ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

Quick Update: Mid-February education bill highlights Feb 19, 2025

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.

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Georgia aims to be the top state for talent & career pathways | Rep. Matthew Gambill Feb 13, 2025

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.

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Quick Update: Early wins and surprises in legislative sessions Feb 06, 2025

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!

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K-12 education bills to watch in 2025 | Patricia Levesque Jan 30, 2025

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!

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Statehouse Spotlights is back! Learn what’s NEW in the 2025 season. Jan 23, 2025

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.

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2024 Election Results: Governors on K-12 education, chamber change-ups and more Nov 12, 2024

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 priorities of governors in the 11 states that held elections here in 2024, and also update you on some key legislative chamber outcomes that will have an impact on education policy in the coming session. Visit our blog post for a deeper dive into where governors stand on education policies.

There's a lot to cover, so jump right in and see how these leaders are planning to reshape the education landscape!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, so you don’t miss any future bonus episodes or season two of Statehouse Spotlights starting in January 2025.

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BONUS: Education policy wins you missed over summer break Aug 15, 2024

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 episodes or season two of Statehouse Spotlights starting in January 2025.

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States we think will go big on education in 2025 Jun 06, 2024

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 Levesque takes us through the national landscape and issues lawmakers a challenge for 2025.

Join us for this final episode and subscribe for special bonus episodes and to join us again in January 2025 for a new season.

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Education victories in the states from 2024 May 30, 2024

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 touch on trending legislation to protect students from harmful social media exposure and the distraction of phones in the classroom.

Join us as we shout out the state leaders who are doing the hard work of transforming K-12 education to better serve students.

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Addressing artificial intelligence (AI) in schools with Sal Khan May 23, 2024

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://www.khanmigo.ai/teachers?utm_source=social&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=wham-launch

Sal's AI TED Talk: How AI could save (not destroy) education - https://www.ted.com/talks/sal_khan_how_ai_could_save_not_destroy_education

Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/

Sal's New Book: Brave New Words by Salman Khan - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/740806/brave-new-words-by-salman-khan/

Join us for this discussion and leave with an understanding of AI's promise in education and the collaborative efforts needed to harness its full potential responsibly.

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North and South Carolina: What’s Happening and What to Expect May 16, 2024

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 support student success throughout the Tar Heel State.

Our legislative director in the Southeast, Miranda Williams, will join our hosts to discuss the recent controversy over the state's school voucher program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools. They’ll also look at the possibility of policymakers introducing legislation to increase funding for public schools and teacher salaries, as well as reforms to the state's testing system.

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What states are doing to keep and attract teachers to the profession May 09, 2024

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 attract new talent to the profession.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the challenges facing teachers and the concerted efforts being made to improve their working conditions, job satisfaction and to strengthen the teacher pipeline for generations to come.

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Defending charter schools from legislative attacks May 02, 2024

Welcome to our latest episode of Statehouse Spotlights, your go-to podcast for the latest in education news across the country.

In today’s episode, hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins delve into the ongoing challenge of defending charter schools from legislative attacks. With these attacks becoming more common and public opinion divided, our hosts explore the reasons why charter schools are under threat and the winning strategies state advocates have used to successfully protect them.

In today's discussion, our Legislative Director in the West Marcos Lopez spoke with Colorado Rep. Brandi Bradley, a mother who exercises educational choice for her own kids, about her experience defending charter schools this session.

Tune in as we highlight the compelling data showcasing the positive impact of charter schools on student achievement and advocate for policies that promote a diverse K-12 education system that empowers families to choose the right learning environment for their kids.

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The fuss around "accredited schools" and school choice programs Apr 25, 2024

Welcome to Statehouse Spotlights, your go-to podcast for the latest in education news across the country. In this episode, hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins unravel the captivating debate surrounding private school accreditation and whether it should be required for them to participate in school choice programs.

Tom and Ashley highlight the nuances of accreditation's role as a measure of quality in education. Is accreditation truly the gold standard, or are there alternative pathways to excellence?

