ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

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 

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. 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 explores Georgia’s groundbreaking Top State for Talent Act, an initiative designed to strengthen the connection between education and workforce development. Ashley is joined by Representative Matthew Gambill to discuss how the legislation builds on the success of Georgia MATCH, a direct admissions program that has already led to increased college enrollment. The act streamlines students’ pathways from high school to higher education by integrating college eligibility into Individual Graduation Plans, strengthening articulation agreement and implementing a return-on-investment (ROI) analysis to measure the program’s impact. As Georgia faces demographic shifts and an evolving job market, this initiative is positioned to ensure the state remains a leader in workforce readiness. The conversation highlights how the legislation will help students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—access higher education opportunities and make informed career choices. Additionally, we discuss the role of industry leaders in supporting this initiative and how lessons from other states have shaped Georgia’s approach. Tune in for a great discussion on the future of talent development and the policies driving student success.  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,  ExcelinEd in Action’s National Legislative Director Ashley Mullins kicks off the podcast’s revamped format for 2025. She delivers a quick, 15-minute update on key developments from state legislative sessions this week. Ashley highlights major wins for student-centered K-12 education policies, shares updates on key bills making waves across the states and discusses a few surprising turns as legislatures get to work. Tune in for insights into the policies shaping the year ahead and a preview of what’s to come in this dynamic new season of updates! 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, our National Legislative Director Ashley Mullins sits down with our Executive Director Patricia Levesque to discuss the most significant K-12 education bills to watch in 2025. This discussion highlights legislative trends shaping education across the country. That's a tall order, so we made it easy for our listeners. Scroll down to find timestamps for the education policy areas you might be interested in, along with the states we mention in each section.  Timestamps: [4:15] – 📚 Early and Adolescent Literacy (Alabama, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Mississippi) [8:00] – 🔢 Math Education (Indiana, Florida) [11:11] – 🎒 School Choice & Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) (New Hampshire, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, South Dakota) [16:07] – 🔄 Public School Choice & Open Enrollment (Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada) [18:24] – 🏫 Public Charter Schools (Tennessee, Colorado, Pennsylvania) [19:26] – 🎓 College & Career Pathways (Arkansas, Georgia, Florida) [24:05] – 📵 Distraction-Free Schools (Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin) [30:35] – 🍎 Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline (Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Virginia) [32:25] – 💡 Final Thoughts & Takeaways  📲 Follow Us and 💬 Join the Conversation! What education policies are you following this session? Let us know on social media. ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X   ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram   ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook 

Welcome back, policy enthusiasts and education advocates! Statehouse Spotlights is returning for an exciting 2025 season. You don’t want to miss it. Ashley Mullins, ExcelinEd in Action’s National Legislative Director, is your host this season, and she will guide us through the education bills to watch throughout the legislative season. If you’re a new listener, our podcast is your go-to for the latest updates on K-12 education legislation across the country. Whether it’s funding, literacy, math, school accountability, teacher pipeline and retention, college and career pathways, students’ digital safety, or school choice initiatives—we’ve got you covered. Listen to this 2025 season trailer to learn how the format will be changing this year and more.