The Lab School is a national state-of-the-art research center engaged in classroom-based research and professional development in Adult ESOL and university Intensive English Language Programs.

The Lab School was designed to strengthen programs serving adult ESOL learners across the country through systematic research and experimentation within the context of an existing ESL program. Currently, the Lab School is working on issues related to international students studying English at Portland State University.

The design of this Lab School is modeled after the "lab schools" found in K-12 education, in which an elementary or secondary school operates in partnership with a nearby university engaged in teacher preparation and educational research. Such lab schools serve as settings where high quality education, teacher preparation, educational research and program innovation and development take place.

The Lab School at Portland State University (PSU) establishes a special setting where university-based researchers, teacher trainers and adult ESOL service providers cooperate to conduct needed research.