(All data and figures were provided by the Chidren's Defense Fund)

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Attaining a high school diploma is the single most effective preventative strategy against adult poverty. Yet a significant number of students do not graduate on time with a regular diploma. In 2007, a disproportionate number of Black and Latino fourth graders could not read or do math at grade level. In Tennessee:
66 percent of White, non-Latino 4th graders cannot read at grade level
80 percent of Latino 4th graders cannot read at grade level
92 percent of Black, non-Latino 4th graders cannot read at grade level

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According to CDF studies revealed that those enrolled in high quality early childhood education programs are more likely to complete higher levels of education, have higher earnings, be in better health and be in stable relationships, and are less likely to commit a crime or be incarcerated. Yet many children are not enrolled in these programs. In the 2006-2007 school year, 11% of 3-year-olds and 32.9% of 4-year-olds were enrolled in state-funded preschool programs in Tennessee.

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According to CDF Poor children lag behind their peers in many ways beyond income; they are less healthy, trail in emotional and intellectual development, and do not perform as well in school. The challenges that poor children face accumulate and interact, casting long shadows throughout their lives. Every year that we keep children in poverty costs our nation half a trillion dollars in lost productivity, poorer health and increased crime. In Tennessee among all children, 1 in 4 (23% or 331,269) is poor.