ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

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 implementation. Three years after the enactment of the LEARNS Act, new statewide polling offers a critical lens into how families are experiencing the law—and how their perceptions are evolving over time. Ashley is joined by Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva to discuss the state’s progress implementing one of the most comprehensive education policy packages in the country. The conversation explores how key components of the LEARNS Act—from expanded Education Freedom Accounts and merit-based teacher incentives to early literacy initiatives and career-ready pathways—are shaping the education landscape across the state. As participation in school choice programs grows and satisfaction rates remain high, the episode takes a closer look at what families are saying about their experiences and what may be driving increased intensity of support among parents. Secretary Oliva also shares insights into how Arkansas is supporting educators, aligning education with workforce needs and refining policies based on real-time feedback from schools and communities. With other states considering similarly ambitious reforms, Arkansas’ experience underscores an important lesson: sustained success depends not only on strong policy design, but also on thoughtful implementation, continuous improvement and maintaining public trust.  Tune in for a timely discussion on how education reform is taking shape in practice—and what it means for students, families and policymakers nationwide. 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 Facebook 

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. With several states already adjourned and others quickly approaching key deadlines, this update highlights where meaningful progress has been made and where important debates are still unfolding. Ashley breaks down early wins across states like Florida, Indiana, Utah, New Mexico, Virginia and West Virginia, from expanded school choice and strengthened teacher pipelines to investments in literacy, college and career pathways and student supports. She also unpacks key defensive victories that protected existing policies from rollback, underscoring the importance of both advancing and safeguarding student-centered reforms. Beyond individual state updates, the episode explores emerging national trends, from the growing momentum behind phone-free school policies to increased focus on charter school facilities and funding equity. Ashley also spotlights major proposals still moving through legislatures, offering insight into where policy conversations are headed next. As the 2026 session continues to take shape, this episode provides a clear, concise snapshot of early signals—and what they may mean for the months ahead. 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 Facebook48 

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 Education Savings Account (ESA) program and improvements to charter school policy. Ashley is joined by Senator Jesse Green, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Education Subcommittee, to discuss how Iowa is building on its recent policy successes to strengthen and expand educational opportunities for students and families. As more states enact school choice policies, Iowa’s experience highlights an important reality: passing legislation is only the beginning. The conversation examines how lawmakers are refining the state’s education choice ecosystem by addressing implementation challenges, improving access for families and ensuring schools have the resources needed to grow and serve students effectively. Key topics include proposals to create a second ESA application window to increase accessibility, efforts to streamline accreditation pathways for participating private schools and innovative approaches to school facilities funding through revolving loan funds and bonding authority. The episode also explores policies aimed at expanding opportunities for charter school students, including access to extracurricular activities. With more states considering universal school choice, Iowa’s approach offers valuable lessons on how thoughtful policy refinement, strong implementation and continued leadership can help ensure these programs deliver on their promise. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how states can move from policy passage to lasting impact for students. 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 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 explores Florida’s evolving approach to strengthening pathways that connect students from high school to postsecondary education, careers and long-term economic opportunity. Ashley is joined by Nathan Hoffman, Senior Legislative Director at ExcelinEd in Action and Director at the Foundation for Florida’s Future, to discuss the policy priorities shaping Florida’s higher education and workforce agenda this legislative session. As lawmakers consider a broad slate of proposals, Florida is placing increased emphasis on return-on-investment accountability, workforce alignment and transparency across education systems. The conversation highlights how policymakers are working to ensure college programs and credentials are connected to real labor market demand and that students and families have access to clearer information about outcomes, costs and career opportunities. As Florida’s legislative session enters its final stretch, this episode offers insight into how policymakers are working to build stronger connections between education and the workforce—and what other states can learn from Florida’s efforts to improve postsecondary outcomes for students and families. 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 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