LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A newly released report found that the number of Kentucky students who are not proficient in math or reading is on the rise. 

Released Monday, the 2024 Kids Count Data Book tracks trends in child well-bring across the county. The most recent data used in the report is from 2022. 

It gives Kentucky an overall rating of 38. 

On education, the report ranks Kentucky 33rd, and in four categories, the situation in the state worsened. The report saw the percentage of fourth graders who are not proficient in reading rise to 69% in 2022 (up from 65% in 2019). This is in line with the national average. 

Eighth graders not proficient in math also rose to 79% in 2022 (up from 71% in 2019). Nationally, the number rose from 67% to 74% over that same time period. 

“Every one of those is in decline. So when you look at is it a green, yellow or red, every one of those is in trouble,” Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA) said. 

KYA lobbies lawmakers on issues that affect kids, such as education and food insecurity. 

Brooks said the report offers insight into where more focus on critical skills like reading and math is needed. He adds that while the situation has worsened across the board, it’s even more significant for students of color or who are living in poverty. 

“So you're talking about a crisis in Kentucky's classrooms today. But you're also talking about a flat out crisis in Kentucky's economy tomorrow,” Brooks said. 

Brooks hopes this latest data will serve as a wake up call for state lawmakers, who he believes should be doing more to address issues of educational needs. 

“Unless we want to continue to be in the bottom fourth of states when it comes to kids and growing up, then we've got to embrace those common sense, common ground policy agendas and get to the business of kids,” Brooks stated.

This year, lawmakers included a 9% increase to per-student SEEK funding over two years. Districts are encouraged to use these additional funds to address the ongoing teacher shortage by raising wages. 

A proposal from the governor called for across the board 12% raises for all school staff, however this plan was not adopted by the legislature. 

In other areas, the Kids Count Data Book does report some positive news for Kentucky. While the state is ranked 43rd for Family and Community, the situation has improved in the state. There are fewer children living in high-poverty areas and fewer teen births per 1,000 people. 

However, there is also a reported increase in deaths of children and teens in the state.