As the nation's best aviation education program for the past two years, we know just how important it is for students to master their coursework in math, science, technology, engineering, reading and the English language.  Offering more, better and earlier options for students to study these critical subjects will enable them to be prepared to fill one of the 435,000 pilot, aircraft mechanic and air traffic controller jobs that the Boeing Company predicts will go unfilled in North American over the next 20 years!  This will counteract the drop in NAEP scores for 4th graders -- a drop of two times the national average in math and three times in reading.  The focus must be on mastery of the subject matter as student performance across the Commonwealth comes with high expectations to ensure students reach their full potential.  It's also important that we effectively combat chronic absenteeism, because if the students aren't in the classroom they cannot learn all of the material or master the subject matter.  Lastly, the ability to effectively read, write and speak the English language is crucial to one's success in the aviation industry as English is the international standard for pilots worldwide.  Thank you for your time and attention in this regard.