News from WCER

Online Talk about Black Mathematical World Talent Edgar J. Edmunds Slated for Nov. 7

November 1, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

The Journal for Research in Mathematics Education is sponsoring a live talk by Dr. Sian Zelbo from The Brearley School and Yeshiva University at 11 a.m. CT on Monday, Nov. 7, that is free and open to all. Please register at bit.ly/JRMETalks to receive the link.


MSAN Student Conference Kicks Off Year of Positive Change for Equity Organization

October 25, 2022   |   By Karen Rivedal, WCER Communications

Middle and high school students in MSAN Network districts will be invited to participate in an integrated interdisciplinary experience that will affirm their intersecting identities as they explore topics such as implicit bias, race, power, and systems of oppression.


CIMER’s Pfund Co-authors Article on Avoiding Burnout While Mentoring

September 11, 2022   |   By Karen Rivedal, WCER Communications

The article begins by explaining how the nature of mentorship contains within it the seeds of possible future burnout, as mentors give their time, attention, and resources to develop others and soon find that demand for their services will tend to increase the better they are at it.


Two Take on Important Interim Roles for WCER

September 11, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

WCER has been very fortunate in recent weeks to sign on two key replacements for important roles at the center on an interim basis: Dan Langer as COO and Latoya Holiday to lead MSAN.


Tickets Available for YWCA Madison’s 2022 Racial Justice Summit

September 11, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

The event, titled “Weaving Our Pasts, Present, and Emergent Futures for Racial Justice and Co-Liberation,” will feature one in-person day of programming at the Monona Terrace on Sept. 30, preceded by two days of online sessions Sept. 28–29. Tickets are available for purchase for either the virtual summit or the in-person day or both.


Spencer Foundation Report Highlights $11.6M in Education Grants for 2021

September 11, 2022   |   By Karen Rivedal, WCER Communications

The Spencer Foundation’s latest annual report provides an expansive picture of its grant-making work in the education field for the 2021 calendar year, including trends in the field, funding rates by program and $11.6 million in total grants awarded. The 31-page report also shares data on grant submissions and awards, including background characteristics of grantees, of applicants overall, and of reviewers, plus information on the types of institutions that received awards and topics funded.


Welcomes and Thank You’s to New and Departing ASAC Members

September 11, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

A new academic year means a changing slate of members for WCER’s Academic Staff Advisory Committee (ASAC), as some members finish their service on the board, some begin new two-year terms, and others continue into the second year of their terms.


Learn about NSF’s New Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) in Free Zoom Webinar

September 11, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

The National Science Foundation (NSF) says its new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) advances use-inspired and translational research in all fields of science and engineering, potentially giving rise to new industries using breakthrough technologies and helping to engage all Americans—regardless of background or location—in the pursuit of additional high-wage jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math.


A Closer Look: What WCER Technical Services Can Do for Projects/PIs

September 11, 2022   |   By Karen Rivedal, WCER Communications

With 12 members overall, Tech Services provides a packed slate of computer and creative services. Its skilled personnel and advanced technologies can provide projects with research-focused programming, application development, and website design, plus network, multimedia, and graphics expertise. You can see many examples of the work Tech Services has done for WCER projects and other clients in this detailed and expansive portfolio.


New Study Examines STEM Experiences of Hmong Undergraduates across Wisconsin

September 6, 2022   |   By Karen Rivedal, WCER Communications

WCER researchers are partnering with Hmong American faculty and undergraduates across the state to study and find solutions for the underrepresentation in STEM classes and the STEM workforce of Hmong Americans, who make up Wisconsin’s largest Asian American population.


CRECE Seeks Applications for Undergraduate, Master’s Research Fellows Programs

August 2, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

The goal of both programs to diversify the research communities that address early childhood education issues. CRECE hopes to do this by providing mentored research experiences to traditionally underrepresented and other minoritized undergraduate and graduate students. Unique among education research centers in its whole-child, ecological approach to research—as well as its multi-tiered approach to stakeholder engagement—CRECE focuses its work on children ages 0-8 and their families and communities.


Second NSF Grant Expands WCER Study of College/Career Success of Student Military

July 14, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

​The original project, funded by a $556,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, focused on college-to-workforce paths of student military or military veterans in five UW System institutions; the second NSF grant, this one for $1.4 million, allows the focus to expand to universities around the country, especially majority-minority institutions.


Grace Li Joins WIDA as Chief Assessment Officer

July 14, 2022   |   By WIDA Communications

WIDA is delighted to share that Grace Li is the organization’s new chief assessment officer. Grace replaces Gary Cook, WIDA’s senior director of assessment, who is transitioning into a new role at WIDA.


A Closer Look: WEC Projects Span Many Fields and Purposes

July 5, 2022   |   By Karen Rivedal, WCER Communications

Evaluation services offered by WEC include logic modeling and evaluation planning, data sourcing and collection, and surveys and focus groups. WEC also uses statistical analysis, data visualization, and culturally responsive evaluation, while involving client organizations in the entire process to build their internal capacity for future evaluation.


A Closer Look: Center for Ethics & Education Offers Podcasts, Free Study Guides, Graduate Fellowships

July 5, 2022   |   By WCER Communications

CEE’s work revolves around curriculum development in the form of study guides and audio interviews for educators; a Graduate Institute in philosophy of education; and a self-produced podcast about issues in ethics and education.