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. 

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In the final stretch of legislative sessions, states are still making bold moves on education—from expanding school choice to boosting math instruction and reining in classroom distractions. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down the latest developments in Florida, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Texas, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania—including budget wins, policy setbacks, and what's still on the table. Tune in for a fast-paced update on the bills and decisions shaping classrooms across the country.

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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. 

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins highlights the final flurry of activity in state legislatures as they race to wrap up their 2025 sessions. From late-breaking deals on school funding and teacher pay to last-minute changes in parental choice and curriculum laws, this episode tracks the high-stakes decisions that could shape education policy for years to come. As lawmakers face hard deadlines, we’ll give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the priorities making it to governors' desks.

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with South Carolina Sen. Greg Hembree to discuss the expansion and strengthening of the state’s education scholarship account (ESA) program. Just months after the program faced a significant legal setback, South Carolina leaders acted decisively to protect educational opportunities for thousands of students. 

Sen. Hembree, the bill’s sponsor and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, shares insights into why the ESA program matters, how the new law prioritizes equity and accountability, and what the future holds for educational opportunity in South Carolina. 

Join us for an inside look at how South Carolina overcame legal and political challenges to put students first—and how other states can learn from their journey. 

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, we reflect on the final stretch of the 2025 legislative sessions across the country. Host Ashley Mullins breaks down the biggest policy wins, including breakthroughs in school choice, early literacy and career readiness. We’ll also spotlight unresolved challenges—from stalled teacher pay proposals to unfinished school funding reforms—and preview what education advocates should be watching for during the interim. As session gavels fall, this episode helps listeners take stock of where things landed and what’s still ahead. 

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins is joined by Oklahoma Senators Ally Seifried and Adam Pugh to discuss the state’s ambitious legislative push to strengthen its teacher workforce. With multiple bills advancing through the legislature, Oklahoma is taking a comprehensive approach—supporting aspiring educators with financial assistance, flexible training options and long-term professional development. From job-embedded teacher apprenticeships to the proposed Oklahoma Teacher Recruitment Academy and Grow Your Own Educator Program, these policies aim to meet educators where they are and bring new talent into the classroom. 

Senators Seifried and Pugh discuss what inspired their legislation, how it complements other reforms like teacher pay increases and licensure modernization and why investing in educators is key to student success. They also highlight the importance of collaboration with districts, higher ed institutions and local communities to ensure these programs are implemented effectively.  

Tune in to learn how Oklahoma is creating a model other states can watch—and replicate—to build a strong, sustainable pipeline of future teachers. 

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins recaps the major education policy breakthroughs happening across the country as legislative sessions begin to wrap up. From final floor votes on school choice and early literacy reforms to new investments in teacher pay and college and career pathways, states are racing to deliver on key priorities before adjournment. The episode highlights which bills made it across the finish line, which ones are still in motion and what the next few weeks might bring for schools, families and students. 

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ExcelinEd in Action (@ExcelinAction) / X (twitter.com) 

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins sits down with North Dakota Senator Michelle Axtman to discuss the passage of SB 2241, the state’s first public charter school legislation. As the 47th state to adopt charter schools, North Dakota is taking a significant step toward empowering families with more public school options, enhancing accountability and fostering innovation. 

Sen. Axtman shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of building a public charter school framework from scratch, why this moment is critical for North Dakota students and what’s next as the state rolls out this historic reform. 

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the process of championing bold, student-centered policies in the Peace Garden State. 

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In this quick update episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins highlights the latest legislative action on education policy as we head into May. From new literacy and math investments to historic school choice expansions, states continue to prioritize student-centered reforms—despite fiscal challenges and tight deadlines. 

Ashley walks listeners through major updates in Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, and more, spotlighting the bills that are advancing, the policies heading to governors, and the emerging trends to keep an eye on. Whether it’s expanded ESAs, math screeners or phone-free schools, these updates show how state leaders are staying focused on student success. 

Subscribe for more timely education policy news—and share this episode with a colleague or policymaker who’s tracking what’s next in K-12 reform. 

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