2016 Recipient
Robert Cooper III University of California, Los Angeles
Dr. Robert Cooper’s scholarship has not only expanded the field of practice-based research but successfully made real-life, positive change. His work as the founding Director of the UCLA Principal Leadership Program challenges students to be active high school community leaders. His model focusing on high school culture and college-going preparation played a large role in the founding of the California Academic Partnership Program’s Building a Strong College-Going Culture Grant, which allows California high schools to better prepare students for postsecondary opportunities. Dr. Cooper’s evidence-based practices and willingness to take intellectual risks allow youth to reach new educational achievements and become the scholars of the future.
The Exemplary Contributions to Practice-Engaged Research Award is presented to an education research scholar or scholars in recognition of collaborative project(s) between researchers and practitioners that have had sustained and observable effects on contexts of practice.