There is a growing demand for skilled workers in America. Career and Technical Education provides opportunities for students to apply their learning in relevant, real world situations. It helps students acquire the employability and leadership skills that will enable them to succeed both in the workplace and in higher education. In recognition of this, Congressman Baird founded the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. This Caucus works to increase awareness of the importance of career and technical education in Congress, supports funding and resources, and promotes legislation that benefits career and technical education. In tribute to Rep. Baird’s work, the Association for Career and Technical Education honored Rep. Baird as 2008 Policymaker of the Year.
Congressman Baird also believes that students must be provided with well-trained math and science teachers and state-of-the-art curriculums to keep pace with today’s job markets. As the chairman of the Research and Science Education Subcommittee, a member of the House Science Committee, Congressman Baird believes we must improve the performance of our young people in science, technology, and mathematical fields.
In 2007, Congressman Baird helped author the America COMPETES Act. This landmark, bipartisan legislation makes substantial improvements to math and science education, including establishing a program at the National Science Foundation to create more qualified teachers in science and math fields, and strengthened the nation’s commitment to scientific research. The America COMPETES Act, which was celebrated by educators and businesses, was signed into law in August of 2007.
Congressman Baird has also introduced the Access to Language Education Act. This legislation would create a federally-sponsored video programming channel on the Internet focused on providing foreign language instruction. Instruction would be provided for languages that are not widely taught in educational institutions in the U.S., but that are likely to have significant value for our country in global competitiveness, trade, international relations, national security, and defense.
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