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.
-
Why Theories of Change Matter
Authors: Mark R. Connolly, Elaine Seymour July 2015, 17 pp. Abstract: In 2009, a pair of meetings launched an ambitious initiative to link communities engaged in improving STEM education with those engaged in global sustainability. The initiative’s organizers, “Mobilizing…
-
The Best Laid Plans: Designing Incentive Programs for School Leaders
Authors: Peter Goff, Ellen Goldring, Melissa Canney December 2014, 24 pp. Abstract: Notable attention and effort have been directed toward improving educator productivity through the use of performance incentives. Little of this work has focused on incentive systems for…
-
Evaluation of Educators and Educator Preparation Programs: Models and Systems in Theory and Practice
Authors: Robert Meyer, Mikhail Pyatigorsky, Andrew Rice November 2014, 19 pp. Abstract: Student growth measures are increasingly common in K–12 school and teacher accountability policy in the United States. At this time, it is still rare for educator preparation…
-
Should We Still be Talking About Leaving? A Comparative Examination of Social Inequality in Undergraduate Patterns of Switching Majors
Authors: Joseph J. Ferrare, You-Geon Lee November 2014, 38 pp. Abstract: Despite extensive efforts to increase the number of undergraduates majoring and persisting in science, math, engineering, and technology (STEM) fields, there is surprisingly little understanding of recent patterns…
-
Exploring Data-Driven Decision-Making in the Field: How Faculty Use Data and Other Forms of Information to Guide Instructional Decision-Making
Authors: Matthew T. Hora, Jana Bouwma-Gearhart, Hyoung Joon Park August 2014, 32 pp. Abstract: Given the considerable challenges with implementing data-driven decision making systems, researchers focus on describing data practices in real-world settings. Yet, little is known about how…
-
STEM: How a Poorly Defined Acronym Is Shaping Education and Workforce Development Policy in the United States
Authors: Amanda K. Oleson, Matthew T. Hora, Ross J. Benbow July 2014, 27 pp. Abstract: The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, more ubiquitously known by the acronym “STEM,” have received a substantial amount of attention in recent…
-
Navigating the Problem Space of Academia: Exploring Processes of Course Design and Classroom Teaching in Postsecondary Settings
Author: Matthew T. Hora June 2014, 36 pp. Abstract: Policymakers and educators alike are increasingly focused on faculty adoption of interactive teaching techniques as a way to improve undergraduate education. Yet, little empirical research exists that examines the processes…
-
Preparing Students for Success in the 21st-Century Economy: Challenges With Aligning Educational Policy and Curricula With Employer Expectations
Author: Matthew T. Hora December 2013, 19 pp. Abstract: Wisconsin and the nation are struggling with how to address persistent unemployment and an economy recovering too slowly from the Great Recession of 2008. While economists point to a host…
-
Implementation of the English Language Proficiency Standards Across the WIDA Consortium
Author: Daniella Molle November 2013, 17 pp. Abstract: This working paper examines how some educators in the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) consortium use the WIDA English language proficiency (ELP) standards. Many educators see the standards as a…
-
Exploring the Use of the Teaching Dimensions Observation Protocol to Develop Fine-Grained Measures of Interactive Teaching in Undergraduate Science Classrooms
Author: Matthew T. Hora October 2013, 34 pp. Abstract: Detailed accounts of teaching are important in order to shed light on instructional practice, yet few data exist that describe how undergraduate science classes are taught. Current approaches are also…
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.