Finding Hope at ' Hard Times at Douglass ' Eric Cooper Ed.D. (Baltimore Sun,, 7.11.08) The HBO documentary Hard Times at Douglass High, about the challenges a Baltimore public school faces, is a stunningly revealing piece, highlighting a vital yet often overlooked issue. However, the program does not offer any solutions for reducing the achievement gap in Baltimore's schools - thus potentially creating a false sense of hopelessness.
"From 'just a teacher' to justice in teaching" Eric Cooper, Ed.D.
"Education in America - the kind that is equitable, fulfilling and meaningful - is in short supply in the nation. The reasons are legion; the results well-documented; the real ravages largely ignored. Despite this, the imperative remains: America's children - all of them - deserve powerful classrooms, swirling with powerful ideas, orchestrated by powerful teachers and supported by dynamic community stakeholders." Read article
"Off the Reservation " Eric Cooper, Ed. D
"While America sat captivated by the election last month, over a thousand
national and local education leaders met in Minneapolis, and in the process
managed to teach one of the most important lessons from this election of
all. If this election is to symbolize a shift in American values, we must
begin where change is often forgotten first but where it is needed
most--urban education." Read article
"And Promise for All" Eric Cooper, Ed. D
"The Advocate's "Bridging the Gap" was a stunningly revealing series on the region's attempt to address the achievement gap between white children and children of color. Clearly, educational leaders in Stamford, Greenwich and Norwalk are focused laser-like on reducing and eliminating the gap. Yet for all the articles revealed, much was left unsaid in terms of eliminating obstacles to achievement for all students and solutions which might be considered." Read article
Student progress depends on teacher quality Eric Cooper, Ed. D
Jeanne Allen's June 1 letter continues to stress the valuable contribution charter schools are making for education reform -- in particular urban
school reform. She is correct to point out that education is a civil right for all students. She may or may not be correct in suggesting that in some circumstances charter schools are forcing the greater number of public schools to improve. Her syntax is confusing at best in making this point, for example when she writes, "they force conventional public schools to improve
to compete." Download pdf
Submitted to the Editor, Indianapolis Star Eric Cooper, Ed. D
There have been many articles and editorials in the "Star" about the pace of student achievement in Indiana and Indianapolis Public Schools in particular. In a search for solutions to improve student achievement, several of the pieces have called for early childhood as well as K-12 program interventions. Obviously when schooling fails students, there is a concomitant negative impact on the economic health of the state, region and city of Indianapolis. A salient challenge for the long-term economic health of the region is the loss of human and family capital due to poor education achievement by schoolchildren and youth. If all Indiana citizens are to lead productive adult lives, than education reform remains the last hope for those challenged by poverty and family circumstances Go to Article
"Education is still the best ticket to a purposeful life" Eric Cooper, Ed. D
January 9, 2006
"Advocate readers are confronted by writers who fear for the future prosperity of
Connecticut and the nation and their ability to compete in the global economy.
Columnists warn us that America's and Connecticut's competitive advantage is rapidly slipping because our educational systems are failing. Yet as we rush around in our busy lives, is anyone listening - and, if so, what proactive steps are being sought? Recommendations range from the highly specific, such as recruiting and training specialists in science, math and technology, to the very complex, which includes structural and broad-based changes in how our education systems are
formed and run." Go to Article
It Begins With Belief: Social Demography is not Destiny Eric Cooper, Ed. D
September, 2005
"As one travels around this country working in support of principals, teachers, and the students they serve, a refrain often heard from educators is that "some" students are just not capable of learning sufficiently to meet state standards and to ultimately graduate high school prepared to enter a suitable college or university". Go to Article.
