Witness urges school choice and targeted skills training to boost U.S. competitiveness
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Summary
In testimony to the Joint Economic Committee, Dr. Shippy said U.S. workforce preparedness is a constraint on bringing advanced manufacturing home and recommended increasing parental choice in schooling and expanding technical skills pathways.
A committee member asked Dr. Shippy what the government should prioritize to improve workforce readiness and encourage companies to automate and reshore manufacturing.
Dr. Shippy said the United States has weaknesses in education and skill preparedness and suggested policymakers focus on technical skills in K–12 and postsecondary education. "Maybe we should start doing more in K through 12 and postsecondary education," he said.
On school choice, Dr. Shippy recommended allowing parents to choose schools to increase use of higher-performing options. "Allow parents to choose schools. This will increase significantly the use of Catholic schools," he said, adding that his recommendation was about performance rather than religion.
He also criticized the influence of teachers' unions on schools and urged reform to improve student readiness: "We have somehow to release the hold that the union has on schools," Dr. Shippy said. He cited his teaching experience at institutions including MIT and said he has observed a decline in student preparedness.
The record shows the exchange was a discussion; the committee did not adopt any formal policy changes or directives during the hearing.
