William W. Cooley

Who is William W. Cooley?

William W. Cooley, PhD, is a retired educational researcher, author, and professor emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh.

He was born in West Bend, Wisconsin on March 20, 1930. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Lawrence University in 1952, a master’s degree in science education and statistics at the University of Minnesota in 1955, and a doctorate in science education, statistics, and measurement at Harvard University in 1958. He is married to artist Cynthia Cooley.

Cooley has been involved in educational research since 1955, and has authored or co-authored numerous books, over 20 book chapters and over 100 journal articles and other written works. His special interests lie in educational evaluation and research, as well as in improving schools. His later work focuses particularly on "the lack of equity, and the resulting educational bankruptcy, inherent in Pennsylvania's school financing structure." Cooley first came to the University of Pittsburgh to hold to position of Director of Project TALENT. He then served as the co-director of the university’s Learning Research and Development Center from 1969 to 1977. While with the LRDC, he served as: