DuPage Federation Publications
Full Document (1), Introduction, Background, and Summary (3), Jobs and Financial Stability (6), Health and Wellness (6), Children, Youth, and Education (6), Safety and Security (4), Social and Cultural Wellbeing (1)
DuPage Federation Publications Files
Modified on 10 August 2010
Graduation and Dropout Rates: Graduation rates are high in DuPage, and dropout rates are low. However, like the rest of the region, African American and Hispanic/Latino youth drop out of school in high numbers. Dropping out of high school not only affects the students themselves, by reducing lifetime earning potential, but also reduces the productivity of the larger economy. Therefore, it is important to implement strategies that address the disparity in dropout rates. Successful dropout prevention programs emphasize data systems to identify at-risk students, adult advocates to provide sustained relationships, academic supports both inside and outside the school system, addressing social or behavioral problems, a welcoming learning environment, and rigorous and relevant instruction.
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Modified on 23 August 2010
Impact of Leading Causes of Death: An analysis of deaths from leading causes suggests that the DuPage population, on average, is less susceptible to premature death from these leading causes. However, there are disparities for racial and ethnic minorities, and some of these disparities are greater in DuPage than for the rest of Illinois. Although more information is needed to determine the specific causes of these disparities, strategies that focus on access to medical care and healthy lifestyle choices are recommended.
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Modified on 10 August 2010
Head Start Enrollment: Head Start programs began in urban areas in an effort to avoid achievement gaps for disadvantaged children. However, the growth of low-income and non-English speaking populations in the suburbs suggests the need to enhance pre-school programs in the suburbs. A local initiative in DuPage that is designed to fill this gap is Educare of West DuPage, which is part of a national Educare model affiliated with the Bounce Learning Network of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The DuPage Community Foundation is also focusing on this issue as part of its CommunityWorks initiative.
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Modified on 21 August 2010
Infant Mortality: Infant mortality in DuPage is historically below that of the state and nation although statewide and national figures are catching up. Birth outcomes for the Black population in DuPage are of particular concern because infant mortality rates for this group exceed state and national figures. Interestingly, Hispanics achieve relatively high birth outcomes with lower measured levels of prenatal care, sonot all of the disparities in infant mortality can be explained by the measures we usually associate with infant mortality. However, experts do agree that the path to a healthy birth and first year of life starts with a healthy mother and includes good nutrition, regular medical checkups, avoidance of substances that can harm the child, and knowledgeable parents.
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Modified on 04 August 2010
Access to Health Care: DuPage is doing better than most areas in terms of providing access to care for its general population and by creating a system to provide healthcare access to vulnerable populations. A Community Health Plan, which is part of the DuPage County Health Department’s five-year plan, emphasizes: (a) building system capacity and providing access to a medical home; (b) assuring access to low-cost prescription medications; and (c) improving the health status of the uninsured. The federal Affordable Care Act will have a significant impact on this local system, so it is important for that system to make adjustments in the coming years.
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Modified on 18 August 2010
Elementary School Student Performance: The students in DuPage elementary schools generally perform above the statewide average on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). The tests are used to measure school performance relating to statewide standards by measuring the performance of students in these schools. A student’s performance can be a good indicator (but not the only one) of academic success in school and, by inference, in future life. The data suggest that low income and minority students do less well on these tests, and this disparity should be addressed.
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Modified on 11 August 2010
Homelessness: At any given time, there are in the range of 600 to 800 homeless persons in DuPage including individuals and persons in families in shelters, in transitional housing, or on the street. Homelessness is devastating for those who are affected by it. The homeless population in DuPage includes a significant component of chronic homeless persons, persons with mental illness and substance dependencies, and domestic violence victims. The veteran component of the homeless population is relatively smaller, but this is a group that could grow in the coming years. The DuPage Homeless Continuum of Care is working to reduce homelessness by preventing homelessness, emphasizing permanent housing, and providing necessary services.
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Modified on 18 August 2010
Educational Attainment: DuPage adults in general have achieved higher levels of education than adults in other parts of the state with 45% of adults achieving a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Even racial and ethnic minorities in DuPage are more educated than their counterparts elsewhere although there are significant disparities. Hispanics, even in DuPage, lag substantially in educational achievement. Because this is the fastest growing segment of our population, it will be important to our economy and workforce to improve the education levels of this population. Strategies to address these disparities focus on pre-school and early success in school, high school success and graduation, and post-secondary education.
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Modified on 18 August 2010
High School Student Performance: The students in DuPage high schools generally perform above the statewide average on the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE). The tests are based to a large degree on the ACTs, and they include the ACT as well as WorkKeys assessments in Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics. Therefore, they are also testing workplace readiness. A student’s performance can be an indicator of academic success in postsecondary schools and in the workplace. The data suggest that low income and minority students do less well on these tests, and this disparity should be addressed. The United Way of DuPage and West Cook is one agency focusing on this issue by emphasizing community schools and high school readiness.
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Modified on 24 August 2010
Hunger and Food Security: Upward trends in use of food pantries in the last few years clearly show the effects of the poor economy. Between 2005 and 2009, the number of individuals using food pantries increased by 52%, the amount of food distributed at the pantries increased by 72%, and the use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly Food Stamps) more than doubled. It appears that unemployment and underemployment (key features of the recent recession) are expected to continue for some time even though parts of the economy may be recovering. Therefore, the high need for food supplements for vulnerable people will continue.
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