WCER Working Papers
The WCER Working Paper Series shares research in progress, early findings, and methodological developments from WCER researchers. These papers are intended to support timely dissemination and encourage discussion among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
This series reflects WCER’s commitment to advancing knowledge and supporting evidence-informed decision making.
WCER accepts submissions from UW–Madison researchers with a connection to the WCER mission.
Browse the WCER working papers below, dating back to 2020, covering a wide range of topics investigated by WCER researchers and others at UW–Madison advancing education research.
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Developing Culturally Responsive Assessments of Teaching: Implications of Bob Mislevy
Authors: Courtney Bell and Drew Gitomer August 2026, 13 pp. Abstract: Bob Mislevy spent decades developing theory, methods, and tools that positioned assessment as an instance of the more general problem of using evidentiary argument to make inferences in…
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The Fair Play Project: An Intervention to Reduce Racial Bias in the Academy
Author: Christine Pribbenow and Carissa Brown July 2026, 20 pp. Abstract: Fair Play is the cornerstone of workshops developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to teach STEMM faculty about implicit (or unconscious) bias and strategies to reduce…
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Language-Integrated Framework for Teaching (LIFT): A Framework Supporting Multilingual Learners Through Core Teaching Practices
Author: Mariana Castro October 2025, 21 pp. Abstract: As linguistic diversity within American K–12 classrooms increases, educators need tools to effectively leverage and support the assets of multilingual learners (MLs). MLs face the significant challenge of simultaneously mastering the…
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The Current and Future Educator Workforce in Wisconsin’s Rural Schools
Authors: Jenny Seelig and Bradley Carl October 2025, 54 pp. Abstract: This paper builds upon previous work investigating Wisconsin’s rural educator workforce by (a) summarizing key characteristics of the current teacher workforce in Wisconsin’s rural schools and how these…
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Teacher Compensation Practices When Collective Bargaining Disappears: A Follow-up Study 10 Years After
Authors: Steve Kimball, Anthony Milanowski, Bradley Carl, Jessica Arrigoni, and Elisabeth Geraghty July 2025, 19 pp. Abstract: In 2011, Wisconsin curtailed public employee collective bargaining through legislation (Wisconsin Act 10) that limited the scope of bargaining to total base…
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Building Arts-Based Social-Emotional Learning Practices Through Embodied Professional Learning: UW–Madison Community Arts Collaboratory’s Research Lab
Authors: Yorel Lashley, Erica Halverson, Stephanie Richards, Emily Nott, Tracey Bullington, Lindsey Kourafas, John Samuels, Leila Rahnamanoabadi, and Audriana Ryann Zeuske July 2025, 35 pp. Abstract: This paper presents the preliminary findings and research agenda for the University of…
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Comparing Student Service Member/Veteran and Civilian Student Undergraduate Characteristics and Perspectives: An Exploratory Quantitative Study
Authors: Ross J. Benbow, Xin Xie, and You-Geon Lee February 2025, 26 pp. Abstract: Student service members/veterans (SSM/Vs) — defined as undergraduates in the U.S. military or who have military experience — have been an emergent group of adult…
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A Mixed Method Analysis of Student Service Member/Veteran Engagement With University Military-Focused Student Services
Authors: Ross J. Benbow and You-Geon Lee September 2024, 29 pp. Abstract: Student service member/veteran (SSM/V) university enrollment has grown exponentially in recent years. In response, many U.S. universities have developed military-focused student services to address navigational and social…
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STEM Pushout and Redirection of HMoob American College Students at a Predominantly White Institution
Authors: Bailey B. Smolarek, Matthew Wolfgram, Chundou Her, Lena Lee, Stacey J. Lee, Geboli Long, Payeng Moua, Kong Pheng Pha, Ariana Thao, Mai See Thao, Mai Neng Vang, Susan Vang, Chee Meng Xiong, Choua Xiong, Edward Xiong, Odyssey Xiong,…
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Validity of Socioculturally Responsive and Culturally Sustaining Assessments: Issues and Practice in an Alaska School District
Author: Rosalie Grant July 2024, 9 pp. Abstract: Over a 6-year period, a sociolinguistic and sociocultural project was undertaken by Alaska Native expert educators and linguists (aka the Yup’ik Expert Group) from the Yup’ik community in the Lower Kuskokwim…
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