ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

In our season finale of Statehouse Spotlights, Executive Director Patricia Levesque joins host Ashley Mullins to recap one of the most active education policy years we’ve covered. From math and literacy to phone-free schools, teacher policy, pathways, school choice, accountability and responsible artificial intelligence, state leaders moved big ideas through statehouses across the country. Hear what made the 2026 legislative session stand out, even in an election year, and how states connected policy priorities into stronger systems for students. Patricia highlights momentum in math and K-8 literacy, the rapid rise of distraction-free learning policies, growing attention to student safety and AI guardrails, and new efforts to support teachers, strengthen pathways and make school choice policies work well for families. As the season closes, Patricia shares a clear message for state leaders: focus on policy, program and perseverance. Strong laws matter, but so does faithful implementation, and states that improve student outcomes keep building, measuring, adjusting and moving forward. Thanks for joining us this season! We’ll be back with a bonus episode after the November midterm elections to break down what the results could mean for education policy across the 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 Facebook   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 2026 and how ExcelinEd in Action will be keeping momentum strong in the months ahead. Thanks for joining us this season! We’ll be back in January 2026 when legislatures return to work. 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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, educator training, curriculum alignment and the creation of a statewide literacy council. Throughout the conversation, Ortitay emphasizes the importance of grounding instruction in the science of reading and draws inspiration from other states—like Mississippi—that have seen real gains through similar reforms. He also speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing local control with statewide standards and highlights how thoughtful implementation, strong partnerships and sustained investment are essential for success.  Tune in to get an inside look at how Pennsylvania is laying the foundation for every child to become a confident reader. 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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.