CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -
An annual report on the well-being of West Virginia children gives the state's education system low marks.
The 2012 KIDS COUNT data book released Wednesday ranks West Virginia 47th in the nation in education.
According to the report, 79 percent of the state's eighth-graders aren't proficient in math. Seventy-three percent of fourth-graders aren't proficient in reading.
West Virginia KIDS COUNT executive director Margie Hale says the state needs to invest more in early childhood education.
Hale tells The Associated Press that a child is set up to fail if they can't read by third grade.
The report also ranks West Virginia 40th in economic well-being, 33rd in family and community and 31st in health.
Overall, West Virginia is ranked 39th in child well-being.
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