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Related News

Children Now gives California health, education low grade (SFGate.com)

School Matters: California Must Raise Latino Student Achievement (New America Media)

Another dismal report card (San Jose Mercury News)

 

Companies fall short in advertising healthy foods to children (Los Angeles Times)

Fed warning threatens CA kids’ health program (KGO-TV)

 

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Policy Recommendations

Continue to develop a comprehensive (“cradle-to-career”), integrated, longitudinal information system that supports students, teachers, administrators and policymakers; enables more timely and comprehensive identification and response to children’s needs; and improves access to and use of data from the system.

Implement a comprehensive and balanced package of K-12 reforms and investments that includes an equitable and transparent finance system for all schools; policies that support the recruitment, retention and equitable distribution of high-quality staff; and additional resources to ensure all students succeed and learn in safe, well-equipped instructional settings.

Improve kindergarten readiness by identifying and addressing the needs of struggling students earlier through developmentally-appropriate assessments in early learning settings and kindergarten, and adopt a statewide kindergarten readiness assessment.

 
 

Use the menu to view reports and research on specific topics.

California Report Card, 2010

Jan 04, 2010

This 68-page report identifies critical issues affecting children’s well-being and threatening to compromise public health and the economy.

Download file: reportcard_2010.pdf

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The Impact of Industry Self-Regulation on the Nutritional Quality of Foods Advertised on Television to Children

Dec 12, 2009

This study reveals the failure of the food and beverage industry’s “Better-for-You” initiative to achieve promised improvements in the nutritional quality of foods advertised to children.

Download file: adstudy_2009.pdf

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Healthier Kids, Stronger Families & A Better Future for California, 2009

Oct 15, 2009

This portfolio highlights 11 success stories about covering children through Medi-Cal and Healthy Families.

Download file: healthier_kids_2009.pdf

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Dental Cuts Bite Children, Cost All Californians: The Case for Investing in School-Based Preventive Services, 2009

Sep 01, 2009

This policy brief covers recent cuts to children’s oral health services, best practices in other states, and policy recommendations.

Download file: oral_health_brief_092009.pdf

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Afterschool Workforce Development Strategies: From Recruitment to Career Pathways, 2009

Jul 01, 2009

This policy brief provides useful resources for new and existing programs in California.

Download file: afterschool_brief_072009.pdf

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Kindergarten Readiness Data: Improving Children's Success in School, 2009

May 01, 2009

This 24-page policy brief explores the concept of kindergarten readiness observation tools and their benefits to local and state level stakeholders.

Download file: early_learning_brief_052009.pdf

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California Report Card, 2009

Jan 06, 2009

A 56-page report presenting a clear case for prioritizing smart investments in children’s health and education.

Download file: reportcard_2009.pdf

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Educationally / Insufficient? An Analysis of the Availability & Educational Quality of Children’s E/I Programming, 2008

Nov 12, 2008

This report found that the educational quality of children’s educational/informational programs on commercial broadcast television is at its lowest level since it was first measured in the 1990s.

Download file: eireport_2008.pdf

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California County Scorecard of Children's Well-Being

Oct 22, 2008

To promote inquiry and action, the 2008 California County Scorecard of Children’s Well-Being measures counties’ progress in enabling children to be healthy, safe and ready to learn and provides insightful comparative data.

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Increasing Access to Preschool: Recommendations for Reducing Barriers to Providing Full-day, Full-year Programs, 2008

Oct 01, 2008

This policy brief provides recommendations for increasing full-day, full-year preschool opportunities.

Download file: early_learning_brief_102008.pdf

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What California Should Know About Other States’ and Federal Efforts to Fund Children’s Oral Health, 2008

May 01, 2008

This policy brief covers what California should know about other states’ and federal funding efforts, and outlines key policy recommendations.

