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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Delivery of State-Provided Predictive Analytics to Schools: Wisconsin’s DEWS and the Proposed EWIMS
Authors: Bill Clune, Jared Knowles July 2016, 15 pp. Abstract: Since 2012, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has maintained a statewide predictive analytics system providing schools with an early warning in middle grades of students at risk…
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Gender and Belonging in Undergraduate Computer Science: A Comparative Case Study of Student Experiences in Gateway Courses
Authors: Ross J. Benbow, Erika Vivyan April 2016, 40 pp. Abstract: Building on findings showing that undergraduate computer science continues to have the highest attrition rates proportionally for women within postsecondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines — a…
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Examining Preschool-aged Dual Language Learners’ Language Use: From a Functional Approach
Authors: Ahyoung Alicia Kim, Akira Kondo, Mariana Castro March 2016, 22 pp. Abstract: Due to the increase in the number of preschool-aged dual language learners (DLLs), there is a need to understand their language development and how to better…
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Culturally Responsive Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Author: Aydin Bal December 2015, 35 pp. Abstract: This paper presents a framework for culturally responsive positive behavioral interventions and supports (CRPBIS). The CRPBIS framework aims to facilitate positive, supportive, inclusive and democratic school cultures through ecologically valid and…
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Personalization in Practice: Observations from the Field
Authors: Rich Halverson, Al Barnicle, Sarah Hackett, Tanushree Rawat, Julia Rutledge, Julie Kallio, Curt Mould, Janice Mertes December 2015, 30 pp. Abstract: Personalized learning places the interests and abilities of learners at the center of their education experience. Educators…
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Leadership and Student Learning: Examining the Cause and Effect of Privilege- and Learning-centric Assignment Practices within Florida Schools
Authors: Peter T. Goff, Gwendolyn S. Baxley October 2015, 30 pp. Abstract: The strategies and norms used to assign students to teachers have garnered national attention, as these assignment practices can exacerbate inequality. School leaders have substantial authority and…
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Studying the Study Section: How Collaborative Decision Making and Videoconferencing Affects the Grant Peer Review Process
Authors: Elizabeth L. Pier, Joshua Raclaw, Mitchell J. Nathan, Anna Kaatz, Molly Carnes, Cecilia E. Ford October 2015, 24 pp. Abstract: Grant peer review is a foundational component of scientific research. In the context of grant review meetings, the…
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Comparing CALL and VAL-ED: An Illustrative Application of a Decision Matrix for Selecting Among Leadership Feedback Instruments
Authors: Peter Goff, Jason Salisbury, Mark Blitz October 2015, 30 pp. Abstract: Initiatives to increase leadership accountability coupled with efforts to promote data-driven leadership have led to widespread adoption of instruments to assess school leaders. In this paper, we…
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Timing Is Everything: Temporal Variation and Measures of School Quality
Authors: Peter T. Goff, Jihye Kam, Jacek Kraszewski August 2015, 40 pp. Abstract: Survey tools are used in education to direct policy, drive leadership decisions, and inform research. Increasingly, survey measures of school climate and perspectives of leadership are…
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Peering Inside the Black Box of Undergraduate Study Habits: The Centrality of Self-regulated Learning in a Digitized World
Authors: Matthew T. Hora, Amanda K. Oleson July 2015, 21 pp. Abstract: Research suggests which study strategies are effective, but little descriptive research focuses on how undergraduate students study in real-world settings. Thus, the mechanisms of students’ actual learning…
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Browse more publications from WCER researchers, including journal articles, books, and chapters focused on evidence-based education research.
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