Census Shows Midwest Towns in ‘Death Spiral’

What is the main issue faced by Midwest towns according to the 2000 census?

• Improved infrastructure

• Increased industrialization

• Rapid population growth

• Declining population

Which states are mentioned as having lost population in the 1990s?

• South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois

• California, Texas, Florida

• Oregon, Washington, Idaho

• New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

What is one of the reasons for the population surge in some states?

• Attraction of tech industries

• Influx of Hispanics for jobs

• Climate change

• Tourism

What happens to the schools in communities with declining populations?

• They receive more funding

• They merge with universities

• They introduce new programs

• They close down

What term is used to describe the worsening condition of these towns?

• Population explosion

• Death spiral

• Growth spurt

• Economic boom

What is a common action taken by young people in these towns?

• Investing in local farms

• Running for local office

• Leaving for better opportunities

• Starting new businesses

What is a consequence of young people leaving these towns?

• Enhanced educational systems

• Increased tourism

• A leadership void

• Improved local economy

What did Joseph Kingsley work to get approval for, hoping to attract business?

• A new school

• A shopping mall

• A new sewer system

• A technology park

What is Robbie Ellis's plan after graduating from Morland High?

• To immediately return to Morland

• To travel abroad for studies

• To study accounting in college

• To start a business in Morland

What is the future of Morland High School?

• Expansion to accommodate more students

• Closing down after the last graduation

• Becoming a community college

• Merging with a nearby university