A Review of Demographic Trends for Texas and the United States

Abstract

This article provides a review of current and future demographic trends for Texas and the nation including the ongoing discrepancy between enrollment and retention/completion. Students entering postsecondary education embody Amer- ica’s growing diversity in language, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status. Demographic research findings support the importance of the role played by developmental educators in continuing to address the changing needs of students. Recommendations include the need for K-12 and postsecondary developmental educators to continue collaborating on college readiness initiatives, academic support services including career pathway advising, better alignment between 2- and 4-year institutions, developing cultural competence, and continuing research to improve support of underserved and diverse student populations.