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Kavita Rao · Professor

  • Special Education (Professor)

Kavita Rao is a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Hawai‘i, College of Education. Her research agenda includes technology-based instructional strategies for the K-12 classroom, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and inclusive education for diverse students (including students with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse students.) Kavita teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses and conducts clinical supervision of K-12 teacher candidates in the Hawaii DOE schools.

Prior to working at UH, Kavita was an Educational Technology Specialist for Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) in Honolulu, Hawaii. She has also worked as the Director of Technology at a K-12 school in Wellesley MA At PREL, Kavita worked with state educational agencies and schools in various U.S affiliated Pacific islands including Guam, American Samoa, CNMI, Palau, RMI, and the Federated States of Micronesia. She conducted professional development trainings, designed distance education programs, and worked with teachers in the Pacific islands on efforts to integrate technology into curriculum.

Degrees (3)

Year
Degree
Major
Institute
2008
PhD
Education
University of Hawaii at Manoa
1995
MA
Communication
University of Hawaii at Manoa
1993
BA
Communication/Political Science
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Program Affiliations (4)

  • BEd, Exceptional Students & Elementary Education (Faculty)
  • PhD, Education: Exceptionalities (Program Coordinator)
  • MEd, SPED: Interdisciplinary (Faculty)
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Special Education (PBSPED) (Faculty)

Books (1)

  • Torres, C., & Rao, K. (2019). Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for language learners. CAST Professional Publishing.

Book Chapters (12)

  • Rao, K., Gravel, J. W., Rose, D. H., & Tucker-Smith, T. N. (2023). Universal Design for Learning in its 3rd decade: A focus on equity, inclusion, and design. In R. J. Tierney, F. Rizvi, & & K. Erkican (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education 4th Edition (4th ed., Vol. 6, pp. 712–720). Elsevier.
  • Rao, K., & Cook, S. E. C. (2021). UDL implementation research: Building an evidence base. In D. E. & K. A. Lowrey (Ed.), Critical issues in Universal Design for Learning: Perspectives from the field (pp. 77–97).
  • Rao, K. (2019). Instructional design with UDL: Addressing learner variability in college courses. In S. B. & K. Novak (Ed.), Transforming higher education through Universal Design for Learning: An international perspective. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Rao, K., & Cook, S. E. C. (2018). UDL implementation research: Building an evidence base. In A. Lowrey & D. Edyburn (Eds.), Critical issues in Universal Design for Learning: Perspectives from the field. TBD (in press).
  • Rao, K., & Berquist, E. (2017). A co-teaching conversation: Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to plan lessons together for the inclusive classroom. In E. Berquist (Ed.), UDL: Moving from exploration to integration (pp. 121–138). CAST.
  • Cook, S. E. C., Rao, K., & Cook, B. (2016). Using universal design for learning to personalize an evidence-based practice for students with disabilities. In Handbook on personalized learning for states, districts, and schools (p. N/A). Center on Innovations in Learning.
  • Edyburn, D., Rao, K., & Hariharan, P. (2016). Technological Practices Supporting Diverse Students in Inclusive Settings. In The Handbook of Research on Diversity in Special Education (p. N/A). John Wiley Press.
  • Rao, K., & Skouge, J. (2015). Using multimedia technologies to support culturally and linguistically diverse young children and their families. In Heider, K. & Jalongo, & M. R. (Eds.) (Eds.), Young Children and Families in the Information Age: Applications of Technology in Early Childhood (pp. 101–115). Springer Publishing Company.
  • Bryant, B. R., Rao, K., & Ok, M. W. (2014). Assistive technology research, practice, and theory. In Universal design for learning and assistive technology: Promising developments (pp. 11–20). IGI Global.
  • Bryant, B. R., Rao, K., & Ok, M. W. (2014). Universal design for learning and assistive technology: Promising developments. In B. DaCosta & S. Seok (Eds.), Assistive technology research, practice, and theory.
  • Rao, K. (2013). Universal instructional design of online courses: Strategies to support non-traditional learners in postsecondary environments. In .), Universal Design in Higher Education: Promising Practices (p. online). Univ. of Washington DO-IT.
  • Rao, K. (2006). Distance learning in Micronesia: participants' perspectives. In Distance learning in Micronesia: participants' perspectives (p. p10). Research Brief. Pacific Resources for Education and Learning.

Journal Articles (43)

  • Evmenova, A. S., Hollingshead, A., Lowrey, K. A., Rao, K., & Williams, L. D. (2024). Designing for diversity and inclusion: UDL-Based strategies for college courses. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 37(1), 81–88.
  • Rao, K., Garant-Jones, E., Dean, B. A., & Eady, M. J. (2024). Applying universal design for learning to work-integrated learning: Designing for inclusion and equity. International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 25, 67–81.
  • King-Sears, M. E., Stefanidis, A., Evmenova, A., Rao, K., Mergen, R. L., Owen, L. S., & Strimel, M. M. (2023). Achievement of learners receiving UDL instruction: A meta-analysis. Teaching and Teacher Education, 122, 1–15.
  • Ok, M., Rao, K., Pennington, J., & Ulloa, P. (2022). Speech recognition technology for writing: Usage patterns and perceptions of students with high incidence disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 37, 1–12.
  • Rao, K. (2021). Inclusive instructional design: Applying UDL to online learning. Journal of Applied Instructional Design, 10, https://edtechbooks.org/jaid_10_1/preparing_teachers_f.
  • Rao, K., Torres, C., & Smith, S. J. (2021). Digital tools and UDL-based instructional strategies to support students with disabilities online. Journal of Special Education Technology, Online First, 1–8.
  • Carreon, A., Smith, S. J., & Rao, K. (2020). A review of augmented reality in K-12 education environments. International Journal of Virtual and Augmented Reality, 4, 32–61.
  • Carreon, A., Smith, S. J., Mosher, M., Rao, K., & Rowland, A. (2020). A review of virtual reality intervention research for students with disabilities in K–12 settings. Journal of Special Education Technology, Online first.
  • Dazzeo, R., & Rao, K. (2020). Digital Frayer model: Supporting vocabulary acquisition with technology and UDL. TEACHING Exceptional Children, Online First.
  • Rao, K. (2020). Changed priorities ahead: Designing for online learning environments. . The Blue Dot, 12, 30–35.
  • Ok, M. W., & Rao, K. (2019). Technology tools for the inclusive classroom: Using Google Chrome to support all learners. Journal of Special Education Technology, online first.
  • Rao, K., Ok, M. W., Smith, S. J., Evmenova, A., & Edyburn, D. (2019). Validation of the UDL reporting criteria with extant UDL research. Remedial and Special Education, Online First.
  • Smith, S. J., Rao, K., Lowrey, K. A., Gardner, J., Moore, E., Coy, K., Marino, M. T., & Wojcik, B. (2019). Recommendations for a National Research Agenda in UDL: Outcomes From the UDL-IRN Preconference on Research. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, online first.
  • Cook, S. E. C., & Rao, K. (2018). Systematically Applying UDL to Effective Practices for Students With Learning Disabilities . Learning Disability Quarterly, 41, 179–191.
  • Pennington, J., Ok, M. W., & Rao, K. (2018). Beyond the keyboard: A review of speech recognition technology for supporting writing in schools. International Journal for Educational Media and Technology, 12, 47–55.
  • Cook, S. E. C., Rao, K., & Collins, L. W. (2017). Self-monitoring interventions for students with EBD: Applying UDL to a research-based practice. Beyond Behavior, 26, 19–27.
  • Rao, K., & Torres, C. (2017). Supporting academic and affective learning processes for ELLs with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). TESOL Quarterly, 51(2), 241–287.
  • Rao, K., Smith, S. J., & Lowrey, K. A. (2017). UDL and intellectual disability: What do we know and where do we go? Journal of Developmental and Intellectual Disability, 55, 37–47.
  • Chang, M. K., Rao, K., Farley, C. A., Stewart, M., & Li, K. (2016). Towards contextual experimentation: Creating a faculty learning community to cultivate writing-to-learn practices. Studying Teacher Education, 12(1), 20–26.
  • Hitchcock, C. H., Rao, K., Chang, C. C., & Yuen, J. A. W. (2016). TeenACE for Science: Using multimedia tools and scaffolds to support writing. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 35, 10–23.
  • Ok, M. W., & Rao, K. (2016). Using a digital pen to support secondary students with learning disabilities. Intervention in School and Clinic, 1, in press.
