Ericka Fisher, associate professor and chair of the education department at the College of the Holy Cross, has written a book titled “Educating the Urban Race: The Evolution of an American High School,” which was released by Lexington Books on Dec. 15, 2014.
A scholar in racial and economic equity in American education, Fisher’s work focuses on multicultural education, educational psychology, and academic achievement. Her published works examine the experiences of vulnerable populations in American secondary schools.
“Educating the Urban Race” is an academic book, based on Fisher’s 10 years of research at urban schools. Through the use of historical and quantitative data, interviews and observations, she provides a comprehensive view of the many factors at play that merge to create an urban high school.
“As adults, we accept on a cognitive level that the constructs of race, socioeconomic status, and relationships are complex and convoluted,” says Fisher. “Nevertheless, educational professionals such as teachers and administrators within a school are expected to balance these complex constructs while educating the masses. Better yet, they are expected to do what our society as a whole has failed to accomplish: process, then transcend these factors so that all students become citizens of a truly post-racial institution.”
While the central case study focuses on Burncoat Senior High School in Worcester, Mass., the book takes a serious look at policy issues and urban education at a national level, and includes a broad survey of American public education dating back to the 17th century.
Deborah Meier, founder of New York City's Central Park East public schools and Boston's Mission Hill school, said: “Fisher has put together a moving account of why being ‘at risk’ will require many difficult decisions. Building trustful relationships between schools and young people cannot happen without rethinking high schools from the bottom up.”
Fisher earned her B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross and her Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Media Coverage
- Telegram & Gazette, Dec. 26: Holy Cross prof's book uses Burncoat High as a window on urban education
- Worcester News Tonight, Jan. 6: Ericka Fisher new book
