Pencils Down is a podcast from the University of Chicago’s Public Policy Podcast team focusing on education, policy, education policy, policy education, and everything in between. Hosted by Sam Zuckert, each episode features interviews with students, educators, academics, and policy makers about notable education and policy topics and their own educational journeys.
Sam Zuckert is a graduate student at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. Previous to attending the Harris School, Sam worked in Boston Public Schools as a data analyst and systems manager. His favorite style of architecture is Brutalism, his favorite mathematician is Georg Cantor, and his least favorite mathematician is Leopold Kronecker.
In the sixth episode of Pencil Down we welcome Danielle Russell and Kenneth Varner to Study Hall to talk about their work on the Space to Grow program which seeks to transform schoolyards in Chicago into spaces for youth and the community to play, learn, and enjoy time outside.
During the Chicago Policy Review Review, we talk with senior editor Sarah Tuner about the social and psychological challenges of communicating the science behind climate change.
In School Days we speak with Rohit Kandala about the many different schools he attended growing up between India and Connecticut.
We hope you enjoy!
19 May 2022
Episode 5 - Kotha at Schools
In the Season 1 finale of Pencil Down we welcome Umama Zillur to Study Hall to talk about Kotha at Schools, a school-based program that aims to mobilize young people to change societal mindsets and dismantle the culture of gender based violence in Bangladesh; at the Chicago Policy Review Review we talk with staff writer Allison Swimmer about a new proposed change to the California state K-12 math curriculum; and in School Days your trust host, Sam Zuckert, takes a trip down memory lane and shares his own educational journey.
19 Apr 2022
Episode 4 - Infrastructure Near and Far
In the fourth episode of Pencil Down we welcome Professor Anjali Adukia to Study Hall to talk about her work on how the provision of basic needs can increase school participation and improve child outcomes; at the Chicago Policy Review Review we talk with staff writer Alexia Lipman about the past, present, and future of the United States' federal child tax credit; and in School Days we speak with Stephen Fowler about his experiences attending primary and secondary school in Ratoath, Ireland.
10 Mar 2022
Episode 3: The Consortium
In Pencil Down’s third episode we welcome Dr. Elaine Allensworth, the Lewis-Sebring Director of the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, to Study Hall to talk about the work and research the Consortium does with Chicago Public Schools and beyond; in School Days we speak with Jose Villalobos Gonzales about his experiences attending school while moving around Mexico; and at the Chicago Policy Review Review we talk with staff writer Adam Leader-Smith about the state of student debt in America.
25 Jan 2022
Episode 2: The Swiss Apprentice
In Pencil Down’s second episode we welcome the Consul General of Switzerland in Chicago Bruno Ryff for Study Hall, our main interview about public education in Switzerland and their apprenticeship model of post-primary vocational education; in School Days we speak with Natalie Brown about her experiences growing up and attending school in Palm Bay, Florida; and at the Chicago Policy Review Review we talk with staff writer Allison Swimmer about the mental health challenges that schools are facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
2 Dec 2021
Episode 1: Gifted and Talented
In Pencil Down’s inaugural episode we welcome University of Chicago graduate student and former teacher Taylor Ortiz for Study Hall, our main interview about academic differentiation, tracking, and special admission/gifted programs; in School Days we speak with Shanel Singh about her experiences growing up and attending school in Hayward, CA; and at the Chicago Policy Review Review we talk with staff writer Rukmini Bhugra about a new law passed in Illinois that will mandates comprehensive sex education in all IL public schools.
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