  • Ok, M. W., Rao, K., Bryant, B. R., & McDougall, D. J. (2016). Universal Design for Learning in Pre-K to Grade 12 Classrooms: A Systematic Review of Research. Exceptionality, online first, 1–24.
  • Rao, K., & Meo, G. (2016). Using Universal Design for Learning to Design Standards-Based Lessons. Sage Open, 6.
  • Rao, K., Slovin, H., Zenigami, F. K., & Black, R. S. (2016). Challenges and supports for struggling learners in a constructivist mathematics classroom. Investigations in Mathematics Journal, Online First, 1–17.
  • Boisvert, P., & Rao, K. (2015). Benefits of video self modeling for English learners. TESOL Journal, 6, 36–58.
  • McDougall, D. J., Ornelles, C., & Rao, K. (2015). A primer on the pathway to scholarly writing: Helping nascent writers to unlearn conditioned habits. College Student Journal, 49(2), 262–270.
  • Rao, K. (2015). Universal design for learning and multimedia technology: Supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 24, 121–137.
  • Rao, K., Edelen-Smith, P., & Wailehua, C.-U. (2015). Universal Design for Online Courses: Applying Principals to Pedagogy. Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning, Online, Online.
  • Rao, K., Ok, M. W., & Bryant, B. R. (2014). A review of research on UD educational models. Remedial and Special Education, 35, 153–166.
  • Hitchcock, C. H., & Rao, K. (2013). Power Assisted Writing for Science: Developing Expository Writing in a Multimedia Environment. Teaching Exceptional Children, Vol. 46, No. 1, 25.
  • Rao, K., Hitchcock, C. H., Boisvert, P., Kilpatrick, E., & Corbeill, C. (2012). Do it yourself: Video self modeling made easy. Teaching Exceptional Children, 45, online.
  • Ratliffe, K., Rao, K., Skouge, J. R., & Peter, J. (2012). Navigating the currents of change: Technology, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities in the Pacific. Information Technology for Development, 18(3), 209–225.
  • Rao, K., & Tanners, A. C. (2011). Curb cuts in cyberspace: Universal instructional design for online courses. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 24, 211–229.
  • Rao, K., Eady, M., & Edelen-smith, P. (2011). Creating virtual classrooms for rural and remote communities. Phi Delta Kappan, 92, 22–27.
  • Rao, K., & Giuli, C. (2010). Reaching REMOTE learners: Successes and challenges for students in an online graduate degree program in the Pacific Islands. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 11, online.
  • Rao, K., Brian, D., Rao, K., Cameo, B., L, K., Chambers, Kandis, R., & Sujan, Shrestha. (2010). Technology in Child and Adolescent and School Mental Health: A Look at Today and Tomorrow. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, volume 3, Number 3, 26–35(10).
  • Rao, K., Brian, D., Rao, K., Cameo, B., L, K., Chambers, Kandis, R., & Sujan, Shrestha. (2010). Technology in Child and Adolescent and School Mental Health: A Look at Today and Tomorrow. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, volume 3, Number 3, 26–35(10).
  • Rao, K., Dowrick, P. W., Yuen, J. A. W., & Boisvert, P. (2009). Writing in a multimedia environment: Pilot outcomes for high school students in special education. Journal of Special Education Technology, 24, 22–27.
  • Skouge, J. R., & Rao, K. (2009). Digital Storytelling in Teacher Education: Creating Transformations through Narrative. Educational Perspectives, v42 n1-2, p54–60.
  • Rao, K. (2007). Distance learning in Micronesia: Participants' experiences in a virtual classroom using synchronous technologies. Innovate, 4, online.
  • Rao, K. (2007). Distance learning in Micronesia: Participants‘ experiences in a virtual classroom using synchronous technologies. Innovate, vol. 4, issue 1.
  • Skouge, J. R., Boisvert, P., & Rao, K. (2007). Pacific Voices: educational technologies for literacy learning. Multicultural Education and Technology Journal, Vol. 1 Iss: 1, pp.25–35.
  • Skouge, J. R., Rao, K., & Boisvert, P. C. (2007). Promoting Early Literacy for Diverse Learners Using Audio and Video Technology. Early Childhood Education Journal, vol. 35(1), p5–11.

