Midwest Regional Legislative Director Michael Chartier is back with a quick legislative update from Iowa!

Idaho just passed the country's first earned autonomy policy for schools. Find out what that means on the latest Statehouse Spotlights episode: shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

Great news out of Oklahoma! The Senate just passed HB 1276, making the existing bell-to-bell distraction-free school policy permanent. This is a huge step in fostering focused learning for all students across the state. Thank you to Rep. Chad Caldwell & Sen. Ally Siefried for championing this bill.

Editorial: One more tool to combat SC teacher shortage? We’ll take it. SC has too many teacher vacancies despite hefty raises and better working conditions. Joining the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact would let teachers skip recertification when they move here.

#SouthCarolina's hard work to address the teacher shortage is paying off and there's more progress on the way. See what the state has been doing to make real change for students and educators. www.postandcourier.com/opinion/edit...

Sessions are wrapping in Georgia, Idaho & Mississippi and it's been a big week for education policy. 🎙️ @ashleydmullins.bsky.social breaks it all down in just 14 mins on Statehouse Spotlights this week, plus what to watch as more states approach adjournment. shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

Opinion: Investing in early literacy prepares children for the future By investing in literacy early, we are not just improving test scores; we are strengthening futures, families and communities for generations to come.

Read #Utah Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Karen Peterson's op-ed on SB241 and the push to ensure 80% of students read at grade level by third grade by 2030. #UTleg

www.deseret.com/opinion/2026...

ExcelinEd in Action ➡️ Ozarks Legislative Director Jordan Zakery and Deputy Legislative Director Ashley Reynolds had the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and state leaders at the Oklahoma State Capitol last week!

Arkansas parents weigh in on the LEARNS Act three years later | Secretary Jacob Oliva | ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights Listen to Arkansas parents weigh in on the LEARNS Act three years later | Secretary Jacob Oliva from ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights. In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins brings us to Arkansas to examine what happens after a major education reform package moves from passage to implementation. Three years after the enactment of the LEARNS Act, new statewide polling offers a critical lens into how families are experiencing the law—and how their perceptions are evolving over time. Ashley is joined by Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva to discuss the state’s progress implementing one of the most comprehensive education policy packages in the country. The conversation explores how key components of the LEARNS Act—from expanded Education Freedom Accounts and merit-based teacher incentives to early literacy initiatives and career-ready pathways—are shaping the education landscape across the state. As participation in school choice programs grows and satisfaction rates remain high, the episode takes a closer look at what families are saying about their experiences and what may be driving increased intensity of support among parents. Secretary Oliva also shares insights into how Arkansas is supporting educators, aligning education with workforce needs and refining policies based on real-time feedback from schools and communities. With other states considering similarly ambitious reforms, Arkansas’ experience underscores an important lesson: sustained success depends not only on strong policy design, but also on thoughtful implementation, continuous improvement and maintaining public trust.  Tune in for a timely discussion on how education reform is taking shape in practice—and what it means for students, families and policymakers nationwide. 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 

#Arkansas' LEARNS Act is one of the most comprehensive education reform packages in the country. Hear how implementation is going on ExcelinEd in Action's new Statehouse Spotlights episode with host @ashleydmullins.bsky.social and Sec. Jacob Oliva! shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

Op-ed by Gov. Jim Pillen: Nebraska must ensure every child can read before fourth grade In a World-Herald op-ed, Gov. Jim Pillen writes about the high-stakes effort to make sure Nebraska students are learning to read.

Read Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen's op-ed on why reading readiness must be a priority, and what Nebraska can do about it. omaha.com/opinion/colu...

The 2026 session is moving fast. Host @ashleydmullins.bsky.social breaks down the early education policy wins, defensive victories and national trends you need to know in the latest Statehouse Spotlights. Listen now: shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

K-12 Education Policy Priorities: What Governors Are Focused on in 2026 According to their State of the State Addresses   Learn more from this state-by-state analysis of governors’ 2026 State of the State addresses and K-12 education priorities.

