ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

Recapping the biggest education policy changes from the 2026 legislative session | Patricia Levesque

In our season finale of Statehouse Spotlights, Executive Director Patricia Levesque joins host Ashley Mullins to recap one of the most active education policy years we’ve

Quick Update: June bill movement as sessions wind down

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins shares a mid-June update as legislative sessions begin to wind down across the country. With only a handful

Building on success: Mississippi’s push on adolescent literacy | Superintendent Lance Evans

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins heads to Mississippi to examine the state’s next phase of literacy reform: a new effort to strengthen readin

Quick Update: Literacy, pathways and phone-free schools gain ground

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins takes listeners on a cross-country tour of the latest education policy developments as legislative sessions

Closing the charter facilities funding gap in Oklahoma | Secretary Dan Hamlin

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins heads to Oklahoma to examine the state’s newly enacted effort to close one of the biggest barriers to public

Quick Update: Major education policy wins as more state sessions wrap

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins takes a step back to examine the major education policy developments emerging as legislative sessions wrap u

Funding what works: Alabama’s outcomes-based approach to higher education | Sen. Arthur Orr

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins heads to Alabama to explore the state’s newly enacted approach to outcomes-based funding in higher education

Quick Update: From appreciation to action—how states are supporting teachers

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins marks Teacher Appreciation Week by taking a closer look at how states are moving beyond recognition to imple

Ohio’s final push to make math policy a top priority | Sen. Andrew Brenner

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins heads to Ohio to explore a growing priority across states: strengthening math outcomes for students. As more

Quick Update: The K-8 literacy surge in the states

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins highlights the growing wave of K–8 literacy legislation advancing across the country as states enter the fin

Unlocking earned autonomy for Idaho schools | Sen. Lori Den Hartog

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins heads to Idaho to explore a policy gaining traction: earned autonomy for high-performing schools. Idaho lawm

Quick Update: Prolific session recaps and K-12 education priorities still on the move

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins recaps a prolific week of legislative activity as sessions conclude in Georgia, Idaho and Mississippi. From

Arkansas parents weigh in on the LEARNS Act three years later | Secretary Jacob Oliva

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins brings us to Arkansas to examine what happens after a major education reform package moves from passage to i

Quick Update: Early wave results – wins & policy trends

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins delivers a timely look at the first wave of education policy outcomes from the 2026 legislative session. Wit

Improving school choice after passage: Iowa’s next phase of education reform | Sen. Jesse Green

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins travels to Iowa to explore the next phase of education reform following the state’s adoption of a universal

Quick Update: Recent wins and first big deadlines — what’s still alive?

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the first major committee and floor deadlines of the 2026 legislative season. With early cutoffs

Inside Florida’s agenda to strengthen college and career pathways | Nathan Hoffman

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins explores Florida’s evolving approach to strengthening pathways that connect students from high school to pos

Quick Update: Short-session sprint wrap-up

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the fast-paced end of New Mexico's short legislative session, highlighting the key education bil

New Mexico’s renewed push for comprehensive early math policy | Sen. William Soules

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins takes a closer look at New Mexico’s renewed effort to strengthen early math instruction and improve student

Quick Update: Opening weeks of the 2026 sessions

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlight, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the fast-moving start to the 2026 state legislative sessions, where education policy is already f