Conference Proceedings (10)

  • Rao, K., & Okolo, C. (2018). Teacher education and professional development on UDL. In J. Gardner (Ed.), UDL-IRN Annual Summit 2018.
  • Hitchcock, C. H., Chang, C. C., Corbeill, C., & Rao, K. (2013, April). TeenACE for Science: Improving Writing Skills Through Multimedia Technology. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association.
  • Slovin, H., Zenigami, F. K., Rao, K., & Black, R. S. (2013, February). Support for students learning mathematics via student-centered curricula. Research Council of Mathematics Learning.
  • Rao, K. (2012, January). Universal Design for Online Courses: Addressing the Needs of Non-Traditional Learners. IEEE International Conference On Technology Enhanced Education.
  • Rao, K. (2012, January). Universal design for online courses: Addressing the needs of non-traditional learners. IEEE International Conference On Technology Enhanced Education.
  • Rao, K. (2009, May). On a REMOTE Island- Surviving an Online Graduate Program in Evaluation: Questions, Answers, Final Lessons, and More Questions. Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association.
  • Rao, K., & Giuli, C. (2009, January). Supporting Rural & Geographically Dispersed Students: Best Practices for a Graduate Level Online Master's Program in the Pacific. Proceedings of the Ed-Media, 2009 Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Rao, K., Edelen-smith, P., Skouge, J. R., & L., Segal. (2009, January). Virtually There: Using Constructivist Strategies & Cross-Cultural Dialogue for an Online Course in the Pacific. Proceedings of the Ed-Media, 2009 Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education.
  • Rao, K., & Giuli, C. (2008). What Works in Distance Learning: Early Indicators from and Evaluation of REMOTE, an Online Master's Degree Program for Micronesia & American Samoa. 13th ANNUAL TCC Worldwide Online Conference The New Internet: Collaboration, Convergence, Creativity, Contrast, and Challenges, Vol. 2008 (1), pp.190–201.
  • Tanners, A. C., & Rao, K. (2008, January). Making Distance Learning Courses Accessible to Students with Disabilites. 13th ANNUAL TCC Worldwide Online Conference The New Internet: Collaboration, Convergence, Creativity, Contrast, and Challenges.

Presentations (56)

  • Mergen, R. L., Stefanidis, A., King-Sears, M. E., Rao, K., Evmenova, A., Strimel, M. M., & Owen, L. S. (2024). Diverse learners receiving UDL instruction:A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Presented at Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), , Philadelphia, PA.
  • Rao, K. (2024). UDL Research (UDL Awardee Panel). Presented at UDL Convention International, Sacramento, CA.
  • Rao, K., Cook, S. E. C., & Torres, C. (2024). Project PreparED Hawai‘i (HI): Preparing teacher leaders for multicultural and inclusive classrooms. Presented at Poster presented at the Office of Special Education Programs, Project Director’s Conference, Arlington VA.
  • Rao, K., & Barlow, E. (2023). UDL Lesson Study: A Collaborative Approach for School-Wide Universal Design for Learning Implementation. Presented at UDL-IRN Annual Summit, Orlando, FL.
  • Rao, K., & Torres, C. (2023). Equitable Assessment Practices: Implementing Ungrading in Higher Education (HE) Courses. Presented at AERA Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
  • Smith, S., Lowrey, K. A., & Rao, K. (2023). Measuring UDL: Benefits, Challenges, and Practical Application. Presented at UDL-IRN Annual Summit, Orlando, FL.
  • King-Sears, M., Stefanidis, A., Evmenova, A., Rao, K., Mergen, R., Owen, L. S., & Strimel, M. M. (2022). Achievement of Learners Receiving UDL Interventions Compared to Control Conditions: A Meta-Analysis. Presented at AERA Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
  • Rao, K. (2022). Keynote Presentation: Supporting All Learners with Universal Design for Learning. Presented at TeachXWSU, Pullman, WA, USA.
  • Smith, S. J., & Rao, K. (2021). Individualizing the Blended Learning Experience for Students with Disabilities. Presented at Council for Exception Children 2021 Annual Convention and Expo, Online.
  • Torres, C., & Rao, K. (2021). Digital tools to support English learners with and without disabilities. Presented at TESOL 2021: International Convention and English Language Expo.
  • Okolo, C., Rao, K., Smith, S. J., & Evmenova, A. (2020). Special Education and Technology: How are we preparing teachers? Presented at 2020 Annual CEC Convention and Expo, Portland, OR.
  • Rao, K. (2020). An empirical review of augmented reality(AR) in K-12 environments. . Presented at 2020 Annual CEC Convention and Expo, Portland, OR.
  • Rao, K., Smith, S. J., & Torres, C. (2020). School Virtually: Supporting online learning in online environments. Presented at UDL-IRN Annual Summit 2020, Delivered online via ReadyTalk.
  • Smith, S. J., & Rao, K. (2020). The Power of Two: Strategies to Strengthen Instruction through Effective Home/School Communication. Presented at Aurora Institute Symposium 2020.
  • Ok, M. W., Rao, K., Pennington, J., & Ulloa, P. (2019). Speech-to-text mobile apps for writing: Usage patterns and perceptions. Presented at 2019 Annual CEC Convention and Expo, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Rao, K. (2019). Beyond access: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Digital tools for meaningful inclusion. Presented at Transforming Education Conference for Humanity (TECH) 2019, Vishakapatnam, India.
  • Rao, K., & Torres, C. (2019). Supporting Language Learners in the Inclusive Classroom:Using UDL and Digital Tools. Presented at Ed Media and Innovate Learning Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • Rao, K., Evmenova, A., Hollingshead, A., & Lowrey, A. (2019). UDL in higher education: Exploring guidelines and checkpoints in existing literature. Presented at UDL-IRN Annual Summit 2019, Orlando, Florida.
  • Rao, K., Ok, M. W., Smith, S. J., & Evmenova, A. (2019). Evaluating the UDL RC with existing K-12 literature. Presented at UDL-IRN Annual Summit 2019, Orlando, FL.
  • Smith, S. J., & Rao, K. (2019). Digital learning: Tech tools, strategies, & tips to personalize learning. Presented at 2019 Annual CEC Convention, Indianapolis, IN.
  • Ok, M. W., Rao, K., Pennington, J., & Ulloa, P. (2018). Voice Recognition Technology and Mobile Devices: Student Usage Patterns, Perceptions, and Support Needs. Presented at Korean Spring Season Special Education conference, Changwon, South Korea.
  • Rao, K. (2018). Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students: Designing for variability. Presented at CAST UDL Symposium, Cambridge, MA.
  • Rao, K. (2018). Instructional design with UDL: Addressing learner variability in college courses. Presented at CAST UDL Symposium, Cambridge, MA.
  • Rao, K. (2018). UDL and technology: Designing accessible learning environments. Presented at Invited presentation at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Japan.
  • Rao, K. (2018). Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Planning lessons for the inclusive classroom. . Presented at 12th International Conference between the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Bukkyo University, Kyoto Japan.
  • Rao, K., Smith, S. J., Lowrey, K. A., Gardner, J., Marino, M., & Moore, E. (2018). Current issues in UDL research. Presented at Universal Design for Learning-Implementation and Research Network (UDL-IRN) Summit.
  • Rao, K., & Cook, S. E. C. (2017). Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to adapt effective and evidence based practices. Presented at Council for Exceptional Children Convention & Expo, Boston, MA.
  • Cook, S. E. C., Rao, K., & Cook, B. (2016). Integrating evidence based practices into curriculum using universal design for learning framework. Presented at Council for Exceptional Children Convention & Expo, St. Louis, MO.