Unlocking the Potential of African American Students: Keys to Reversing Underachievement
Yvette Jackson, Ed. D
August, 2005
The potential of many African American students is undetected due to misperceptions about their intellectual ability and achievement. These misperceptions cause inadequate instructional responses, which in turn perpetuate the cycle of underachievement. This article analyzes the bases for many of these misperceptions, explores the impact of culture on learning, and provides guidelines for eliciting and nurturing the potential of African American students for whom race is a factor in school. Go to Article.
Students gain confidence through performing: The Arts and Learning
June, 2005
Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Stamford's Roxbury Elementary School, led by a wonderful and multitalented music teacher, recently demonstrated why the arts must remain an integral part of a school's curriculum. All the students, regardless of scores on academic achievement tests, worked together as a cohesive and functional team, sharing strengths and weaknesses in the making of music. Go to article
Educators Must Set Their Sights Higher
December, 2004
The Advocate article "Board of Ed to set goals for 2005," Wednesday, December 29, 2004, was both compelling and perplexing. Compelling because it provides hope to a school community that high standards and achievement may become the norm for a system led by many excellent and able teachers, principals and administrators, and supported by many committed parents and stakeholders. Perplexing because of what was reported, "...Board members said they met resistance from some administrators who said they believed some goals were impractical or too ambitious." The reader was left with insufficient information to assess what was "impractical" or "ambitious" for the administrators who expressed doubt. Hopefully the achievement targets to be set by the board will be sufficiently high so that teachers might use interventions to raise all students above state norms --despite challenges they face in terms of financial and family circumstances Go to article
Cosby and Obama
December, 2004
The January 3, 2005, article by Ellis Cose, "Does Cosby Help?," was an interesting juxtapositioning with the front cover piece on Barack Obama's 'The Audacity of Hope.' Newsweek readers in the January 3rd issue were presented with the rise of a new vision of black American leadership, versus the frustrations of what some might call the wisdom of older African-Americans. Neither wrong, both attempting to right the pernicious effects of race and poverty in America. Questions a reader might ask is whether for some diversity remains a strength or a liability for this country, or whether Cosby's leadership driven by tough love, or Obama's blend of American fairness and hope can unite us all in our common heritage? Go to article
Crusade for Black School Children
November 26, 2004
Cosby should focus more on institutional racism. Regarding "Cosby's on right track, sticking to his guns" [Opinion, Nov. 15]: Bill Cosby continues to hammer away at the problems of the African- American community. He frequently appears at public venues decrying the state of black schoolchildren and their parents who do not give their children better choices. Go to article
Fixing Teacher Education While Improving Teaching
November, 2004
The Commentaries published in your Nov. 10, 2004, issue go to the core of education reform in this country. "" by Vartan Gregorian and "" by Milbrey McLaughlin and Martin Blank represent two convergent points of view about the importance of teacher quality and curriculum as the primary factors for student achievement. Both essays are powerful reminders of why learning and teaching have to remain the sine qua non of improving schooling, and they are as applicable to urban schools as they are to suburban, exurban, and rural ones. Go to article
Summer Ponderings
July 2004
I was listening to poignant Senate presentations on a bill related to adolescent suicide sponsored by the Senators of Oregon and Nevada, with support by a number of other Senators including Christopher Dodd. The Senator from Connecticut spoke eloquently and persuasively about the nation's attention on issues of early childhood and higher education, and with oblique reference about other issues that teenagers struggle, e.g., mental health. Dodd spoke passionately about the need to do more also for adolescents in the United States ... Go to article
Truth of Cosby's message lost in his cultural attack
Eric Cooper
June, 2004
"Bill Cosby has harsh words for black men" (Newsday, July 2, 2004) pdf
"The New Cosby Kids" (commentary, Barbara Ehrenreich, NY Times July 8, 2004)
or pdf
"Cos and effect: Comedian's remarks spark debate" (Martin C. Evans, Newsday, July 13, 2004) pdf
"Mr. Cosby, Stop Blaming the Victim" (commentary, Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Los Angeles Times, July 12, 2004) pdf
Newsday Letter to the Editor "More on Cosby" (Eric Cooper, July 15, 2004) pdf
LA Times Letter to the Editor "In Black Struggle, Who's the Victim?" (Eric Cooper, July 17, 2004) pdf
Birmingham News Letter to the Editor "Cosby Debate Misses Point" ( Michael J. Froning, July 18, 2004) pdf
Syndicated columnists have responded favorably to remarks made by Bill Cosby, the comedian and television/movie star, at a Howard University fund-raiser in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. But Cosby has done both a service and a disservice to this country with his sharply pitched remarks about - and by extension, to - individuals and families with lower incomes. Cosby stated that "The lower economic people are not holding up their end of the deal." He spoke about the "knuckleheads," whose droopy pants style are matched in his view by droopy ambitions and dropped parental responsibility, which has led to dimming prospects for the African-American community.
