Census Projects an Older, More Diverse America

The Census Bureau sums up one of the nation's biggest trends very neatly today: "An Older and More Diverse Nation by Midcentury." Minorities are projected to become the majority of Americans in 2042. It's hard to think of a public issue that won't be affected by this change. But one of the nation's most persistent problems is the education achievement gap between white and minority students. Our surveys find that minority parents and students put a high value on education – but they're much more dissatisfied with their schools . Our survey of first-year teachers also suggests the educational system may also have to do more to prepare the nation's teachers for a more diverse student body.