  • Ok, M. W., Rao, K., Bryant, B. R., & McDougall, D. M. (2016). UDL in Pre-K to grade 12 classrooms: A systematic review of research. Presented at Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) conference, St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Rao, K. (2015). Applications of technology in special education. Presented at Bala Vihar Training School for Special Education, Chennai India.
  • Rao, K. (2015). International Seminar on Universal Design for Learning. Presented at Justice Ahmed Basheer College for Women, Chennai, India.
  • Rao, K. (2015). Universal Design for Learning Institute. Presented at West Contra Costa Teacher Professional Develpment, Richmond, CA.
  • Rao, K. (2015). Universal Design for Learning: Inclusive educational strategies. Presented at Teach for India Fellows Seminar, Chennai India.
  • Hitchcock, C. H., & Rao, K. (2014). Multimedia technology and instructional strategies to improve writing skills: POWER Assisted Writing for Science (PAWS). Presented at American Council for Rural Special Education conference, Tucson, Arizona.
  • Rao, K. (2014). Integrating multimedia technology into classroom instruction:Addressing diversity and global learning. Presented at East West Center Republic of Korea Teacher Exchange Program, Honolulu, HI.
  • Rao, K. (2014). Universal Design for Learning and Multimedia Technology: Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. Presented at Ed Media, Tampere, Finland.
  • Rao, K. (2014). Universal Design for Learning Institute. Presented at Orange Township School District Teacher Professional Development, Orange, NJ.
  • Rao, K., & Meo, G. J. (2014). Using UDL to Access the Common Core State Standards. Presented at California State University Northridge, CA.
  • Hitchcock, C. H., Chang, C. C., & Rao, K. (2013). Promoting science and expository writing in a multimedia environment. Presented at Office of Special Education Programs, Project Director’s Conference, Washington, DC.
  • Rao, K. (2013). Universal design for learning to support students with learning disabilities. Presented at Assistive Technology Seminar, Honolulu HI.
  • Rao, K. (2013). Universal design for learning: Strategies and tools to engage diverse learners. Presented at Workshop for K-12 teachers, Waimea, Big Island of Hawaii.
  • Rao, K. (2013). Universal design for learning: Strategies for K-12 Settings. Presented at Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities, Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Rao, K., Ok, M. W., & Bryant, B. R. (2013). Applying principles to practice: A synthesis of research on Universal Design for Learning. Presented at Council for Exceptional Children Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Slovin, H., Zenigami, F. K., Rao, K., & Black, R. S. (2013). Support for students learning mathematics via student-centered curricula. Presented at Research Council of Mathematics Learning, Tulsa, OK.
  • Black, R. S., Dougherty, B., Foegen, A., Griffin, C., Pape, S., Rao, K., Slovin, H., & Zenigami, F. K. (2012). Outcomes of NCTM-Response to Intervention Mathematics/Special Education Collaboration. Presented at Panel presentation at the 90th Annual Council for Exceptional Children Convention, Denver, CO.
  • Black, R. S., Rao, K., Slovin, H., & Zenigami, F. K. (2012). Preliminary outcomes from a mathematics and special education collaboration: Strategies for inclusive mathematics instruction. Presented at Poster presentation at the 90th Annual Council for Exceptional Children Convention, Denver, CO.
  • Hitchcock, C. H., Rao, K., Chang, C. C., & Dowrick, P. W. (2012). Community Partner Tutoring and Video Self Modeling as RTI Reading Interventions: Connections to Invitational Education. Presented at AERA Annual Meeting, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
  • Rao, K. (2012). Multimedia Tools for Educators. Presented at Hawaii Theatre for Youth Workshop, Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Rao, K. (2012). Universal design for learning: An Overview. Presented at Special Parents Information Network (SPIN) Conference, Honolulu, HI.
  • Rao, K., Ok, M. W., & Bryant, B. B. (2012). A synthesis of the intervention studies on UDL in K-12 settings. Presented at Closing the Gap Assistive Technology Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
  • Rao, K. (2011). Do It Yourself: A simple method to create a reading fluency video self modeling project. Presented at Closing the Gap Assistive Technology Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
  • Rao, K. (2011). Universal Design for the K-12 Classroom: Technology-based strategies for students with disabilities. Presented at E-Learning Forum Asia 2011, Singapore.
  • Rao, K. (2011). Universal Design of Courses: Supporting Diverse Learners in Post-secondary Courses. Presented at Faculty Development Webinar, Singapore.
  • Edelen-smith, P., Rao, K., Skouge, J. R., & Segal, L. (2010). Virtually there: Designing effective cross-cultural online special education courses in the Pacific. Presented at Council for Exceptional Children Convention, Nashville, TN.
  • Rao, K. (2009). Virtually there: An innovative distance learning experience in the Pacific. Presented at Pacific Educational Conference, Mangilao, Guam.
  • Rao, K., Porotesano, L., & Skouge, J. R. (2009). Using storytelling and media to teach an introductory special education course. Presented at Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilties, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Multimedia Contributions (2)

