ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

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 now hitting in Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin and Mississippi, Ashley walks listeners through which key education bills are still advancing — and which proposals may be losing momentum. This quick update highlights the policies that cleared critical early hurdles, the measures still in play and the dynamics shaping each state’s next phase of legislative action. Listeners get a clear and timely snapshot of what’s alive, what’s at risk and what to watch as these states move deeper into their sessions. Remember to join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram   ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • BlueSky  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook4  

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 bills that crossed the finish line — and the proposals that fell short. Ashley then shifts to a status check on several other states, where major education policies are still moving as each state approaches critical procedural deadlines. With a focus on policy outcomes, emerging trends and what to watch next, this episode gives listeners a clear, timely snapshot of where important K–12 legislation stands across several high-activity states. Remember to join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram   ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • BlueSky  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook4 

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 outcomes across the state. Ashley is joined by Senator William Soules, Chair of the New Mexico Senate Education Committee, to discuss the state’s comprehensive early numeracy initiative and why early math has become a legislative priority. Building on last year’s Senate Bill 235, New Mexico’s approach includes universal K–3 math screening, Individual Mathematics Improvement Plans for students who need additional support, stronger preparation for numeracy instruction and meaningful parent notification and engagement. The conversation explores how early identification and targeted intervention can help prevent students from falling behind before middle school, and how accountability measures will ensure the initiative delivers measurable results. As math proficiency remains a challenge nationwide, New Mexico’s strategy offers lessons for other states looking to strengthen early numeracy systems while empowering educators and families. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how thoughtful policy design, strong implementation and sustained leadership can help ensure more students build the foundational math skills they need to thrive. Remember to join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action @excelinaction - Bluesky Profile ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

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 front and center. As lawmakers introduce their early priorities, states are seeing quick action on proposals related to distraction-free learning policies, K-12 literacy, math and more. Ashley highlights which bills are gaining early traction, where sessions are already approaching adjournment and the common themes emerging across multiple states. She also previews what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead, including deeper conversations with policymakers advancing major reforms. This brief update provides listeners with key insights into the policies shaping the year ahead and a preview of K-12 policy for what’s to come in this dynamic new season of Statehouse Spotlights.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action @excelinaction - Bluesky Profile ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

In the season premiere of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with ExcelinEd in Action Executive Director Patricia Levesque to break down the most important K-12 education policy trends to watch in 2026.  With legislatures moving quickly in an election year, Ashley and Patricia explore how states are responding to both long-standing challenges and emerging issues—from strengthening math and literacy systems to expanding college and career pathways, addressing digital distractions, modernizing school choice, reinforcing accountability and strengthening the teacher pipeline.  Drawing on Patricia’s national policy forecast and early legislative activity, this episode offers a comprehensive look at where education policy is headed and what it means for students, families and educators.  Links to resources mentioned in the episode: Patricia’s blog post, “8 Education Policy Trends for State Lawmakers in 2026” EarlyLiteracyMatters.org MathMatters.org  PathwaysMatter.org  SchoolChoiceMatters.org   Timestamps [1:52] – The 2026 Education Landscape & Election-Year Dynamics [4:40] – Math Policy Reforms & Guaranteed Access (Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, Alabama, Georgia, New Mexico, Utah, Wisconsin) [14:09] – Adolescent & Early Literacy Expansion (Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Massachusetts) [18:44] – College & Career Pathways & Postsecondary ROI (Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina) [22:44] – Digital Safety, Phone-Free Schools & AI Guardrails (New Jersey, Indiana, Utah, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Carolina) [29:26] – School Accountability & Transparency (Missouri, Mississippi, Utah, Arizona) [31:58] – Public & Private School Choice & Facilities Funding (Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Iowa) [36:14] – Teacher Pipeline, Preparation & Retention (South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Indiana, New Mexico, Georgia, New Hampshire, Iowa) [40:50] – Final Reflections & Call to Action for State Leaders  What education policies are you watching in your state this year? Share your thoughts with us on social media.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action @excelinaction - Bluesky Profile ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

Welcome to the 2026 season of Statehouse Spotlights! In this trailer, host Ashley Mullins reintroduces the podcast and previews what listeners can expect in the year ahead, including fast-moving legislative updates and in-depth conversations with the leaders shaping K–12 education policy.  Ashley shares how the show will continue to break down complex education issues—from literacy and math to workforce development, digital safety, accountability and school choice—so policymakers, educators and advocates can stay informed and engaged.  This season will feature: Biweekly 15-minute updates on major bill activity in states nationwide. Alternating deep-dive interviews with lawmakers and education leaders. Expert insights from ExcelinEd in Action’s policy team. Coverage of the decisions and debates shaping students’ futures. Listeners will also hear from Executive Director Patricia Levesque in the season’s opening episode, where she outlines the key trends, challenges and opportunities to watch in 2026. At its core, Statehouse Spotlights is about more than legislation—it’s about students, their potential and the champions working every day to expand opportunity. The podcast’s mission remains simple: to keep you informed, energized and ready to take action for better schools and brighter futures.  New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe now and join us for another year of meaningful conversations and timely policy insights. Remember to join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action @excelinaction - Bluesky Profile ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

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 and how ExcelinEd in Action will be keeping momentum strong in the months ahead. Thanks for joining us this season! We’ll be back in January 2026 when legislatures return to work. Remember to join the conversation on social media. ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com) ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

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 country.Remember to join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook