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PODCAST

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

ExcelinEd in Action

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights is a weekly podcast that provides quick, timely updates about K-12 education legislation across the country. Hosted by the ExcelinEd in Action Advocacy team, we track and report on bills about several key student-centered policy areas, including early literacy, the teacher pipeline, school funding, the digital divide, education choice, reimagining learning, school accountability and college and career pathways. In a nutshell: The ExcelinEd in Action

government politics

All Episodes

39:09

Recapping the biggest education policy changes from...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/07/03

In our season finale of Statehouse Spotlights, Executive Director Patricia Levesque joins host Ashley Mullins for a rapid-fire rundown of the biggest education policy wins from the 2025 legislative session. From early literacy and math policy to school choice, pathways, funding and accountability—states delivered for students this year.Hear what set this session apart, what trends surprised us, and which states led the way on bold, student-centered reform. Patricia also shares what’s ahead for 2026

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7:58

Quick Update: States are still acting on education bills

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/06/26

In the final stretch of legislative sessions, states are still making bold moves on education—from expanding school choice to boosting math instruction and reining in classroom distractions. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down the latest developments in Florida, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania—including budget wins, policy setbacks, and what's still on the table. Tune in for a fast-paced update on the bills and decisions shaping classrooms across the

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25:53

Tackling learning gaps with literacy reforms in...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/06/19

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with Pennsylvania State Representative Jason Ortitay to chat about early literacy reforms and explore the bipartisan push behind Act 135 of 2024—a landmark literacy reform law that’s reshaping reading instruction across the state. Ortitay shares what first motivated him to act, from personal experiences to troubling literacy statistics and walks listeners through the key components of the new law, including early screening,

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7:52

Quick Update: Final pushes in the last weeks of sessions

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/06/12

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins highlights the final flurry of activity in state legislatures as they race to wrap up their 2025 sessions. From late-breaking deals on school funding and teacher pay to last-minute changes in parental choice and curriculum laws, this episode tracks the high-stakes decisions that could shape education policy for years to come. As lawmakers face hard deadlines, we’ll give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the priorities making it to

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33:42

Keep Going: How South Carolina pushed through ESA...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/06/05

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with South Carolina Sen. Greg Hembree to discuss the expansion and strengthening of the state’s education scholarship account (ESA) program. Just months after the program faced a significant legal setback, South Carolina leaders acted decisively to protect educational opportunities for thousands of students.Sen. Hembree, the bill’s sponsor and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, shares insights into why the ESA program

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9:05

Quick Update: Wrapping up key sessions and policies

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/05/29

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we reflect on the final stretch of the 2025 legislative sessions across the country. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down the biggest policy wins, including breakthroughs in school choice, early literacy and career readiness. We’ll also spotlight unresolved challenges—from stalled teacher pay proposals to unfinished school funding reforms—and preview what education advocates should be watching for during the interim. As session gavels fall, this episode helps

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33:58

Oklahoma teacher pipeline legislation | Sen. Ally...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/05/22

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins is joined by Oklahoma Senators Ally Seifried and Adam Pugh to discuss the state’s ambitious legislative push to strengthen its teacher workforce. With multiple bills advancing through the legislature, Oklahoma is taking a comprehensive approach—supporting aspiring educators with financial assistance, flexible training options and long-term professional development. From job-embedded teacher apprenticeships to the proposed Oklahoma Teacher

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8:31

Quick Update: Legislative breakthroughs in early May

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/05/15

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins recaps the major education policy breakthroughs happening across the country as legislative sessions begin to wrap up. From final floor votes on school choice and early literacy reforms to new investments in teacher pay and college and career pathways, states are racing to deliver on key priorities before adjournment. The episode highlights which bills made it across the finish line, which ones are still in motion and what the next few

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26:19

Never too late: North Dakota allows its first charter...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/05/08

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with North Dakota Senator Michelle Axtman to discuss the passage of SB 2241, the state’s first public charter school legislation. As the 47th state to adopt charter schools, North Dakota is taking a significant step toward empowering families with more public school options, enhancing accountability and fostering innovation.Sen. Axtman shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of building a public charter school

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10:46

Latest education wins and bills to watch as May begins

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/05/01

In this quick update episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins highlights the latest legislative action on education policy as we head into May. From new literacy and math investments to historic school choice expansions, states continue to prioritize student-centered reforms—despite fiscal challenges and tight deadlines.Ashley walks listeners through major updates in Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, and more, spotlighting the bills that are advancing, the policies heading to governors, and

