other in-state recruits currently in the recruiting class.

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Burrus said the energy IU plays with on defense was appealing when he was able to watch the team in person.

“When I was watching, even in crucial moments, they were hyping each other up a lot like we do (at Warren Central),” he said.

Chandler, the Lawrence North receiver, said on Friday IU’s 10-0 start, “should be message to every kid in Indiana.” Interestingly, the top in-state player in the 2026 class is Burrus’ teammate and fellow defensive lineman Jerimy Finch Jr.

Burrus just committed to IU, so he has some catching up to do with Finch. His high school teammates, offensive lineman Cam Herron (Notre Dame), and defensive end Damien Shanklin (LSU) have been recruiting on behalf of their respective schools. Finch has offers from Indiana, LSU and Notre Dame, in addition to Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, Wisconsin and many others.

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“I’m listening to all of them,” Finch said with a laugh. “I’m hearing their opinions about where they are going in a couple months.”

Burrus said more of those conversations are coming, though.

“I want to let him focus on high school ball right now,” Burrus said. “He has a lot of potential. I just want to help him out in the weight room and keep talking to him.”

Burrus said his own recruiting process took an unexpected twist with the decommitment from Louisville and flip to IU. But he believes he ultimately ended up in the right place.

“The day of my commitment was really confusing,” he said. “I was going back and forth. I couldn’t really find any differences and I ended up picking Louisville. But then I just kept thinking about where I wanted to be the next four years, and it was IU.”

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Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.



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Indiana man arrested after allegedly aiming rifle at officer during standoff

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Indiana man arrested after allegedly aiming rifle at officer during standoff


An Indiana man is in custody after pointing a gun at an officer during a standoff in Schererville, police said.

The incident began at 11:18 a.m. Thursday at Springvale Drive and Orchard Court.

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According to police, a man was seen walking around the neighborhood, screaming and stabbing garbage cans before retreating into his home.

When officers approached the house, the man allegedly came to the door holding a rifle and aimed it at an officer, authorities said. The officer fired at the man, who then retreated back inside.

The incident prompted a SWAT response, and residents were advised to avoid the area until the situation was resolved.

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Following negotiations, the man surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

We’ll bring more updates to this story as they become available.



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