Examines population trends projected between 1980 and 2000 and the implications of these trends for the future of American elementary and midlevel education. Includes charts and graphs. (MD)

Describes changes in U.S. demographic patterns involving transiency, racial and ethnic diversity, and poverty. Discusses four implications for principals: Be prepared to deal with greater diversity; expect to see fewer children from traditional two-parent families; focus on quality preschool programs; be aware of local demographic trends. (PKP)

Using racial/ethnic categories as official census data is outdated; this information has become a political reality with little scientific or intellectual validity. Although race has always been a partial marker for poverty, people have been more effectively segregated by wealth. Poverty is the best predictor of school failure. (10 references)…

Major demographic trends and consequences for higher education are examined. The Baby Boom sharply increased birth rates from 1946 to 1964 and was followed by a decline in births that lasted from 1964 to 1978. Currently there is an increased birth rate, but of much smaller size than the Baby Boom rates, due largely to the smaller size of the…

Illinois, a large and predominantly urban state, is growing very slowly. It has not done well in creating new jobs; manufacturing jobs declined more and service jobs increased less than nationwide. The state is, however, a national leader in beef, hog, and soybean production. Chicago, in addition to being the financial capital of the Midwest, is…

A profile of Virginia is presented, which assesses trends in the state's economy, population, and educational system. The state is characterized by a diverse economy, a well-educated suburban middle-class majority, a high level of individual and state wealth, and a high level of work force participation. Problems include rural poverty, lack of…

A demographic, economic, and educational profile of South Carolina is provided in this report. Findings indicate that the state is characterized by a sharp contrast between metropolitan development and rural poverty, advancement in educational improvement, and economic growth. The 1984 Educational Improvement Act was found to have made little…

Much of Indiana is sparsely populated and is concerned with agricultural activity; 70 percent of the state's population lives in its 13 metro areas. Partly because residents have done well without high levels of education, a small proportion of adults possess college degrees. Currently, many new jobs in Indiana are at the low end of services that…

A profile of Washington is presented, which examines trends in the state's economy, environment, population, and educational system. A contradiction exists between the state's beautiful scenery and well-educated population and its high crime and suicide rates. The state is characterized by a highly educated work force, a less diversified economy,…

A demographic, economic, and educational profile of southern California is provided in this report. A review of population, economic, and educational trends indicates that the region is characterized by a diverse economy, population, and work force; the growth of "edge cities"; pressing environmental and social problems; and increasing…

Provides the transcript of an interview with Dr. Harold L. Hodgkinson, who currently conducts research on demographics and education. Discusses the role of developmental education in higher education (HE), demographics affecting the workforce and HE in the 21st century, flight from cities and class issues in HE, and student retention. (MAB)

A profile of Colorado is provided, which examines trends in the state's economy, environment, population, crime, and education. The state is characterized by a lack of economic diversity, ecological vulnerability, and concentrated population. Although the work force is generally well educated, Hispanic Americans tend to be less successful in…

Demographic changes, especially changes in the birth cohort, will have a major impact on college enrollments. The passing of the Baby Boom generation may cause the closure of many colleges in the 1980's. The post-Baby Boom decline in births was almost completely a Caucasian phenomenon; the percentage of minorities is increasing dramatically,…

This paper uses data from the 1990 census to investigate changes in demography that are very likely to occur between 1990 and 2010. The paper begins by examining changes that occurred in the United States between 1980 and 1990. Some overall growth rates for various racial and ethnic groups are examined, as well as growth rates for different…

For most of this century, Florida's economy has been one of the "boom or bust" variety; however, since the 1960s, the economy has diversified, bringing in a variety of "high tech" manufacturing and high-end service businesses to the state. Still, wages in agriculture and tourism are so low that the state suffers in terms of per…