The Changing Nature of the Disadvantaged Population Current Dimensions and Future Trends

In this paper we identify the current state of the educationally disadvantaged population in the United States and consider their changing conditions and the implications for U.S. education. We also examine the likely course of sociodemographic changes in the disadvantaged population over the 35-year period between 1986 and 2020, that is, during the course of the working career of the average 35-year-old today. Finally, we consider the challenges likely to be presented to U.S. schools during this period.