Two non-accredited school leaders join the show to enlighten us. Jill Haskins of Streams of Hope Christian School in Indiana and Shawn Naugle of LiFT Academy in Florida tell us how their schools ensure high-quality education beyond accreditation requirements. Additionally, our guests will delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by non-accredited schools in participating in school choice programs.

Streams of Hope Christian School: https://streamsofhopeschool.com/

LiFT Academy: https://liftfl.org/

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Startling statistics that should light lawmakers’ fire to improve education Apr 18, 2024

Welcome to a special episode of Statehouse Spotlights, and happy Mathematics & Statistics Awareness Month!

Our Advocacy Team leads Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins update on the latest education legislation movement for the week, then highlight four key policy areas that demand attention from lawmakers. From grading schools to improving student reading and math achievement to studying education-to-workforce pathways, our team will zero in on the startling statistics that matter most and recommend policy changes.

ExcelinEd in Action’s Executive Director Patricia Levesque joins us on this episode to dig deeper into these compelling statistics that should ignite lawmakers' passion to improve education for all students. It’s full of great evidence and sound policy advice for policymakers in every state.

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Midseason Wrap-up and Look Ahead Apr 11, 2024

Join us for the latest episode of Statehouse Spotlights as we provide a midseason wrap-up and look-ahead of legislative sessions across the nation. Hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins bring you the latest activity unfolding in statehouses, offering insights into key education bills, emerging trends and notable debates shaping K-12 education policy.

Joining them for this discussion is Legislative Director for the West region Marcos Lopez, who provides firsthand insights into the challenges and victories faced in his states. From New Mexico to Virginia, Tom, Ashley and Marcos unpack the legislative highlights from states that have officially adjourned their legislative sessions.

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Indiana’s groundbreaking high school redesign Apr 04, 2024

Tune in to Statehouse Spotlights as we focus on Indiana’s groundbreaking initiative to reshape the high school experience by significantly redesigning diplomas.

In today’s episode, hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins are joined by Indiana’s Education Secretary, Dr. Katie Jenner, who will share more about this bold and creative high school redesign and how it will prepare Hoosier students for future success.

Check out our blog to learn more about the incredible strides Indiana policymakers are making in K-12 education.

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How states are answering the workforce's call for data science education Mar 28, 2024

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we share the weekly state actions highlights then dig into data science. Data science is an up-and-coming education policy area. If you’re a policymaker listening to this episode and we do a good job of making the case for prioritizing and investing in it—you and your state could end up a pioneer when it comes to data science education policy.

The fact is: American industry runs on data. And while data keeps growing exponentially, the number of people who can draw insights from that data to solve real world problems isn’t keeping pace. Data scientists are in huge demand but more and more people are finding that skills in data collection, analysis and visualization are becoming critical to their careers.

On this show, we share findings from a recent report by The Burning Glass Institute and our sister organization ExcelinEd that underscore the importance of K-12 data science education.

Tune in as they provide insights into the state-level efforts in this area so far and which states are ripe for student-centered data science policy.

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How states are addressing adolescent literacy Mar 21, 2024

Tune in to this episode of Statehouse Spotlights as we delve into the critical topic of adolescent literacy during National Reading Month.

Hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins will address the concerning social media trends among teachers, who are expressing frustration about the reading levels of their students, pose essential questions about how such literacy gaps could have developed, and highlight the role of pandemic-related school closures on the problem.

We're excited to have Virginia Delegate Carrie Coyner and Indiana Senator Jeff Raatz on the show to share more about their work leading the charge to improve adolescent literacy post-pandemic.

Join us as they highlight the significance of early intervention, personalized support and access to resources to address literacy challenges effectively, ensuring all students have the foundational skills needed for academic success and lifelong learning.

If you’d like to listen to our previous episodes on early literacy, you can find them at the links below. Make sure to also visit www.earlyliteracymatters.org to learn more about what makes up an evidence-based comprehensive early literacy policy.