Colleges as Partners of Public Schools
Michael Froning and Eric Cooper
June 25, 2004
To the Editor: We thank you for the article "Reaching Out for Students, and Money" (The Chronicle, May 28). It is important for readers to get a sense of what can be accomplished with public-school students when high standards, good content, and exciting pedagogy are employed by a college or university. pdf
Some Are Too Busy for "Reading Wars"
(letter to Editor, EdWeek, 3/17/04)
Eric Cooper
March, 2004
To the Editor:
There are so many people laboring every day in urban schools across the country, trying to rescue children and youths challenged by family and financial circumstances. Personally, I don't know of anyone working in these circumstances who spends much time engaged in the bickering and polemics surrounding the so- called "reading wars." pdf
Response to:
“No Excuses: Closing the Racial Gap in Learning.”
Eric Cooper
November 2003
Dear Mr. Raspberry:
I have been reading your columns with great interest regarding the work of the Thernstroms in their book, "No Excuses: Closing the Racial Gap in Learning." I do understand that the attitude of students toward learning is important, yet I wonder why... pdf
Human Rights, Education & Democracy
October 2003
"Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone. Person to person." -- Mother Teresa
If anyone ever needed a further reminder of the importance of the mission and
work of those who strive to support education reform through individual and
collective efforts, the "Islamic Anti-Semitism" NYTimes, Saturday, October 18,
editorial should further promote and cement in our minds the reasons why. online or pdf
Never-changing Formula
Once Again Fails Schools
Michael Froning and Eric Cooper
July 20, 2003
Albert Einstein once defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Alabama's system of funding public education reminds us of this oft-quoted description. Our never-changing formula does not take into account the 21st-century reality that schools face in Alabama and across the nation... pdf
In Response to: The Face of the American Teacher
Eric Cooper - NUA President
July 2003
The Face of the American Teacher (USA Today, July 2, 2003) implies that “minorities” are mainly the ones who, as Evelyn Dandy reports, “don't want to go into teaching [because they may have to take additional coursework to be "highly qualified" under new federal legislation]”... online
Teachable Moments
Eric Cooper - NUA President
April 2003
Every year there are incredible stories of bravery and perserverance driven by a will to succeed. Each story if used correctly can help to accelerate learning for students who are most in need. How educators use this information and how the nation responds to children who, because of poverty and family circumstances, are dependent on schools for learning remains a challenge that must be met. online or pdf
How Change Can Be Accelerated For Students
Eric Cooper - NUA President
March 2003
...increasingly we are asked, through the hundreds of questions posed on our website or by those in attendance at conferences and meetings, how change can be accelerated so that fewer students will be left behind... online or pdf
Polarities of Change
Eric Cooper - NUA President
March 2003
One only has to read a few newspaper accounts these days to see that people are searching for options to what many feel are insurmountable problems -- while clearly recognizing the challenges and paradoxes we face... online or pdf
Quality Counts, But Just Counting Doesn't Reveal All The Qualities That Count
Eric Cooper - NUA President
Education Week, January 2003
There remains no more important issue to address in this country than the tenacity of low expectations for particular groups of children and youth. The Achievement Gap marked by race, ethnicity, social class or gender is a tear in the fabric of America... pdf
Comprehension and Discipline Literacy: The Key to High School Achievement
Yvette Jackson - NUA Chief Executive Officer
January 2003
Practical ideas for improving literacy in secondary education.
