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.
-
Hiring as Cultural Gatekeeping into Occupational Communities: Implications for College Students, Faculty, and Career Advisors
Authors: Matthew T. Hora January 2018, 35 pp. Abstract: With the increasing price tag of college and rising student debt, the employability of graduates is a dominant narrative shaping postsecondary policy and practice. Yet, completion and the acquisition of…
-
The Role of Place: Labor Market Dynamics in Rural and Non-rural School Districts
Authors: Peter T. Goff, Ellie M. Bruecker September 2017, 20 pp. Abstract: A considerable body of work has addressed teacher labor markets and the sorting of teachers within and among school districts. Many studies have focused on urban schools…
-
Kindergarten Readiness in Wisconsin
Authors: Eric Grodsky, Yiyue Huangfu, H. Rose Miesner, Chiara Packard September 2017, 21 pp. Abstract: Wisconsin’s gaps between Black and white student high school graduation rates and Black and white fourth-grade math and reading scores are the largest in…
-
Cultural Capital at Work: How Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills Are Taught, Trained and Rewarded in a Chinese Technical College
Authors: Matthew T. Hora, Chelsea A. Blackburn Cohen July 2017, 37 pp. Abstract: The employability of college students is one of postsecondary education’s most pressing concerns in the United States and China, especially when it comes to the possible overproduction…
-
Including Recently Arrived English Learners in State Accountability Systems: An Empirical Illustration of Models
Authors: H. Gary Cook, Narek Sahakyan, Robert Linquanti March 2017, 27 pp. Abstract: The authors develop model analyses based on a U.S. Department of Education guide to illustrate procedures a state could use to compare and contrast school-level overall…
-
Beyond the Skills Gap: How the Lack of Systemic Supports for Teaching and Learning Undermines Employer, Student, and Societal Interests
Authors: Matthew T. Hora, Ross J. Benbow, Amanda K. Oleson December 2016, 65 pp. Abstract: The idea of a skills gap suggests that employers have jobs available but cannot find skilled applicants because higher education is poorly aligned with…
-
Interpretation and Use of K–12 Language Proficiency Assessment Score Reports: Perspectives of Educators and Parents
Authors: Ahyoung Alicia Kim, Akira Kondo, Alissa Blair, Lorena Mancilla, Mark Chapman, Carsten Wilmes November 2016, 22 pp. Abstract: WIDA ACCESS for ELLs (ACCESS), annually taken by approximately two million K–12 English language learners (ELLs) in the United States,…
-
Participatory Culture as a Model for How New Media Technologies Can Change Public Schools
Authors: Rich Halverson, Julie Kallio, Sarah Hackett, Erica Halverson October 2016, 23 pp. Abstract: This paper describes how the idea of participatory culture can provide a robust model for thinking about emerging learning practices in digital media spaces, in…
-
Teacher Compensation: Standard Practices and Changes in Wisconsin
Authors: Steven M. Kimball, Herbert G. Heneman III, Robin Worth, Jessica Arrigoni, Daniel Marlin August 2016, 42 pp. Abstract: In the past several years, many Wisconsin school districts have initiated transformations to their teacher compensation systems. Although some state…
-
Examining How Faculty Reflect on Instructional Data: A Call for Critical Awareness and Institutional Support
Authors: Bailey B. Smolarek, Matthew T. Hora August 2016, 26 pp. Abstract: Drawing on insights from culturally responsive K-12 education frameworks and dual process theory, this qualitative study explores the situated nature of reflective practice among postsecondary faculty and…
Other Publications
Browse more publications from WCER researchers, including journal articles, books, and chapters focused on evidence-based education research.
Explore & Engage
Resources
Connect
WCER welcomes inquiries from partners, researchers, policymakers, and community organizations.