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Josh Cowen

@joshcowenmi.bsky.social

1.7k Following13.5k Followers

Author; Policy Professor; I write about politics, markets, and schools; Find me at newsletter The Forum: joshcowen.substack.com

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@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialAug 12, 2026, 5:09 PM Pinned

Sure is an honor to be part of this terrific, historic @250to250.bsky.social series created by the great @hcrichardson.bsky.social

2250 to 250@250to250.bsky.socialAug 12, 2026, 5:03 PM

@joshcowenmi.bsky.social is a professor of education policy at Michigan State University, where he founded the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative. Cowen describes the impact of the 1862 Morrill Act, which gave us our state colleges and universities. #WeAreAmerica250

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@stevethedogcivics.bsky.socialOct 11, 2026, 1:19 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

In this episode of @250to250.bsky.social , @joshcowenmi.bsky.social describes the impact of the 1862 Morrill Act, which gave us our state colleges and universities.

📽️ @hcrichardson.bsky.social

📺 youtu.be/-mo0gqGNbrg

🐾
Steve

#250to250 #WeAreAmerica250

@btarrington.bsky.socialOct 10, 2026, 12:26 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

Robert Gould Shaw was born in Boston OTD in 1837. He commanded the all-Black 54th Massachusetts Inf. in the Civil War. He & many of his soldiers were KIA in 1863. The 54th was immortalized in the 1989 film “Glory.”

Read @civilwarmemory.bsky.social’s new biography of him!

Image: Public domain.

This black and white photo shows a mustachioed man, Robert Gould Shaw, sitting at a table and wearing the Civil War era uniform of a Union Army officer.
@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 10, 2026, 4:52 PM

That’s my point.

@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 10, 2026, 4:34 PM

59% of US public schoolers are now in states that have opted into the federal scholarship tax credit. There is real money for them, but it’s going to take system-wide engagement. I get why folks will still focus on the other 19 states, but don’t walk away from public schools in places that are in.

@bradleyonishi.bsky.socialOct 9, 2026, 5:19 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

What to tech oligarchs and Christian theo bros share? The idea that democracy is the problem, not the solution. @msnowreports.bsky.social @ahylton26.bsky.social

@schoolfinance101.bsky.socialOct 9, 2026, 2:30 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

Exceptional reporting on Florida school funding and vouchers consuming state aid - hitting limits to current growth amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/e...

@lebassett.bsky.socialOct 9, 2026, 1:59 AMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

“If you don’t like public executions just don’t watch it” says the crowd trying to ban drag shows and books

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@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 9, 2026, 1:54 PM

There is a network of groups ranging from district and community foundations to afterschool and tutoring groups, to philanthropy in already-in states and may-be states building out such pathways now. It’s more limited in deep blue states for sure.

@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 9, 2026, 1:14 PM

Interesting piece. If Jennifer Berkshire is right, a blue wave may actually mean very little for K12. I tend to agree with her that a weakness in the progressive coalition is little interest so far in K12

@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 9, 2026, 1:10 PM

Something “both sides” are right about in the federal tax credit is a) there is substantial money for public schools available but b) under the status quo, there is no network of giving to support and receive it. How much public schoolers get will depend on building (b).

@zahavastadler.bsky.socialOct 8, 2026, 12:11 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

A number of states have passed really important school funding formula reforms in the last several years. So why do some inequities persist? Lots of little reasons--and this guide can help state advocates and policymakers find and seal those "equity trapdoors."

@carajackson.bsky.socialOct 7, 2026, 10:29 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

“the federal Education Department’s proposed changes could “weaken scientific integrity, reduce the public return on federal funding, and make federal research support less reliable.”"

@zahavastadler.bsky.socialOct 7, 2026, 10:01 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

My team's newest release!

@paul-bruno.comOct 7, 2026, 7:35 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

Look sometimes the committee isn't satisfied with your conceptual framework until you formalize it visually.

@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 6, 2026, 10:47 AM

Just in time for World Teachers Day—one of Jacqueline Coleman’s top priorities is educator pay.

@jeremylsinger.bsky.socialOct 5, 2026, 7:09 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

In @bridgedet313.bsky.social, @sarahlenhoff.bsky.social and I have a new op-ed on education in Detroit. Measures that capture the direct impact of Detroit schools (e.g., growth, value-added) tell a positive story about the city that is masked by low proficiency and high absenteeism rates.

@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 5, 2026, 3:07 PM

Completely agree, I’d also add Andy Beshear, who’s been very articulate in a deep red state on how his Baptist faith actually informs many of his policy decisions—esp vetoing bills targeting LGBTQ families.

@hcrichardson.bsky.socialOct 5, 2026, 2:34 PMReposted by @joshcowenmi.bsky.social

The white evangelical movement split in the 1970s so those who hated civil rights, especially for women, could boost right-wing Republicans. Talarico is reclaiming the movement for the others, and it is a very different thing indeed. Jimmy Carter v. Jerry Falwell.

@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 5, 2026, 12:09 PM

Full conversation with Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman about her work and her race next year for governor.
substack.com/note/m-5db1a...

@joshcowenmi.bsky.socialOct 5, 2026, 12:09 PM

NEW: Jacqueline Coleman is Lt. Gov. of Kentucky, and a national leader on a number of issues related to kids and families. She’s now running for governor, and we sat down to talk about her work so far, and where she wants to go next.

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