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...
Jul 03, 2025•39 min•Season 2025Ep. 22
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. R...
Jun 26, 2025•8 min•Season 2025Ep. 21
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights , host Ashley Mullins sits down with Pennsylvania State Representative Jason Ortitay to chat about early literacy reforms and explore the bipartisan push behind Act 135 of 2024—a landmark literacy reform law that’s reshaping reading instruction across the state. Ortitay shares what first motivated him to act, from personal experiences to troubling literacy statistics and walks listeners through the key components of the new law, including early screening,...
Jun 19, 2025•26 min•Season 2025Ep. 20
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights , host Ashley Mullins highlights the final flurry of activity in state legislatures as they race to wrap up their 2025 sessions. From late-breaking deals on school funding and teacher pay to last-minute changes in parental choice and curriculum laws, this episode tracks the high-stakes decisions that could shape education policy for years to come. As lawmakers face hard deadlines, we’ll give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the priorities making it t...
Jun 12, 2025•8 min•Season 2025Ep. 19
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights , host Ashley Mullins sits down with South Carolina Sen. Greg Hembree to discuss the expansion and strengthening of the state’s education scholarship account (ESA) program. Just months after the program faced a significant legal setback, South Carolina leaders acted decisively to protect educational opportunities for thousands of students. Sen. Hembree, the bill’s sponsor and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, shares insights into why the ESA progra...
Jun 05, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 18
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights , we reflect on the final stretch of the 2025 legislative sessions across the country. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down the biggest policy wins, including breakthroughs in school choice, early literacy and career readiness. We’ll also spotlight unresolved challenges—from stalled teacher pay proposals to unfinished school funding reforms—and preview what education advocates should be watching for during the interim. As session gavels fall, this episode help...
May 29, 2025•9 min•Season 2025Ep. 17
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights , host Ashley Mullins is joined by Oklahoma Senators Ally Seifried and Adam Pugh to discuss the state’s ambitious legislative push to strengthen its teacher workforce. With multiple bills advancing through the legislature, Oklahoma is taking a comprehensive approach—supporting aspiring educators with financial assistance, flexible training options and long-term professional development. From job-embedded teacher apprenticeships to the proposed Oklahoma Te...
May 22, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 16
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights , host Ashley Mullins recaps the major education policy breakthroughs happening across the country as legislative sessions begin to wrap up. From final floor votes on school choice and early literacy reforms to new investments in teacher pay and college and career pathways, states are racing to deliver on key priorities before adjournment. The episode highlights which bills made it across the finish line, which ones are still in motion and what the next f...
May 15, 2025•9 min•Season 2025Ep. 15
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights , host Ashley Mullins sits down with North Dakota Senator Michelle Axtman to discuss the passage of SB 2241, the state’s first public charter school legislation. As the 47th state to adopt charter schools, North Dakota is taking a significant step toward empowering families with more public school options, enhancing accountability and fostering innovation. Sen. Axtman shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of building a public charter schoo...
May 08, 2025•26 min•Season 2025Ep. 14
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, ...
May 01, 2025•11 min•Season 2025Ep. 13
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. Sen. Fillmore shares his thoughts...
Apr 24, 2025•25 min•Season 2025Ep. 12
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 ...
Apr 17, 2025•13 min•Season 2025Ep. 11
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,...
Apr 03, 2025•11 min•Season 2025Ep. 10
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 i...
Mar 27, 2025•21 min•Season 2025Ep. 9
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. Remembe...
Mar 20, 2025•10 min•Season 2025Ep. 8
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 ...
Mar 13, 2025•18 min•Season 2025Ep. 7
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...
Mar 06, 2025•11 min•Season 2025Ep. 6
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 o...
Feb 27, 2025•17 min•Season 2025Ep. 5
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 joi...
Feb 19, 2025•11 min•Season 2025Ep. 4
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 ...
Feb 13, 2025•24 min•Season 2025Ep. 3
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...
Feb 06, 2025•14 min•Season 2025Ep. 2
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] – 📚...
Jan 30, 2025•34 min•Season 2025Ep. 1
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,...
Jan 23, 2025•2 min
Our hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins are back on the airwaves during the legislative off-season for a really special episode. They’re diving into the recent 2024 gubernatorial elections and exploring what newly elected and re-elected governors are planning for K-12 education. From rethinking school funding and math proficiency to tackling early literacy, career readiness, teacher retention, and even school phone policies, there’s a lot on the horizon. They walk through the education policy pr...
Nov 12, 2024•44 min•Season 2024Ep. 24
In this special bonus episode of Statehouse Spotlights, hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins provide an in-depth recap of the recent state legislative sessions that concluded in June and July. They will highlight key education policy changes and funding initiatives from several states. Join us as they dive into the specifics, discuss the implications of these new laws and what they mean for students, teachers and families. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, so you don’t miss any future bonus ep...
Aug 15, 2024•31 min•Season 2024Ep. 23
This is the final episode of our 2024 season of Statehouse Spotlights! Thank you to our listeners for sticking with us through legislative sessions. In this episode, we look forward to 2025, highlighting the legislation to watch out for. Hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins are joined by our team of legislative directors, who will offer their perspectives on the forthcoming policy initiatives and challenges in their respective regions. Then, ExcelinEd in Action’s Executive Director Patricia Leves...
Jun 06, 2024•58 min•Season 2024Ep. 22
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we take a comprehensive look at recent education victories and setbacks across the nation. From Arizona to Missouri, Mississippi to Virginia and beyond, we examine legislative reforms, highlighting key bills and their potential impacts on education. Hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins will tour the regions, highlighting states’ efforts to enhance literacy programs, expand school choice, improve college and career pathways and much more. They’ll also touc...
May 30, 2024•51 min•Season 2024Ep. 21
In this enlightening episode, we explore the transformative impact of AI in K-12 education, from personalized tutoring to reduced teacher workload. Our Executive Director, Patricia Levesque sits down with esteemed guest, Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy and Khanmigo, to discuss the benefits and limitations of AI in the classroom and how states are incorporating the incredible potential of AI to advance learning. Khanmigo: Khan Academy's AI-powered teaching assistant & tutor - https://ww...
May 23, 2024•50 min•Season 2024Ep. 20
In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins preview North Carolina's upcoming legislative session and discuss what to expect on the docket for education. They’ll also dig into the legislative agenda in South Carolina, highlighting key education policy initiatives. As North Carolina gears up for debates on public school funding, school choice and measures to enhance early literacy, this episode explores how the state aims to strengthen its education system and su...
May 16, 2024•29 min•Season 2024Ep. 19
On today’s episode of Statehouse Spotlights, hosts Tome Greene and Ashley Mullins discuss the concerning trends around teacher job satisfaction and what states are doing to address this issue. They’ll uncover the challenges educators face and highlight innovative strategies states are employing to improve job satisfaction, teacher morale and retention rates, including increasing pay, providing more support and resources, and implementing mentorship programs. They’ll also focus on policies that a...
May 09, 2024•39 min•Season 2024Ep. 18
