About → Our partners

Our partners

WEPC researchers partner with education agencies and policymakers across the country to generate evidence that is both methodologically sound and grounded in the realities of education systems.

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Logo of Boston public schools

Boston Public Schools

About the partnership

WEPC is studying how teacher-led professional learning through the Telescope Network is making an impact on teachers, schools, and the district.

Logo of Connecticut state department of education

Connecticut State Department of Education

About the partnership

WEPC has partnered with CSDE to examine the policies and practices that shape a high-quality, diverse educator workforce.

Latest research

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Teacher Shortages in Connecticut
Teacher Shortages in Connecticut

The Wheelock Educational Policy Center, in partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education, tracks where and why staffing shortages persist in Connecticut's public schools. These reports identify shortage areas across special populations, general education subjects, and school support personnel—and examine how those gaps fall unevenly across districts. Together, the 2023 and 2025 editions show how the state's staffing challenges have evolved over time.

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Special Education Substantially Improves Learning: Evidence from Three States
Special Education Substantially Improves Learning: Evidence from Three States

Special education serves more than one in seven U.S. students, yet its causal impact remains understudied. In this paper, we estimate the effect of individualized supports with an event-study design that tracks achievement around initial classification. The research shows students’ scores decline prior to placement and rise sharply afterward. Overall, individualized supports substantially increase learning productivity.

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Logo of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

About the partnership

WEPC’s partnership with DESE encompasses multiple projects spanning a wide range of K-12 policy areas.

Latest research

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Massachusetts School Leader Workforce – Annual Snapshots
Massachusetts School Leader Workforce – Annual Snapshots

Graphic snapshots showcasing the characteristics, career trajectories, and outcomes of principals and assistant principals in Massachusetts public schools.

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Special Education Substantially Improves Learning: Evidence from Three States
Special Education Substantially Improves Learning: Evidence from Three States

Special education serves more than one in seven U.S. students, yet its causal impact remains understudied. In this paper, we estimate the effect of individualized supports with an event-study design that tracks achievement around initial classification. The research shows students’ scores decline prior to placement and rise sharply afterward. Overall, individualized supports substantially increase learning productivity.

Read more →
Logo of Massachusetts Department of Education

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

About the partnership

WEPC is studying the effects of state policies and programs to improve college affordability, access, and outcomes.

latest research

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Early Returns: Reversing Enrollment Declines in Massachusetts Community Colleges through MassReconnect
Early Returns: Reversing Enrollment Declines in Massachusetts Community Colleges through MassReconnect

Analysis of Massachusetts MassReconnect free community college program. Evaluates enrollment impact, student demographics, financial aid distribution, and persistence rates for free tuition initiative targeting adults 25+. Policy brief for states considering free college programs.

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Logo of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care

Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care

About the partnership

WEPC and EEC’s research partnership focuses on generating strategic insights into the state’s most pressing questions and priorities regarding the early educator workforce.

latest research

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Understanding ECE Workforce Needs in Massachusetts
Understanding ECE Workforce Needs in Massachusetts

Analysis of recent investments in ECE programs in Massachusetts. Shows that a stronger workforce is key to meeting demand.

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Examining Wage Growth in ECE Programs: Evidence from Massachusetts
Examining Wage Growth in ECE Programs: Evidence from Massachusetts

Analysis of Massachusetts early educator wage growth. Review of changes in early educator wages over several years. Shows modest inflation-adjusted wage gains that are still significantly below ideal levels.

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Logo of Indiana Department of Education

Indiana Department of Education

About the partnership

WEPC’s partnership with IDOE focuses on early literacy, secondary to postsecondary pathways, the special educator workforce, and student IEP data.

Latest research

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The Effects of Grade Retention in Indiana Schools
The Effects of Grade Retention in Indiana Schools

Analysis of the impacts of the threat of grade retention and retention itself in Indiana public schools.

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Special Education Substantially Improves Learning: Evidence from Three States
Special Education Substantially Improves Learning: Evidence from Three States

Special education serves more than one in seven U.S. students, yet its causal impact remains understudied. In this paper, we estimate the effect of individualized supports with an event-study design that tracks achievement around initial classification. The research shows students’ scores decline prior to placement and rise sharply afterward. Overall, individualized supports substantially increase learning productivity.

Read more →
Logo of Mississippi Department of Education

Mississippi Department of Education

About the partnership

WEPC evaluated the effects of Mississippi’s “Read by Grade 3” test-based promotion policy on students’ test scores and non-test-score outcomes. 

Latest research

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The Effect of Retention Under Mississippi’s Test-Based Promotion Policy
The Effect of Retention Under Mississippi’s Test-Based Promotion Policy

Study conducted by Boston University's Wheelock Educational Policy Center evaluating the impact of Mississippi’s test-based promotion policy - requiring students to demonstrate reading proficiency before moving on to the third grade. Results suggest positive results, particularly strong in reading, into the 6th grade for those who were retained.

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