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Florida Session Wrap-up Mar 14, 2024

Welcome to Statehouse Spotlights, your go-to podcast for the latest in education news across the country. In this episode, we’ll take you on a journey through the 2024 Florida legislative session, offering an inside look at the key developments shaping K-12 education in the Sunshine State.

From budgets to hot-button education issues, hosts Ashley Mullins and Nathan Hoffman explore the wins and challenges encountered during this pivotal session, where the Florida legislature considered more than 100 education policy proposals.

Florida is a state many others look to to lead on K-12 education policy. Tune in to learn everything you need to know about how the 2024 Florida legislative session will transform education.

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Why rural communities should embrace education choice Mar 07, 2024

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we discuss why rural communities should embrace school choice.

Hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins will give an overview of the significant growth of school choice programs, particularly since the pandemic, and the challenges faced by rural policymakers and communities regarding these programs.

They are joined by Jordan Zakery, ExcelinEd in Action’s legislative director in the Midwest, as he addresses common concerns raised by opponents of school choice in rural communities and emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles behind school choice and its benefits.

Together, they will examine evidence from states with robust education choice programs and highlight success stories and examples of how school choice programs have positively impacted rural communities

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How smart policymakers handle struggling third-grade readers Feb 29, 2024

In today’s episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we delve into third-grade retention policies. Why are they so crucial for struggling readers? Why do some people oppose them despite all of the positive evidence? How have we seen states implement them as part of a successful comprehensive early literacy policy? And where are we seeing legislation advancing in the states right now?

After sharing the weekly state action highlights, hosts Tom Greene, Ashley Mullins and our regional advocacy director for the Southeast, Miranda Williams, take a deep dive into the role of third grade reading proficiency as a critical milestone in a child's educational journey.

Tune into Statehouse Spotlights as we address how such third-grade retention laws can play a crucial role in promoting academic success and ensuring that all students can thrive beyond the schoolhouse.

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States trying to roll back good education policies Feb 22, 2024

In today's episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we delve into the unsettling but surmountable trend of states attempting to roll back good education policies. Despite research indicating their effectiveness, these policies – ranging from early literacy to private education choice and accountability – sometimes come under threat.

Hosts Ashley Mullins and Marcos Lopez explore recent legislative attempts in various states, such as Arizona’s “Backtrack Trio" of bills. But it’s not all bad news! They delve into success stories from states that were able to protect against legislative rollbacks.

Tune into Statehouse Spotlights as we discuss the fight to preserve and strengthen good education policies through the power of informed advocacy and public engagement for the betterment of our students and the future of education.

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The public vs. private school accountability debate heats up Feb 15, 2024

Join us for an enlightening Statehouse Spotlights podcast episode as we dive into the critical topic of private vs. public school accountability.

In 2023, we witnessed a surge of education choice program expansions across the nation, with states like Arizona leading the charge in adopting universal or near-universal parental choice programs a couple years before. However, with this wave of educational freedom comes a pressing question: How are private schools being held accountable for the public funds they receive through parental choice programs like education scholarship accounts (ESAs)?

Critics often raise concerns about the accountability of private schools compared to their public counterparts, who face standardized testing and state-mandated performance evaluations among other regulations. Yet, proponents of private education argue that accountability exists in different forms for private schools.

In this episode, hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins along with ExcelinEd in Action Executive Director Patricia Levesque tackle the nuanced debate surrounding accountability measures for public, charter and private schools. From the metrics that matter to the consequences for underperforming schools, we explore the complexities of accountability in education.

Tune in as we examine standout states leading the way in accountability measures and delve into recent legislative attempts to weaken accountability standards, such as in Florida. Join us as we unravel the layers of this critical issue and seek to find common ground amidst differing perspectives.

For more on this topic by Patricia Levesque, visit this blog post: Regulating Public, Private Schools: Parental Choice Is The Key (excelined.org)

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How states are addressing the nation’s shocking math crisis Feb 08, 2024

Welcome to Statehouse Spotlights. Step into the urgent conversation surrounding math education in America as we dissect the latest revelations from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) math exam results in this eye-opening podcast episode.

