Addressing Limited Academic Success

Youth who experience limited academic success as measured by grades starting in late elementary school are at higher risk of substance use, depression and anxiety, violence, delinquency, teen pregnancy, and dropping out of school. The evidence appears to show that the experience of failure, not any lack of intellect, increases the risk of these problem behaviors.

Strategies that address this risk factor:

• Connect Families to Head Start, Early Head Start, and Preschool Education

• Build Public Support For Quality Child Care Early in Life