Books: Sacred Trust: A Children's Education Bill of Rights

Although the United States is considered one of the richest countries in the world, it ranks first in the percentage of children living in poverty. Of the 20 percent of American children that live in poverty, more than 1 million go hungry every day and more than 1.3 million children are homeless on any given night. According to Peter Cookson Jr., C.A.S.'91, it is such poverty and inequality that are the sources of unequal education. In his latest book, Sacred Trust, he proposes an education bill of rights for American children that, he argues, will address these issues and ensure greater integrity and improved opportunity for all.

While Cookson occasionally sprinkles in many of his own proposals and propositions, the book is organized with the reader in mind. It is overflowing with ideas, inspiration, and stimulating questions intended to engage the reader and act as a sounding board for education policies. By including a wide range of illustrative examples, quotes, stories, and statistics, Cookson helps readers grasp the living conditions of children today, allowing them to become informed and involved in the national dialogue surrounding the future of public education.

Cookson concludes each chapter with relevant study questions, possible action steps, and suggested further reading in an effort to ignite conversation and invite readers of all capacities — parents, early childhood educators, legislators, librarians, foundations officers, and community members — to participate, whether they agree or disagree.

In the book, Cookson also outlines 10 fundamental rights to which he thinks all students are entitled. For example, Cookson asserts that every American youth has the right to a distinguished and committed teacher; a relevant and engaged curriculum; and fair, honorable evaluations. While Cookson acknowledges that these suggestions are "basic," he stresses that they are intended to act as a foundation for future progression, not as established laws or administrative solutions.

"The mission of this book is to awaken our generous spirit of fairness and to provide teachers, support staff, guidance counselors, and administrators at every level with ideas to spark conversation and to offer some suggested action steps," Cookson writes. "When enacted, this Children's Education Bill of Rights will be the legislative and administrative framework for a socially healthier and more economically productive United States."