Jennifer R. Cowhy

Jennifer R. Cowhy is an Affiliated Researcher at the UChicago Consortium and a PhD Student at Northwestern University. Jen’s research agenda centers on the implementation of special education policy. She is deeply committed to using her work to support students with disabilities, their families, and all the educators who work with them. Her current research focuses on understanding the role of parents as policy actors within special education, the role of special education leaders in district decision-making, and the implementation of school discipline policies. In her past role at the UChicago Consortium, she studied the impact of closing schools on students, staff, and families, focusing on the lived experiences of those directly impacted by school closings and paying. As a mixed-methods researcher, she also investigated the implementation of various policies and programs within Chicago Public Schools. Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her young family, sewing, and spending time along Chicago’s lakefront.

All Publications

Title Type Date Sort ascending
Educational Policy cover Forced to Choose

Lessons Learned from Families of Students Within Special Education

Article Sep 2023
A Community Effort to Support the Transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten A Community Effort to Support the Transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten Report Jul 2018
School Closings in Chicago: Staff and Student Experiences and Academic Outcomes School Closings in Chicago

Staff and Student Experiences and Academic Outcomes

Report May 2018
The Success Project: The Implementation and Early Outcomes of a Middle Grade Program The Success Project

The Implementation and Early Outcomes of a Middle Grade Program

Report Oct 2017
Getting Ready for the Common Core State Standards: Experiences of CPS Teachers and Administrators Preparing for the New Standards Getting Ready for the Common Core State Standards

Experiences of CPS Teachers and Administrators Preparing for the New Standards

Report Mar 2017
School Closings in Chicago: Understanding Families' Choices and Constraints for New School Enrollment School Closings in Chicago

Understanding Families' Choices and Constraints for New School Enrollment

Report Jan 2015
Designing and Implementing the Next Generation of Teacher Evaluation Systems: Lessons Learned from Case Studies in Five Illinois Districts Designing and Implementing the Next Generation of Teacher Evaluation Systems

Lessons Learned from Case Studies in Five Illinois Districts

Brief Nov 2012
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