National study shows improvement in children's conditions

For children, a better beginning

Boston Globe  April 24, 2008

A study funded by the Foundation for Child Development found that children's well-being increased in most areas between 1994 and 2006.  Using data frorm the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Census Bureau and other federal government sources, the study found that test scores for 9-year-olds increased in reading and math, more preschoolers are being vaccinated and that lead levels in  children have dropped.  Troubling trends included increasing obesity and greater numbers of low-birth-weight babies.