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Pencils Down

Pencils Down

Written by: UC3P
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About this listen

 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.Copyright UC3P
Episodes
  • Episode 6 - Space to Grow

    Episode 6 - Space to Grow
    Jan 31 2023
    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!
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 5 - Kotha at Schools

    Episode 5 - Kotha at Schools
    May 19 2022
    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.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Episode 4 - Infrastructure Near and Far

    Episode 4 - Infrastructure Near and Far
    Apr 19 2022
    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.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
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