Census: More kids 'on-track' in school

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- More U.S. school children were academically "on track" in 2006 than in 1998, Census Bureau figures indicate.

Data contained in a Census report released Wednesday titled "A Child's Day: 2006 (Selected Indicators of Child Well-Being)" said that 8 percent more students ages 12 to 17 were on-track -- or enrolled in school at or above the grade level appropriate for their age -- in 2006 than eight years earlier, rising from 72 percent to 80 percent.

Census officials said the study used in-person household interviews to examine how well children are progressing into adulthood, employing indicators like academic performance and school engagement.

The results showed that for children ages 6 to 11, the odds of being on-track were 36 percent higher if they had never changed schools and 26 percent higher if they participated in a club. Meanwhile, 12- to 17-years-olds had better on-track odds (48 percent higher) if they were in a gifted class.

The study also found that parental interaction played a significant role in school achievement.

"The report highlights the choices parents make in the amount and quality of interaction they have with their children," said Jane Dye of the Bureau's Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division.