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 3rd episode of this 4 episode series, we next dive into the research behind COVID-19, but this time more specifically about transmission and risk mitigation strategies in schools. Dr. Priya Edward and many others from Lurie Children's Hospital are doing ongoing research on how SARS-COV-2 transmission through schools can be characterized and shares about how this could make a big difference in how we make policy decisions moving forward.
If you want to learn more about the information discussed throughout this episode, our sources are listed here:

• Dr. Edward's study on asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission in Chicago private schools and preprint study on COVID-19 variants in children
• Information on the childhood opportunity index measurement
• Detailed information on COI in Chicago zip codes as of 2015 and the "Healthy Chicago 2.0" plan of action that incorporates COI data
• Chicago Teacher's Union's safety committee resources, including vaccination rates in Chicago Public Schools
• The CDC's "Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools"

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