  • Torres, C., & Rao, K. (2023). Universally Designed: Meeting the Needs of Multilingual Learners and Students with Disabilities (https://universallydesigned.education).
  • Rao, K., Smith, S. J., & Torres, C. (2020). School Virtually (website).

Research / Evaluation Reports (2)

  • Rao, K., Smith, S. J., Edyburn, D., Grima-Farrell, C., Van Horn, G., & Yalom-Chamowitz, S. (2018). UDL Reporting Criteria. Retrieved from https://udl-irn.org/udl-reporting-criteria/.
  • Rao, K. (2015). UDL and inclusive practices in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools worldwide. International Baccalaureate Organization. Available at http://www.ibo.org/contentassets/318968269ae5441d8df5ae76542817a0/research-udl-full-report-en.pdf.

Awards (4)

  • Jul 2024 David Rose Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Research Award
    Awarded by: CAST
    This award recognizes researchers who have demonstrated excellence in investigating and implementing strategies, methodologies, and technologies that enhance the educational experience for all learners, regardless of their individual differences, abilities, or backgrounds
  • May 2020 Exceptional Researcher Award
    Awarded by: University of Hawaii College of Education
  • Mar 2015 Exemplary Program Award: TeenACE For Science
    Awarded by: American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES)
    Awarded by American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) National Conference, New Orleans, LA
  • Apr 2014 Regents' Medal for Excellence in Teaching
    Awarded by: University of Hawaii System
    The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit students.

Service Activities (40)

College

  • 2019 - 2020 Member - Department Personnel Committee, Center on Disability Studies
  • 2018 - Current Other Service - Assessment Coordinator, PhD in Education Program
  • 2018 - Current Chair - Graduate Faculty in Education (GFE) Administrative Committee
  • 2018 - Current Chair - PhD in Education program (Graduate Chair)
  • 2009 - 2016 Other Service - Faculty Advisor, College of Education Doctoral Students Association
  • 2015 - Current Member - Graduate Faculty in Education (GFE) Administrative Committee
  • 2012 - 2013 Member - Student Faculty Relations Committee, COE Faculty Senate
  • 2010 - 2011 Member - Student Faculty Relations Committee, COE Faculty Senate
  • 2009 - 2011 Office-holder - Secretary/Treasurer, College of Education Faculty Senate
  • 2010 Board Member - Advisory Board, Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities, Assistive Technology Strand

Community

  • 2017 - 2020 Board Member - Hawaii International Dyslexia Association (HIDA) Board of Directors Member
  • 2014 Reviewer - Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, Online Teacher Certification Panel

Department

  • 2017 - Current Member - Department Personnel Committee (DPC)
  • 2012 - 2017 Member - STAR Scholarship Committee, Special Education Department
  • 2009 - 2017 Committee Member - Special Education Department Post Baccalaureate Program Committee
  • 2010 - 2014 Chair - Post Baccalaureate Program Committee Special Education Dept
  • 2011 - Current Committee Member - PhD Committee, Special Education Department
  • 2009 - Current Member - Special Education Department M.Ed Committee

Professional

  • 2021 Board Member - CAST Rising to Equity Initiative
  • 2020 Editor - Guest Editor, Blue Dot Newsletter, UNESCO MGIEP
  • 2020 - Current Technical Advisor - UNESCO MGIEP Digital Pedagogies Course
  • 2020 Reviewer - Teacher Education (Journal)
  • 2017 - 2020 Chair - Universal Design for Learning Implementation and Research Network (UDL-IRN) Research Committee
  • 2019 Reviewer - Educational Policy (Journal)
  • 2018 Reviewer - Behavioral Disorders (Journal)
  • 2018 - Current Technical Advisor - UDL Credential (CAST/UDL-IRN)
  • 2017 - Current Member - UDL-IRN Advisory Board
  • 2016 - 2017 Member - UDL-IRN, Research Committee
  • 2011 - 2016 Committee Member - CEC Division of Research Diversity Committee
  • 2015 Reviewer - Journal of Information Technology and Development
  • 2008 - 2015 Board Member - Aloha State Technology Assistance Center (AlohaSTAC) Board of Directors Member
  • 2013 - Current Reviewer - Learning Disabilities Quarterly
  • 2013 - Current Board Member - Journal of Research on Technology in Education Editorial Board
  • 2012 Reviewer - Pacific Resources for Education and Learning Territorial and Freely-Associated States Educational Grant Review Panel
  • 2012 - Current Reviewer - Remedial and Special Education
  • 2011 - 2012 Reviewer - International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning

University

  • 2018 Member - Mānoa Awards Committee
  • 2014 - 2017 Member - Graduate Council, UH Graduate Division
  • 2016 Member - Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, DPC External Member
  • 2013 Panelist - Center for Teaching Excellence, New Faculty Orientation