About
The ULS Research and Development Program (RDP) supports ULS’ dual interlocking mission which is to design and deliver the best possible education to its students and to serve as a seedbed for educational research and development.
University Laboratory School will prepare its students to be ready for college, work and responsible citizenship, through a program emphasizing disciplines of knowledge and habits of mind, as indicated by demonstrating skills development in the areas of critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. In addition, our school focuses on three strategic areas: education of our own students, research in the area of educational best practices, and dissemination of educational best practices via professional development.
ULS/COE Historical Partnership
For over seventy years, we have operated in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s (UH Mānoa) College of Education (COE), serving as a laboratory for researching, developing, teacher training and evaluating innovative approaches to improving teaching, learning, and assessment.
Our partnership has produced exemplary programs in science, mathematics, English language arts, Pacific and Asian Studies, marine studies, environmental studies, Hawaiian and Polynesian studies, Japanese language and culture, music, nutrition, art, drama, technology, health, and computer education. These programs are used by schools in Hawaiʻi, the U.S., and other countries.
Social Studies
China: Understanding Its Past
The Rise of Modern Japan
A History of Hawai‘i
A History of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Science
Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching (FAST)
Developmental Approaches in Science, Health and Technology (DASH)
The Fluid Earth
The Living Ocean
Mathematics
A Modeling Approach to Algebra
Reshaping Mathematics for Understanding
Understanding Geometric Reasoning
Language Arts
Performance English: The Golden Triangle
Island Fire
Growing Up Local
Literature of the Americas
Hāpai Nā Leo
Suspense Theater
The Comedy Hour
ULS also collaborates with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, local private and charter schools, other universities and education institutions in Hawaii and abroad to provide observation and professional development support, as well as serve as an education research laboratory. Please visit this link for a brief history of ULS’ connection with UH Mānoa’s COE.
Research & Development Program Provides
At ULS, we believe that there should be opportunities for collaboration, experimentation, observation and facilitation of best practices and pedagogy, of exemplar curricular programs and curriculum, of exceptional learning environments and of exciting and innovative educational models or modes of teaching.
The following areas of focus allow those interested to participate in this unique research and development program:
- External Research: ULS coordinates research partnerships and projects with various departments in the UH System, including UH Mānoa’s long time collaborator, the College of Education (COE); as well as local, national, and global community partnerships and projects. ULS works closely with its partnered research organization, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and other universities (nationally and globally) to support professors, researchers and graduate students in their education research endeavors. ULS also collaborates with the Hawai‘i Department of Education on research projects and program development that align with our schoolʻs mission and vision.
- Internal Research: ULS RDP encourages, supports, and guides ULS students and faculty to lead and participate in research and passion projects. Faculty and staff pursuing advanced degrees can conduct research as part of their degree program requirements. With the support and guidance of the RDP, faculty and staff are able to pursue meaningful research at ULS that will benefit them as well as our students and school program.
Serving as a learning laboratory for teacher education students has always been a primary purpose of ULS. Our roots go back to the formation of a teacher training department at Honolulu High School in 1896. This is the same site we remain today, conveniently next to the COE. ULS continues to support teacher and educator training with the UH Mānoa COE, and other colleges and universities; including P.E. teachers, athletic trainers, and counselors.
ULS’ current academic program is effective and innovative. To ensure we are always improving, ULS RDP creates programming opportunities to enhance the ULS student experience. for example international educational opportunities, connection to research. We believe that all students can achieve great things, including academic, social and emotional success. We support all students in becoming responsible citizens, in addition to preparation for college and work. At the basis of our school program is the expectation that all students, given the opportunity and support, can engage deeply in every discipline of knowledge, building disciplinary skill sets and habits of mind, but also overarching skills of collaboration, community, creativity and critical thinking. ULS RDP works on creating programs that support these efforts.
ULS strives to ensure our administration, teaching faculty and staff are up to date on best practices in education. We support professional development opportunities and partner with institutions and organizations like UH Mānoa, UHM COE, Wayfinder, HIDOE, and others to ensure our educators produce quality instruction, information and service.
Since ULS’ origins as a teacher training department in 1896, we have been fortunate to reside in the same place for over one hundred years in the Waikīkī ahupua‘a. We value initiating partnerships with our neighbors and serving our local community. ULS also appreciates working with our national and global partners and uphold formal and informal partnerships in the U.S., Asia and beyond.
Contact
ULS Research and Development Coordinator
Alyssa Kapaona, MEd.
rad@universitylaboratoryschool.org
Alyssa Kapaona (ULS ℅ 2002) has been in the field of education for twenty years. She has spent half of that time in various classroom positions with experience from preschool through the college level. The other half of her career has been within the UH System in college counseling and academic advising positions. Alyssa has a bachelor’s of science degree in human development and family studies, a masters of education in educational administration (EDEA), and is currently working on her doctoral degree in EDEA, all from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa). Alyssa loves all forms of writing and has a Certificate in Grant Writing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and published a children’s book in 2019: Emma’s Adventure: Mommy’s Work Trip.
Ms. Kapaona believes that research gives us the tools to learn about how we can continuously improve ourselves and the world around us. She is honored to be a part of this dynamic and innovative initiative that has been part of ULS since its inception.
Partner with Us
If you are interested in research or collaborating with ULS on research or community projects, please fill out our Interest Form.