ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

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 the emerging trends to keep an eye on. Whether it’s expanded ESAs, math screeners or phone-free schools, these updates show how state leaders are staying focused on student success. Subscribe for more timely education policy news—and share this episode with a colleague or policymaker who’s tracking what’s next in K-12 reform. Connect with us on social media:  📍 ExcelinEd in Action on X (formerly Twitter)  📍 ExcelinEd in Action on Instagram  📍 ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook  

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 Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

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, what’s stalling and what it all means for students, educators and families nationwide. 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 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 on education in Idaho and the road ahead for expanding school choice. Tune in to learn how this initiative could shape the future of learning in Idaho.  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 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 join the conversation on social media.  ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)  ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram   ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

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 policymakers in other states? Listen to learn more about the motivations behind the bill, the challenges it aims to address and the expected impact on Indiana’s education system and workforce. Together, we’ll also highlight how stronger math outcomes can enhance the state’s economic competitiveness and ensure that Indiana students are equipped for high-demand careers in STEM and other critical fields. Tune in to learn how these policy changes could transform math education for all Hoosier students. 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 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 deeper on the policies set to shape the future of learning this year.  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 

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 problem—and what legislative solutions might be on the horizon—our host Ashley Mullins is joined by Rep. Dana Trabulsy, a longtime Florida education policy champion who is working to tackle this issue head-on. 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