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24:40

Phones: How states are tackling distracted learning |...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/04/24

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with Sen. Lincoln Fillmore to discuss Utah’s distraction-free learning policy. The law aims to create phone-free classrooms, improve student engagement and support teachers in fostering a more focused learning environment. With Utah’s legislative session now concluded, this conversation reflects on the successes, challenge and potential lessons for other states considering similar policies.Sen. Fillmore shares his thoughts on

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12:59

Quick Update: April education bills to watch

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/04/17

As the 2025 legislative sessions heat up, state lawmakers are making big moves on education policy. In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we break down the top education bills to watch in April—from school choice and teacher pay raises to early literacy initiatives and curriculum reforms. What proposals are gaining momentum? Which policies are facing roadblocks?Join us as we track the major legislative trends happening in April.Remember to join the conversation on social media.ExcelinEd in

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10:47

Education policy wins and hurdles as sessions heat up

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/04/03

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we’re highlighting the states that are seeing both significant policy victories and major challenges as the 2025 legislative sessions gain momentum. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down key developments, including efforts to expand school choice, address teacher shortages and improve education-to-workforce pathways. While some reforms are advancing swiftly, others are facing political and logistical hurdles.Tune in to get the latest on what’s moving forward,

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21:00

Idaho's first school choice program | Rep. Wendy Horman

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/03/27

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights host Ashley Mullins sits down with Idaho Representative Wendy Horman to discuss the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit. This groundbreaking legislation offers families a refundable tax credit of up to $5,500, or $7,500 for special education students, to cover private school and homeschool expenses, providing greater flexibility and opportunity in education.Rep. Horman shares more about the legislative groundwork and history behind the bill, its potential impact

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10:22

Quick Update: Early March progress in key states

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/03/20

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we break down the early March progress in education policy across key states. From expanding educational opportunity and boosting early literacy initiatives to tackling the math crisis and strengthening education-to-workforce pathways, lawmakers are making significant moves that could make a huge impact on families, teachers and students.Tune in as we walk through the biggest legislative wins so far and the states to watch as sessions continue.Remember to

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18:24

Advancing math education in Indiana classrooms | Rep....

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/03/13

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with Indiana Rep. Jake Teshka to discuss HB 1634, a legislative effort aimed at strengthening math proficiency and numeracy across Indiana. The bill introduces automatic enrollment for advanced middle school math courses, mandates statewide numeracy screenings for young learners and enhances teacher preparation programs to ensure evidence-based instructional strategies.But what does all of that mean for students, teachers and

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11:22

Quick Update: State session trends and emerging...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/03/06

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we explore the biggest education policy trends emerging from state legislative sessions in 2025. From expanding public and private school choice and early literacy initiatives to strengthening the teacher workforce and improving student outcomes in math, lawmakers across the country are making bold moves. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down the key priorities, what’s driving these shifts and what they mean for students, families and educators. Tune in as we dig

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16:44

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Florida Schools |...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/02/27

On this episode, we’re diving into a pressing issue affecting students and schools across the nation—chronic absenteeism. This is a developing problem that is grabbing policymakers’ attention in the states. When we see education policy problems arise, Florida is often leading with innovative solutions. Here’s what we know: A staggering 30.9% of Florida students were chronically absent last school year, a rate that has surged by more than 50% in just a few years.To help us understand the scope of the

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10:57

Quick Update: Mid-February education bill highlights

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/02/19

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins highlights the latest education policy developments from state legislatures in mid-February 2025. From trailblazing career pathway bills to impactful distraction-free learning policies, Ashley breaks down the top legislative trends, wins and what to watch as lawmakers advance student-centered policies nationwide. This quick update offers valuable insights for anyone following the dynamic landscape of education reform.Remember to join the

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23:32

Georgia aims to be the top state for talent & career...

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights ·

2025/02/13

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins explores Georgia’s groundbreaking Top State for Talent Act, an initiative designed to strengthen the connection between education and workforce development. Ashley is joined by Representative Matthew Gambill to discuss how the legislation builds on the success of Georgia MATCH, a direct admissions program that has already led to increased college enrollment. The act streamlines students’ pathways from high school to higher education by

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