Utah takes steps toward phone-free schools.

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.&nbsp; Sen. Fillmore shares his thoughts on the motivations behind the bill, the importance of balancing statewide standards with local flexibility and how schools can effectively implement the new policy. The discussion also explores concerns from parents and technology advocates, as well as the broader impact on student well-being and academic success.&nbsp;&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Phones: How states are tackling distracted learning | Sen. Lincoln Fillmore 

April’s must-watch education bills are taking shape.

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?&nbsp;&nbsp; Join us as we track the major legislative trends happening in April.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Quick Update: April education bills to watch 

Listen to a speedy roundup of the education bills that are advancing in the states right now.

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.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Education policy wins and hurdles as sessions heat up

After more than a decade, leaders and advocates bring school choice to Idaho families!

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.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

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

Catch up on the key education policy wins across the states so far in March.

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.&nbsp; Tune in as we walk through the biggest legislative wins so far and the states to watch as sessions continue.&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Quick Update: Early March progress in key states

Learn about Indiana’s comprehensive math policy reform effort this legislative session.

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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Tune in to learn how these policy changes could transform math education for all Hoosier students.&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Advancing math education in Indiana classrooms | Rep. Jake Teshka

Learn what legislative trends are shaping the future of education in 2025.

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.&nbsp;&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Quick Update: State session trends and emerging priorities

Learn how policymakers are addressing chronic absenteeism in K-12 schools.

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.&nbsp;&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Addressing chronic absenteeism in Florida schools | Rep. Dana Trabulsy

These key education bills are making waves across the states. 

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.&nbsp; Remember to join the conversation on social media.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;ExcelinEd in Action on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;

Quick Update: Mid-February education bill highlights

Your guide to education legislation in the states.

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 Statehouse Spotlights podcast is the perfect way to stay up to date on the latest education policy news and trends during state legislative sessions from a team of experts you can trust.&nbsp;Why should you listen?<ul><li>You'll find out about what’s trending in K-12 education policy in state legislatures.</li><li>You'll stay informed on how bills are changing, stalling or advancing</li><li>You’ll learn which state legislative champions are shaping the future of education.</li><li>You'll be inspired to take action to improve education for all students.</li></ul>&nbsp;Subscribe to ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights today, and never miss an episode!

ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

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