or pdf
Reversing Underachievement in Culturally Different Urban Students:
Pedagogy of Confidence
(Jackson, Yvette. “Reversing Underachievement in Urban Students: Pedagogy of Confidence” in Costa, A. Developing Minds: A Resource Book for Teaching Thinking, ASCD, 2001.)
Yvette Jackson - NUA Chief Executive Officer pdf
NUA President's Corner
Regular articles written or referenced by Eric Cooper, NUA President
Letter to Editor of Education Week re: "Father of 'Whole Language' Rallying Against Reading-Group Speaker" (March 3, 2004)
March 2004
"I write in response to the March 3, 2004, "Father of 'Whole Language' Rallying Against Reading-Group Speaker" Education Week article. There are many people laboring each day in urban schools across the country who attempt to rescue schoolchildren and youth who are challenged by family and financial circumstances." online or pdf
Letter to Editor of NY Times re: "Another Mistake By Rod Paige" (February 25, 2004)
March 2004
"Your editorial of February 25, "Another Mistake by Rod Paige," does shine a spotlight on an egregious comment made by the Secretary of Education regarding an education union, but it fails to go to the heart of an issue facing any who search for sustained education reform. Rather than pointing fingers and playing the "gotcha game," all in this country must remember we are talking about attempts to rescue and support schoolchildren and youth in our nation." online or pdf
Human Rights, Education & Democracy
October 2003
"Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone. Person to person." -- Mother Teresa
If anyone ever needed a further reminder of the importance of the mission and
work of those who strive to support education reform through individual and
collective efforts, the "Islamic Anti-Semitism" NYTimes, Saturday, October 18,
editorial should further promote and cement in our minds the reasons why. online or pdf
Summer Ponderings
July 2003
“I have read Confucius suggested that the greatest fortune of a people would be to keep ignorant persons from public office, and secure their wisest men to rule them. As educators and citizens we attempt to lead those who will lead for the betterment of society...” online
Meeting the Needs of all Students
August 2002
"On meeting the needs of all students -- building community will for improving educational opportunity". I just finished reading American Foundations: An Investigative History (2001) by Mark Dowie... online or pdf
Wary of Programs for Gifted Students
May 29, 2002
Letter to the Editor - Education Week
Leave No Child Behind Because of Poverty, Race or Ethnicity - Striving to Empower All Americans
April 24, 2002
An open letter to the American people. America is renewing its commitment to the success of all students. Three keys to that success are professional and stakeholder conviction, professional development and community engagement. online or pdf
USA Today
April 2002 - Eric Cooper
Children who are dependent on schools and teachers for learning need a level of advocacy which recognizes the importance of teacher quality research. The most important factor or characteristic of school achievement remains the impact that the teacher has on learning. Though Secretary Paige feels schools can't improve without help of parents, school research says otherwise. What do you think are the key characteristics for school effectiveness? online or pdf
17 IPS Schools Lead Way to Better Test Scores
February 10, 2002 - Indianapolis Star News - Eric Cooper pdf
Toward a New Mainstream of Education
& Workplace Opportunity for All
The challenge of Scientific Research and sustained application.
February 2002 - Eric Cooper online or pdf
Racism, Belief Systems and Student Achievement
September 2001 - Racism, Belief Systems and Student Achievement - Eric Cooper online or pdf
Diversity and Tolerance
August 2001 - Diversity and Tolerance - Eric Cooper online
Achievement and Research
July 2001 - Improving Achievement in the Context of Effective Schools Research
Daniel U. Levine, Eric J. Cooper, Asa Hilliard III pdf