Download file: oral_health_brief_052008.pdf

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Effectively Expanding California's After School System: Overcoming the Workforce Supply Obstacle, 2008

Mar 01, 2008

This policy brief covers the state’s challenges in meeting staffing needs for its publicly-funded after school programs.

Download file: afterschool_brief_032008.pdf

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California Report Card, 2008

Jan 03, 2008

A 40-page report detailing how California children are faring and informing the agenda for critical children’s health and education policy improvements needed in 2008.

Download file: reportcard_2008.pdf

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The Effects of Interactive Media on Preschoolers' Learning, 2007

Oct 01, 2007

The Effects of Interactive Media on Preschoolers’ Learning: A Review of the Research and Recommendations for the Future summarizes current research and practice regarding the use of educational interactive media to teach preschool children.

Download file: prek_interactive_learning_2007.pdf

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Big Media, Little Kids 2: Examining the Influence of Duopolies on Children's Television Programming, 2007

Sep 20, 2007

The study compares the quantity of children’s programming in eight different markets across the country in 1998, before the FCC allowed the formation of duopolies, and in 2006, after duopolies were permitted in some markets.

Download file: bigmedia_2007.pdf

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A Mother's Oral Health Profoundly Impacts The Health Of Her Child, 2007

Sep 01, 2007

This policy brief covers the oral health needs of pregnant women, new mothers and young children, and outlines key policy recommendations.

Download file: oral_health_brief_092007.pdf

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Children in Immigrant Families: A California Data Brief, 2007

Aug 15, 2007

Children in Immigrant Families: A California Data Brief presents the most current data available on the health, education and family well-being of children in California’s immigrant families, who represent 51% of the state’s total child population.

Download file: immigrant_families_2007.pdf

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California County Data Book, 2007

Jun 20, 2007

The 2007 California County Data Book provides the most comprehensive county-level data on children’s health, education, and economic well-being available to the public. This new online resource illuminates the vast differences between counties that are masked by statewide figures.

Read More »

The Unique Challenges to the Well-Being of California's Border Kids, 2007

Jun 14, 2007

This report on California’s “border kids”—the 800,000 children living in San Diego and Imperial counties—challenges many commonly-held stereotypes. A comprehensive set of indicators of border kids’ health, education and economic well-being is provided.

Download file: border_kids_2007.pdf

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The Future of Children's Media: Advertising, Conference Report, 2007

Mar 01, 2007

This 10-page report provides a summary of Children Now’s conference in 2006 on marketing and advertising to children, including outcomes and next steps.

Download file: media_conference_report_2007.pdf

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California Report Card, 2007

Jan 03, 2007

A 40-page report presenting key indicators of how California’s children are faring and policy recommendations in the areas of health, education and family well-being.

Download file: reportcard_2007.pdf

Read More »

A Snapshot of Children on the San Diego-Mexico Border, 2006

Jul 14, 2006

This 8-page report highlights disparities in child well-being in several areas of San Diego County with highly concentrated Latino residents and Mexican immigrants.

Download file: border_kids_2006.pdf

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The Promise of Preschool, 2006

May 01, 2006

This 34-page report highlights innovative, local preschool efforts throughout the state of California.

Download file: preschool_report_2006.pdf

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California Report Card, 2005

Nov 30, 2005

This 24-page report provides an overview of issues facing California’s children, with letter grades assigned to each children’s policy area.

Download file: reportcard_2005.pdf

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California County Data Book, 2005

Sep 21, 2005

This 208-page report includes California county ranking charts and indicators.

Download file: data_book_2005.pdf

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Interactive Advertising and Children: Issues and Implications, 2005

Aug 01, 2005

This 8-page brief covers interactive technology and its potential to revolutionize how children watch television.

Download file: media_brief_2005.pdf

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The Financing of California's After School Programs, 2005

Jul 01, 2005

This 45-page report answers why financing after school programs matters for the state of California.

Download file: afterschool_report_2005.pdf

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A Snapshot of Children on the California-Mexico Border, 2005

Jun 01, 2005

This 4-page report is part of a new four-state report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that provides a picture of how all children along the U.S.-Mexico Border are faring.

