About this episode

Ashley Mullins provides an update on early education policy outcomes from the 2026 legislative session, highlighting wins and ongoing debates across several states.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Ashley Mullins

Topics covered

• education policy
• legislative session
• school choice
• teacher pipelines
• literacy investments
• charter school funding
• national trends

Keywords

• education policy
• legislative update
• school choice
• teacher support
• literacy
• charter schools
• policy trends

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Florida, Indiana, Utah, New Mexico, Virginia, West Virginia

More episodes of ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

• Quick Update: The K-8 literacy surge in the states · April 23, 2026 · 16 min
• Unlocking earned autonomy for Idaho schools | Sen. Lori Den Hartog · April 16, 2026 · 23 min
• Quick Update: Prolific session recaps and K-12 education priorities still on the move · April 9, 2026 · 14 min
• Arkansas parents weigh in on the LEARNS Act three years later | Secretary Jacob Oliva · April 2, 2026 · 34 min
• Improving school choice after passage: Iowa’s next phase of education reform | Sen. Jesse Green · March 19, 2026 · 13 min
• Quick Update: Recent wins and first big deadlines — what’s still alive? · March 12, 2026 · 17 min

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