About WCER
The Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER) conducts research that improves education outcomes and informs policy and practice.
Established in 1964 as one of the first education research centers in the United States, WCER has a long history of advancing knowledge across disciplines. The center’s innovative research and scholarship reflect the Wisconsin Idea by extending its work beyond campus to benefit communities.
Mission
WCER’s mission is to improve educational outcomes for all student populations, positively impact education practice, and foster collaboration among researchers and practitioners.
Values
The values that the work and people of WCER strive to uphold are:
Innovation and Excellence. Continuous improvement is a driver for excellence. We innovate and improve in our work to advance education through leading research and development.
Equitable Education. Equitable education is essential to a healthy society. We aim to reverse imbalances and injustices in education through our work.
Affirming and Increasing Diversity. Individual differences and group diversity inspire creative and equitable outcomes. We actively affirm and seek to increase such diversity in our center.
Healthy Workplace. The well-being of our workplace enhances success for all. We commit to a workplace based on mutual respect and transparency.
Partnering Across Differences. Diverse backgrounds and expertise improve the quality of our work. We collaborate across disciplines, methodologies, organizations, and communities to strengthen our research and development outcomes.
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What We Do
WCER’s researchers design and conduct studies that address complex challenges in education systems. This work integrates perspectives from multiple disciplines and emphasizes practical application.
WCER is best known for its contributions to cognitive psychology, mathematics, workforce development, and science education; destigmatizing daycare; and developing classroom materials used around the world.
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WCER welcomes inquiries from partners, researchers, policymakers, and community organizations.