James Comer

Dr. James Comer believes that poor children often fail because parents living under economic and social stress are often not able to give them the preschool experiences needed for success in school. School staff are not prepared to help. To address this problem this psychiatrist, social scientist, activist, and educator developed the School Development Program, often called the "Comer Process," at the Yale Child Study Center. Dr. Comer is also Associate Dean of the Yale University School of Medicine and the Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry.

After graduating from Indiana University, Comer earned his M.D. from Howard University and trained in psychiatry at Yale. He decided to specialize in psychiatry after observing the widespread depression and frustration among poor blacks in Washington's low income areas. Although he was from a low income African-American family, his parents gave their five children the kind of stability and support that enabled them to eventually obtain 13 college degrees. Because of his experience he was convinced that strong family support was a key to educational success.

His work began in two failing elementary schools in New Haven, Connecticut. By 1980, academic performance at the two schools was at the national average, and by 1984 it was well above the national average, attendance increased sharply and truancy and disciplinary problems declined dramatically.

The process is based on a simple principle: everyone with a stake in a school should have a say how it's run. It calls for forming a "school governance team" made up of teachers, parents, the principal, professional support staff, and non professional support staff. The team develops a plan for operating the school, including a calendar of academic and social events that encourage parents to participate in and support the work of the school. By working collaboratively they create a school climate that facilitates student development and confidence, and in time, desirable teaching, learning, and behavior. Over 250 schools in 18 states have adopted Dr. Comer's methods, many reporting similar outcomes.

Dr. Comer has written over 500 articles and chapters about education, child development, and race relations. His newest book is "Waiting for a Miracle: Why Schools Can't Solve Our Problems and How We Can." In it he shares his belief that the deteriorating state of America's public school system is actually a reflection of the problems of the entire culture and society. He feels the problem is not embedded within the black culture, as many believe. He maintains that "rampant individualism and racism" have created a social failure to commit to families, to community, and to child development, including education.

He has lectured widely across the United States and has served as a consultant to many projects, including the Children's Television Network.