University of Wisconsin–Madison

Category: Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education

UW–Madison’s Ruppar highlights harm of seclusion and restraint in schools

UW–Madison’s Andrea Ruppar, an associate professor in the School of Education’s Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, was quoted in a recent FOX47 News article examining the Madison Metropolitan School District’s efforts to reduce seclusion and restraint incidents involving students with disabilities. The FOX47 report notes that during the 2024–2025 school year, MMSD recorded …

The School of Education’s 2025 year in reviewng

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the impactful work that has taken place across the School of Education throughout 2025. Below are just a few highlights from the hundreds of stories we shared this year, showcasing efforts across the arts, education, and health. While this small sampling …

Six from School of Education named ‘Honored Instructors’ for fall 2025

UW–Madison students living in University Housing each semester have the opportunity to recognize instructors who have made a positive impact on their learning through the Honored Instructor program.  The program allows students to nominate educators who challenge them, support their academic growth, make learning enjoyable, or inspire them in meaningful ways. The fall 2025 list …

Applications for 2026 cohort of the Special Education Teacher Residency program now open

To begin tackling Wisconsin’s shortage of special education teachers, the UW–Madison School of Education and its Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education — in collaboration with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) — have opened recruitment for the 2026 cohort of the Special Education Teacher Residency program. This innovative program aims to address the critical shortage of …

Eight from School of Education selected as ICTR Pathway Program scholars

Eight individuals from the UW–Madison School of Education have been selected as 2025-26 Pathway Program scholars through the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR). Established in 2022 and funded by the Wisconsin Partnership Program, the Pathway Program supports the mentorship and professional development of scholars engaged in clinical and translational research at various stages of …

WCER team creates national platform for more and better jobs for people with disabilities

By Karen Rivedal, Office of Research & Scholarship A nationwide UW–Madison research project to increase the number and quality of jobs for individuals with disabilities has achieved an extraordinary record of reach and engagement with essential state workers tasked with helping this underserved population. As the five-year, federally funded project known as the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical …

UW–Madison’s Qin receives funding to seek community-driven solutions for mental health challenges in Wisconsin Asian communities

By Laurel White A School of Education faculty member recently received funding to investigate how some Asian communities in Wisconsin address mental illness among youth.  Sang Qin, an assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, is examining how Wisconsin Hmong and Chinese communities are prepared to address mental health disparities among young …

Three from School of Education are named Morgridge Fellows

Three students and faculty from the UW–Madison School of Education have been selected for the 2025-26 cohort of Morgridge Fellows. The program, run through the Morgridge Center for Public Service, brings together faculty, staff, and graduate students for a year-long learning community focused on advancing community-engaged scholarship. The program is directed by Morgridge Center Assistant …

Program led by UW–Madison’s Tansey supports job training for individuals with disabilities in American Samoa

By Laurel White A School of Education faculty member recently partnered with the government of American Samoa to improve how the territory provides job training for individuals with disabilities. The intensive, on-site training for counselors in the territory’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation was part of the ongoing work of the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality …