We are introducing a new monthly policy episode series called "Science Policy in the Spotlight," where we will focus our attention on a timely and local policy topic in the greater Chicago area and understand how science helps inform the topic. This series, we're focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 schooling.
In the 4th and final episode of this series, we are focusing on one aspect of education that's been particularly challenging during the changing learning environments of the pandemic - social and emotional learning (SEL). Former educator and now Northwestern University professor Dr. Tim Dohrer shares his decades of experience on the topic and personal observations of how SEL has changed in the last few years!
If you want to learn more about the information discussed throughout this episode, our sources are listed here:

• Introduction to the topic of education loss during the pandemic from the University of Arizona and CNBC
• Statistics on mental health of children shared by Dr. Dohrer on depression rates and treatment seeking
• Information on the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University and one of their recent working papers on supportive relationship building and resilience
• The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) in Chicago and their introductory page on social and emotional learning
• CPS remote learning policies and a news article entitled "Chicago Public School student says high school students should leave cameras on during remote learning"

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @SpotlightThePod to stay up-to-date on all news and episode releases! Learn more about Northwestern University SPOT on Twitter @SPOTForceNU or at our website spot.northwestern.edu