Download file: border_kids_2005.pdf

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The Importance of Family Engagement, 2004

Dec 01, 2004

This 28-page brief provides research that confirms children, families, and programs benefit when parents are involved in their child’s preschool learning.

Download file: family_engagement_report_2004.pdf

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California Report Card, 2004

Nov 30, 2004

This 44-page report provides an overview of issues facing California’s children, with special focus on children in immigrant families.

Download file: reportcard_2004.pdf

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Digital Television: Sharpening the Focus on Children, Conference Report, 2004

Oct 01, 2004

This 6-page report provides the public policy implications of DTV and an overview of new FCC rules and recommendations.

Download file: media_conference_report_2004.pdf

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Kids Can't Wait to Learn: Achieving Voluntary Preschool for All in California, 2004

Aug 01, 2004

This 84-page report summarizes research on preschool benefits, state and county enrollment rates, recent voter polling, and demographic data.

Download file: kidscantwait_2004.pdf

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California County Data Book, 2003

Nov 13, 2003

This 224-page companion to the California Report Card includes California county ranking charts and indicators.

Download file: data_book_2003.pdf

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California Report Card, 2003

Nov 01, 2003

This 52-page report provides an overview of issues facing California’s children, with special focus on health.

Download file: reportcard_2003.pdf

Read More »

Big Media, Little Kids: Media Consolidation and Children's Television Programming, 2003

May 01, 2003

This 16-page study on media duopolies in Los Angeles suggests that changes to current ownership rules will seriously impact children’s programming nationwide.

Download file: bigmedia_2003.pdf

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Fall Colors: Prime Time Diversity Report, 2003

Jan 02, 2003

This 12-page report provides a benchmark, five-year analysis of the networks’ progress to increase diversity on their shows.

Download file: fall_colors_2003.pdf

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California State Of Our Children, 2002

Oct 01, 2002

This 108-page companion to the California Report Card provides data on children’s critical early years.

Download file: stateofchildren_2002.pdf

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California Report Card, 2002

Oct 01, 2002

This 52-page report provides an overview of issues facing California’s children, with special focus on children’s early years.

Download file: reportcard_2002.pdf

Read More »

Fall Colors: Prime Time Diversity Report, 2002

Jan 02, 2002

This 48-page study finds broadcast networks have made minimal progress in presenting a more diverse prime time picture, despite stated commitments for greater on-screen diversity.

Download file: fall_colors_2002.pdf

Read More »

Fair Play: Violence, Gender and Race in Video Games, 2001

Dec 01, 2001

This 36-page study finds most top-selling video games for children violent, offering little or no racial and gender diversity.

Download file: fair_play_2001.pdf

Read More »

California County Data Book, 2001

Nov 01, 2001

This 170-page companion to the California Report Card includes county-by-county indicators and charts.

Download file: data_book_2001.pdf

Read More »

California Report Card, 2001

Nov 01, 2001

This 44-page report provides an overview of issues facing California’s children, such as economic security, health, safety and early care.

Download file: reportcard_2001.pdf

Read More »

Local Television News Media's Picture of Children, 2001

Oct 01, 2001

This 20-page study finds local television news often overlook positive stories about children in favor of crimes committed by and against children.

Download file: local_television_2001.pdf

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After School Care for Children, 2001

May 01, 2001

This 11-page brief looks at California children’s lack of access to quality after school care.

Download file: afterschool_brief_2001.pdf

Read More »

Fall Colors: Prime Time Diversity Report, 2001

Jan 02, 2001

This 36-page study finds a prime time dominated by white male characters. Does it send mixed messages to children about the status and value of women and minorities?

Download file: fall_colors_2001.pdf

Read More »

California Report Card, 2000

Oct 01, 2000

This 36-page report provides an overview of issues facing California’s children, with special focus on the new generation of California teenagers.