ICYMI ➡️ We dug into State of the State addresses from governors across the country to surface the biggest education policy priorities of 2026, and the trends are hard to ignore. Literacy, math, school choice, teacher recruitment and more are all on the agenda. excelinedinaction.org/2026/02/27/k...

OPINION | JEB BUSH: LEARNS Act is a strong foundation for lasting gains | Pine Bluff Commercial News When Arkansas lawmakers passed the LEARNS Act three years ago, it was never going to be a quick fix. No serious education overhaul is. The goal was more ambitious: to reset expectations, focus on the fundamentals, and build a system that works better for students over the long haul.

Three years after Arkansas passed the LEARNS Act, the early results are encouraging. More students have access to educational choice, proficiency scores are up and teachers are being better supported and rewarded.

Read Gov. Jeb Bush latest op-ed to learn more: www.pbcommercial.com/news/2026/ma...

#Iowa's universal ESA program and updated charter school policies are opening new doors for families. Hear the details on this week's new Statehouse Spotlights episode with @ashleydmullins.bsky.social and Sen. Jesse Green! #IAleg

Listen here: shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

K-12 Education Policy Priorities: What Governors Are Focused on in 2026 According to their State of the State Addresses   Learn more from this state-by-state analysis of governors’ 2026 State of the State addresses and K-12 education priorities.

We analyzed State of the State addresses and budget proposals to surface the biggest education policy themes of 2026, including distraction-free schools, fair funding and teacher recruitment. See the full breakdown on our blog. excelinedinaction.org/2026/02/27/k...

In this week's Quick Update, host @ashleydmullins.bsky.social breaks down the first major committee and floor deadlines, covering which education bills are advancing, what to watch and updates on states prioritizing college & career pathways policies. ➡️ shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

Inside Florida’s agenda to strengthen college and career pathways | Nathan Hoffman | ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights Listen to Inside Florida’s agenda to strengthen college and career pathways | Nathan Hoffman from ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights. In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins explores Florida’s evolving approach to strengthening pathways that connect students from high school to postsecondary education, careers and long-term economic opportunity. Ashley is joined by Nathan Hoffman, Senior Legislative Director at ExcelinEd in Action and Director at the Foundation for Florida’s Future, to discuss the policy priorities shaping Florida’s higher education and workforce agenda this legislative session. As lawmakers consider a broad slate of proposals, Florida is placing increased emphasis on return-on-investment accountability, workforce alignment and transparency across education systems. The conversation highlights how policymakers are working to ensure college programs and credentials are connected to real labor market demand and that students and families have access to clearer information about outcomes, costs and career opportunities. As Florida’s legislative session enters its final stretch, this episode offers insight into how policymakers are working to build stronger connections between education and the workforce—and what other states can learn from Florida’s efforts to improve postsecondary outcomes for students and families. 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 

On the latest Statehouse Spotlights, @ashleydmullins.bsky.social & Nathan Hoffman discuss how #Florida is prioritizing ROI accountability, workforce alignment & transparency so students can make informed decisions about their futures. @afloridapromise.bsky.social shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

K-12 Education Policy Priorities: What Governors Are Focused on in 2026 According to their State of the State Addresses   Learn more from this state-by-state analysis of governors’ 2026 State of the State addresses and K-12 education priorities.

What's driving K-12 education policy in 2026? We broke down governor priorities from State of the State addresses nationwide, from distraction-free classrooms to education funding reform. Full recap here: excelinedinaction.org/2026/02/27/k...

Quick Update: Short-session sprint wrap-up | ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights Listen to Quick Update: Short-session sprint wrap-up from ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights. In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the fast-paced end of short legislative sessions in New Mexico and Utah, highlighting the key education bills that crossed the finish line — and the proposals that fell short. Ashley then shifts to a status check on several other states, where major education policies are still moving as each state approaches critical procedural deadlines. With a focus on policy outcomes, emerging trends and what to watch next, this episode gives listeners a clear, timely snapshot of where important K–12 legislation stands across several high-activity 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 Facebook4 

Short sessions are wrapping up, and a lot is happening in K-12 policy. Host @ashleydmullins.bsky.social has the rundown on New Mexico and several other high-activity states in the latest Statehouse Spotlights Quick Update. shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

#Indiana SB 78, which would require schools to adopt and implement a bell-to-bell phone- and wireless communication device-free policy, has passed the Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk! Thank you Sen. Jeff Raatz, Rep. Jake Teshka and Rep. Bob Behning for championing this bill.

