Hawai‘i Education Research Network
The Hawaiʻi Education Research Network (HERN) is a Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) network of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education (COE) and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE). Formally established in 2015, HERN represents a unique collaborative effort working alongside the only statewide public school district in the United States to drive meaningful, evidence-based changes for Hawaiʻi’s students.
Our Projects
Since our founding, HERN has steadily expanded its capacity to support collaborative inquiry, especially the involvement of emerging scholars in educational research and practice. Through these partnerships, HERN generates actionable research findings, policy recommendations, and shared resources that drive systemic improvement across the state. In 2025, HERN officially became a member of the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships (NNERPP).
COE faculty member
“Participating in HERN has strengthened the connections between my research and the real-world opportunities and challenges unfolding in public schools.”
Dan Hoffman
Associate Professor
Learning Design and Technology
HIDOE partner
“HERN has allowed us to work in concert with experts to answer an important question that has the potential to positively impact outcomes for Hawai‘i students.”
Petra Schatz
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant Coordinator
Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design
COE graduate student
“HERN has allowed me to form relationships with practitioners that have been invaluable as a researcher and educator.”
Jessica Chillingworth
Doctoral student
Learning Design and Technology
HERN By the Numbers
2015: Year Formally Established
1: Statewide School District Partner
21: HERN Partnership Projects
22: HERN Fellows and Graduate Assistants Supported
18: COE Faculty
26: HIDOE Partners
Our Partners
HERN uses a distinct tripartite model that engages university faculty researchers, graduate students, and school district partners. The inclusion of graduate students in HERN is a unique facet of this RPP network, providing capacity building and opportunities for direct engagement in problems of practice for emerging researchers. HERN facilitates essential “boundary crossing” between academic inquiry and educational practice. By bringing together university researchers, graduate students, and school district practitioners, HERN’s work directly addresses the real-world opportunities and challenges unfolding in our public schools.