Many educational opportunities are available to children and adults in the United States.
In addition, many adults participate in learning activities to upgrade work-related skills, change their careers, or expand their personal interests. Thus, the extent to which individuals and groups have access to educational opportunities and how they progress through various levels is important to monitor. Participation in education changes as a result of both fluctuations in population and rates of enrollment in a population group. These changes in enrollment can affect the resources, such as qualified teachers, physical facilities, and funding levels, required to provide a quality education for the Nation's students. In addition, differences in enrollments among racial-ethnic or family income groups can provide insight into inequality of access and participation, areas that are of concern for many educational reform efforts.