Issue Alerts

Here’s the place to find short, easy-to-read reports that provide a more
in-depth look at a variety of topics concerning Indiana youth. Staff members summarize
existing data from all points of view, and present key findings, model programs, and useful
resources.

Published several times a year, copies of the Issue Alerts are available by calling the us at (800) 343-7060.

2008

The students who have the longest journey toward economic self-sufficiency –
low-income students – face challenges far beyond finances in achieving academic and career success. Those challenges are outlined in, "Low-Income Students and College Success: More than Money." The report explores national research on low-income students and outcomes from Indiana's Twenty-first Century Scholars Program, which provides funding for low income students to attend college.

2007

Since 2000, Indiana has experienced increases in indicators that show a growing number of Hoosier children are suffering from hunger: percentage of children living in poverty, public school students receiving free or reduced-priced lunches, and households with children under 18 receiving food stamps. “The New Face of Hunger: The Working Poor” reports that nearly one in seven Hoosier households suffer from low or very low food security.

While homicide makes headlines, suicide claims more youth in Indiana aged 15-19. "Suicide Surpasses Homicide as # 2 Cause of Death among Hoosier Teens" looks at several factors that place Indiana above the national average for teen suicide.
Funding for the Issue Alert was made possible in part by Riley Hospital for Children.

Diabetes is the second most chronic disease affecting children, but the test for it is not part of routine physicals given to school children. That means Indiana's educators and youth workers must know the warnings signs of diabetes to spot children with the disease and work with parents to manage the condition while children are away from home, says the Issue Alert, "A Top Health Concern for Indiana Kids: Know What to Look For; Know What to Do."
Funding for the Issue Alert was made possible in part by Eli Lilly and Company.

2006

Issues and Answers Full-day Kindergarten: As Indiana lawmakers work through proposals for full-day kindergarten, the Issue Alert "Is the School Bell Ringing for Full-Day Kindergarten" looks at the pros and cons of kindergarten children attending school for a full day.

Gender Gap: Math and language test scores for Hoosier boys and girls do not show much of a gender gap in achievement, but our Issue Alert "Showdown at Gender Gap Academic Battle of the Sexes: Trumped Up or True?" shows there are disparities in several indicators that paint a troubling picture for boys.

While student math scores are rising, Indiana’s reading scores are declining. That’s according to our Issue Alert,
"Can Your Child Read This? For Too Many Hoosier Kids, the Answer is ‘No’," which examines reading levels among Indiana youth and offers recommendations. Learn how summer reading can make a difference.

Our Issue Alert, "Babies Who Smoke: Indiana Among Worst in Nation for Smoking During Pregnancy," addresses the prevalence of smoking among Hoosier
mothers-to-be and offers recommendations to confront the epidemic. Eighty-eight of Indiana’s 92 counties report maternal smoking rates higher than the national average.