Public colleges and universities play a central role in expanding the nation's human capital and boosting our competitive advantage in today's global marketplace. This is accomplished, in part, by providing quality preparation for the majority of the nation's P-12 teachers. It is also accomplished by producing graduates in a variety of fields who have the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the needs of business, nonprofit and public sector employers. This includes health care workers, scientists and engineers, business leaders and others essential to the nation's economy.
AASCU believes that the federal government must play an essential role in supporting institutional efforts to meet national, state and local workforce needs. The federal government can provide incentives for individuals to enter high-demand fields and to work in hard-to-staff areas, support scientific research and education, and streamline efforts to attract international talent. State and local governments, as well, can support institutional efforts to educate teachers, health care workers, scientists and engineers and others. The nation's economic competitiveness, security and prosperity depend in large measure on how well the nation's colleges prepare citizens for a knowledge-based economy.
In the coming debate on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, AASCU will advocate for strategies to improve teacher quality efforts and strengthen the effectiveness of teacher preparation programs begun in the last reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. With regard to Workforce Investment Act debates, AASCU will look to improve the standing of AASCU institutions as integral players in key state and local economic development initiatives. This includes efforts strengthening rural and urban programs. In order to be successful in today's economy, an understanding of how one fits into a world economy is essential. AASCU will look to improve programs that provide a more contextual awareness of our role in the world, including stewardship of the environment.