📣 #Georgia's Math Matters Act (HB 1030) unanimously passed the House 171-0! This act would guarantee access to advanced math courses for middle and high school students, require 60 minutes of daily math instruction in grades 4-5 & strengthen educator preparation programs in math training.

New Mexico Adopts Student-Focused Early Literacy Reforms  Patricia Levesque, Executive Director of ExcelinEd in Action, issued the following statement on New Mexico’s passage of early literacy reforms.

The New Mexico Legislature has passed a new literacy policy that strengthens instruction, expands supports & helps students build the foundation they need for future reading success. Read our statement: excelinedinaction.org/2026/02/20/n... @senmimistewart17.bsky.social
@joyousgarratt.bsky.social

SE Legislative Director Miranda Thomas testified in support of Georgia's HB 1107 & HB 1030 this week! HB 1107 strengthens educator prep evaluations & HB 1030 (Math Matters Act) guarantees advanced math access for middle & high schoolers, 60 min of daily math in grades 4-5 & improves math training.

Midwest Legislative Director Michael Chartier with an update from the Iowa statehouse last night!

New on Statehouse Spotlights: Host Ashley Mullins (@ashleydmullins.bsky.social) talks with NM Sen. William Soules (@senatorsoules.bsky.social) about the state's early math initiative — screening, intervention, teacher prep & family engagement.

Listen now: shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

New Mexico Passes Comprehensive Math Bill to Strengthen Instruction and Support Students  Patricia Levesque issued a statement on New Mexico’s adoption of a comprehensive math policy

The New Mexico Legislature has passed a major math improvement bill to strengthen instruction, support teachers and provide early help for students. Read our statement: excelinedinaction.org/2026/02/18/n... #nmleg

Ozarks Legislative Director Jordan Zakery testified in support of Missouri's SB1194 and SB1653 at yesterday's Senate Education Committee hearing. These bills would strengthen school accountability by overhauling the current state report card system and establishing an A-F school grading model.

Read Executive Director Patricia Levesque's latest op-ed urging the #Indiana House to protect minors from the many harms of social media by restoring the critical safeguards to SB 199. readthereporter.com/indiana-must...

Bill could completely ban cell phones in public and charter schools in New Mexico Senate Bill 23, would prohibit student cell phone use during the school day, not just in the classroom. 

#NewMexico is strengthening learning environments by reducing classroom distractions and improving student focus with proposed SB 23! Teachers benefit too—less time managing devices means more engaging lessons and stronger student connections. Read more ⤵️ www.krqe.com/news/politic...

Quick Update: Opening weeks of the 2026 sessions | ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights Listen to Quick Update: Opening weeks of the 2026 sessions from ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights. In this episode of Statehouse Spotlight, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the fast-moving start to the 2026 state legislative sessions, where education policy is already front and center. As lawmakers introduce their early priorities, states are seeing quick action on proposals related to distraction-free learning policies, K-12 literacy, math and more. Ashley highlights which bills are gaining early traction, where sessions are already approaching adjournment and the common themes emerging across multiple states. She also previews what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead, including deeper conversations with policymakers advancing major reforms. This brief update provides listeners with key insights into the policies shaping the year ahead and a preview of K-12 policy for what’s to come in this dynamic new season of Statehouse Spotlights.  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  

New Statehouse Spotlights Episode (17 min): The 2026 legislative sessions are off to a fast start. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down early education policy priorities—from distraction-free learning to K-12 literacy & math. Which bills are gaining traction? Listen now ⤵️ shows.acast.com/excelined-in...

#Utah HB 234 did not pass its vote in the House, which is a big win for accountability!

Thank you to Speaker Mike Schultz, Rep. John Arthur, Rep. Karen Peterson, and Rep. Joseph Elison for standing firm in protecting the high standards, strong accountability and transparency that parents deserve.