Despite some improvement on pandemic's disruptive impact on education, our hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins explore why American students continue to persistently lag behind global competitors in math education.

We're excited to have Indiana House Education Committee Chairman Bob Behning, who is leading the charge in his state to address this critical issue, and our own Legislative Director for the Great Lakes region Evan Eagleson join us for that discussion.

Tune in as we explore the strategies and solutions needed to navigate this critical crisis and showcase how a comprehensive approach to math policy can serve as a model for all other leaders looking to reimagine learning and support a math-ready generation that is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

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Early literacy bipartisanship on the rise Feb 01, 2024

Welcome back to Statehouse Spotlights, your inside look at education legislation trends. ExcelinEd in Action hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins bring you the latest state actions, from school choice to AI in education. Then, they unravel a bipartisan breakthrough we’re seeing thanks to science-backed early literacy policies and the urgent need to address the alarming fact that two-thirds of fourth graders are struggle with reading.

Tom and Ashley delve into challenges, from funding issues to debates over local control, providing a succinct yet insightful overview. Join them on this journey through the complexities of early literacy legislation, where the goal is a brighter future for every child.

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States going big with school choice Jan 25, 2024

Welcome to Statehouse Spotlights, your go-to podcast for the latest in education news across the country. In this episode, we're diving into the significant shift toward school choice, celebrating National School Choice Week. From charter schools to education scholarship accounts (ESAs), we explore the record number of states embracing expansive education options.

Hosts Tom Green and Ashley Mullins define school choice and discuss legislative highlights from the past week, including Indiana's focus on strengthening early literacy and Virginia's efforts to enhance dual enrollment opportunities.

The episode showcases governors leading the charge for school choice, from Gov. Kay Ivey's vision for Alabama to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's call for an all-encompassing approach. Leaders in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas are also championing bold school choice proposals.

Join us in this informative and engaging discussion on empowering families with educational freedom. Happy School Choice Week!

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How the states are handling smartphones in schools Jan 18, 2024

How do you feel about banning cell phones in the classroom? Young children's access to social media? In Episode 2 of the ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights, where policy meets advocacy, our hosts share how the states are tackling social media and smartphones in schools this legislative session.

With insights from ExcelinEd in Action’s senior legislative director for Florida, Nathan Hoffman, and legislative director for the Great Lakes region, Evan Eagleson—hosts Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins explore the pros and cons of banning cell phones to foster a focused learning environment.

Links to resources from the episode:

Alabama eyes limiting student use of cell phones at school - al.com

Utah Governor to Schools: Remove Cellphones During Class Time – The 74 (the74million.org)

Teens Get Hundreds of Smartphone Notifications Daily: Study (webmd.com)

‘Put learners first’: Unesco calls for global ban on smartphones in schools | Unesco | The Guardian

Mobile phone use to be banned in schools in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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Lookback at 2023, What’s Ahead in 2024 Jan 11, 2024

Dive into Episode 1 of the ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights podcast, where education policy meets advocacy. Join Tom Greene and Ashley Mullins as they unravel the monumental year for K-12 education reform that was 2023.

States, led by visionary leaders, made historic strides—universal choice in Arkansas, innovative career scholarship accounts in Indiana, and a wave of states championing early literacy. Discover the impact of banning harmful practices like three-cueing and closing the funding gap between public and charter schools.

Then, get insights into the exciting trends of 2024, from math and education choice to tackling smartphone and social media challenges in schools. Each episode promises a deep dive into the latest trends, policies and bold ideas shaping the future of education. Subscribe now to stay informed and inspired on the Statehouse Spotlights podcast!

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Introducing Statehouse Spotlights Jan 04, 2024

Join the ExcelinEd in Action Advocacy team on the Statehouse Spotlights podcast, your go-to source for updates on critical education policy and legislation. From early literacy to the digital divide, teacher pipeline to school choice, we track and report on bills shaping student-centered policies. Stay informed on the latest trends during state legislative sessions, guided by a team of trusted experts. Tune in to the Statehouse Spotlights podcast to stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of education policy news.

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