Download file: reportcard_2000.pdf

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California State of Our Children, 2000

Oct 01, 2000

This 64-page companion to the California Report Card focuses on a number of teen issues.

Download file: stateofchildren_2000.pdf

Read More »

Fall Colors: How TV Portrays Characters of Color and Treats Issues of Race, 2000

Jul 01, 2000

This 30-page study uncovers many disturbing trends in the “best” examples of diversity on prime time television.

Download file: fall_colors_2000.pdf

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Partners in Transition, 2000

Mar 01, 2000

This 68-page study provides a detailed vision of how health plans can improve adolescents’ health and well-being.

Download file: partners_2000.pdf

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Fall Colors: How Diverse is the Prime-Time Lineup?, 2000

Jan 02, 2000

This 28-page study finds many actors of color playing guest roles or non-recurring characters, undermining the need for true racial diversity on television.

Download file: fall_colors_lineup_2000.pdf

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California County Data Book, 1999

Nov 01, 1999

This 167-page companion to the California Report Card includes data not available in individual county profiles.

Download file: data_book_1999.pdf

Read More »

Boys to Men: Conference Report on Media Messages About Masculinity, 1999

Sep 01, 1999

This 24-page report outlines the many difficulties boys face in an era of highly-publicized acts of violence by young males.

Download file: boys_to_men_1999.pdf

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Boys to Men: Entertainment Media Messages About Masculinity, 1999

Sep 01, 1999

This 28-page companion report analyzes the role that entertainment media plays in boys’ development.

Download file: boys_to_men_entertainment_1999.pdf

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Boys to Men: Sports Media Messages About Masculinity, 1999

Sep 01, 1999

This 16-page companion report analyzes the role that sports figures play in boys’ development.

Download file: boys_to_men_sports_1999.pdf

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The News Media's Picture of Children: A Five-Year Update and A Focus on Diversity, 1999

Jul 01, 1999

This 8-page report focuses on a media landscape where coverage of minority children and the issues they face remains sparse.

Download file: news_media_1999.pdf

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A Different World: Children's Perceptions of Race and Class in the Media, 1999

May 01, 1999

This 12-page report provides an in-depth view on how children perceive racial and class inequities in the media.

Download file: different_world_1999.pdf

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A Different World: Native American Children's Perceptions of Race and Class in the Media, 1999

May 01, 1999

This 6-page report focuses on Native American children’s views on race and class in news and entertainment media.

Download file: different_world_native_americans_1999.pdf

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Talk with Your Kids about Violence, 1999

Jan 02, 1999

This 8-page booklet offers practical tips for talking openly with young children about violence.

Download file: twk_violence_1999.pdf

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Hable con sus hijos antes de que lo hagan todos los demas, 1999

Jan 02, 1999

El folleto contiene recomendaciones y técnicas eficaces y prácticas para hablar abierta y fácilmente con sus hijos de 8 a 12 años de edad sobre algunos de los temas más difíciles: el sexo, el VIH/SIDA, la violencia, las drogas y el alcohol.

Download file: twk_spanish_1999.pdf

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Talk with Your Kids Before Everyone Else Does, English, 1999

Jan 02, 1999

This 44-page booklet offers practical, concrete tips and techniques for talking with young children about sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, drugs and alcohol.

Download file: twk_english_1999.pdf

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California State of Our Children, 1998

Nov 01, 1998

A 67-page companion to the 1998 California Report Card reviews the past decade.

Download file: stateofchildren_1998.pdf

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California Report Card, 1998

Nov 01, 1998

This report analyzes the conditions facing California’s children and provides a special review of changes over a decade.

Download file: reportcard_1998.pdf

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Reflections of Girls in the Media, 1997

Apr 01, 1997

This report covers a range of media where women and girls are depicted as concerned with romance and dating over work or school, and where physical appearance is valued over talent.

Download file: girls_media_1997.pdf

Read More »