ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

Quick Update: Major education policy wins as more state sessions wrap

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins takes a step back to examine the major education policy developments emerging as legislative sessions wrap up across the country. With several states officially adjourned and others racing toward the finish line, the episode highlights the proposals, priorities and trends that gained momentum during the 2026 session.  Ashley begins in Oklahoma, where lawmakers advanced one of the most sweeping education agendas in recent memory. The conversation explores major reforms related to literacy, math instruction, charter school facilities funding, distraction-free learning environments, teacher compensation and artificial intelligence in schools. The episode also highlights additional developments still moving in states including South Carolina, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Louisiana and Delaware, offering listeners a national snapshot of where state education policy is headed.  From science-of-reading implementation and math accountability to workforce pathways, school choice and modernized funding systems, this episode captures the broad range of strategies states are pursuing to improve outcomes for students, educators and communities.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com) [https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/excelinaction.bsky.social]    ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Funding what works: Alabama’s outcomes-based approach to higher education | Sen. Arthur Orr

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins heads to Alabama to explore the state’s newly enacted approach to outcomes-based funding in higher education. Signed into law alongside the state budget, the College and Higher Education Excellence and Results (CHEER) Act ties a portion of public college and university funding to measures, such as degree completion, job placement, wages and long-term economic mobility.   Ashley is joined by Senator Arthur Orr, Chairman of the Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, to discuss what prompted this shift, how the policy is designed to work and what it could mean for students, institutions and Alabama’s workforce needs.   The conversation explores how lawmakers built consensus around a major funding reform, the challenges of defining meaningful student outcomes and how the state is balancing workforce alignment with broader educational priorities. As more states examine how public investments in higher education connect to long-term student success, Alabama’s approach offers a timely look at how policymakers can align funding, accountability and economic opportunity.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com) [https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/excelinaction.bsky.social]    ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction]  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Quick Update: From appreciation to action—how states are supporting teachers

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins marks Teacher Appreciation Week by taking a closer look at how states are moving beyond recognition to implement policies that strengthen and sustain the educator workforce. Rather than focusing on a single bill or state, this episode highlights a growing national trend: lawmakers advancing thoughtful, long-term strategies to recruit, support and retain high-quality teachers.  Ashley walks through key areas of momentum across the country, including efforts to expand pathways into the profession, improve teacher preparation and support and rethink compensation and career advancement. From new approaches to certification and mobility to investments in mentoring, pay and leadership opportunities, states are beginning to take a more comprehensive view of what it takes to support educators at every stage of their careers.  As challenges like teacher shortages and burnout continue to shape the education landscape, this episode offers a timely snapshot of how states are responding—not with quick fixes, but with structural changes designed to make teaching a more sustainable and impactful profession over time.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com) [https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/excelinaction.bsky.social]    ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction]  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ohio’s final push to make math policy a top priority | Sen. Andrew Brenner

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins heads to Ohio to explore a growing priority across states: strengthening math outcomes for students. As more lawmakers turn their attention to math, Ohio is advancing a comprehensive policy approach designed to support students at every level, from those who need early intervention to those ready for advanced coursework.  Ashley is joined by Senate Education Chair Andrew Brenner to discuss what’s driving this push, how the proposal is designed to work in practice and what it could mean for classrooms, families and long-term workforce readiness. The conversation explores key elements of the policy, including screening and intervention, instructional quality and access to rigorous coursework, while also unpacking what it takes to move a major academic reform forward during an active legislative session. As other states consider similar efforts, Ohio’s approach offers a timely look at how to build a coordinated strategy to improve math outcomes and better prepare students for future success.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com) [https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/excelinaction.bsky.social]    ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction]  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Quick Update: The K-8 literacy surge in the states

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins highlights the growing wave of K–8 literacy legislation advancing across the country as states enter the final stretch of their 2026 legislative sessions. From early literacy to adolescent supports, lawmakers are prioritizing comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to ensure students become proficient readers.   Ashley walks through major developments across the nation, including in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming, where policymakers are strengthening literacy systems.  The episode also highlights a key shift in focus: extending literacy supports into grades 4–8 to ensure struggling readers do not fall behind as academic content becomes more complex.  At the same time, Ashley underscores an important reality of policymaking—while many states are seeing significant progress, not every proposal crosses the finish line. Listeners will hear updates from states like Nebraska and Kansas, where strong literacy efforts faced legislative hurdles, offering insight into the ongoing, iterative nature of education reform.  The episode concludes with a quick look at legislative sessions nearing adjournment in Iowa and Tennessee, where several major education policies are still advancing.  Listeners will come away with a clear, timely snapshot of the nationwide literacy surge, the policies shaping reading instruction and the continued momentum to strengthen student outcomes through thoughtful, sustained reform.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com) [https://twitter.com/ExcelinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/ExcelinEdinAction]    ExcelinEd in Action (@excelinedinaction) • BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/excelinaction.bsky.social]    ExcelinEd in Action on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/excelinedinaction]  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.