Advertise on podcast: Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Christy Hovanetz, ExcelinEd senior policy fellow, sits down with Chad Aldeman, education analyst, author and founder of ReadNotGuess.com, to explore why school accountability remains essential to improving student outcomes. Drawing on Aldeman's extensive research and experience in education policy, the conversation examines how assessments, school performance measures and transparent reporting help states understand whether students are learning and schools are delivering results. As states confront persistent achievement gaps and declining academic performance among many students, Hovanetz and Aldeman discuss what effective accountability systems should accomplish and how policymakers can use student achievement data to guide decisions and strengthen schools. The episode also previews the upcoming launch of AccountabilityMatters.org, a new ExcelinEd resource examining school accountability policies and results across all 50 states. For state policymakers and education leaders, the conversation reinforces an important principle: accountability is about more than measuring performance. It's about setting clear expectations, making results transparent and using that information to drive improvements that help every student succeed. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on BlueSky ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Justine Morina, ExcelinEd senior policy director of teacher and school policy, sits down with Mike Miles, superintendent of Houston Independent School District, to explore how states can better recognize, reward and retain highly effective teachers. Drawing on his experience leading teacher compensation reforms in Dallas and Houston, Miles discusses how strategic compensation can strengthen teacher retention, support school improvement and expand students' access to excellent educators. The conversation examines Texas' Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), a statewide program that rewards effective teachers with increased compensation while directing additional funding to high-need and rural schools. Miles shares insights on implementing performance-based compensation, measuring teacher effectiveness, building educator support and using strategic staffing as part of broader school turnaround efforts. For state policymakers and education leaders, the episode offers a closer look at how thoughtful teacher compensation policies can help districts attract and retain talented educators, strengthen classroom instruction and improve student outcomes. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on BlueSky ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Dr. Kymyona Burk, ExcelinEd senior policy fellow of literacy, sits down with Jeanne Schopf, a veteran K–12 educator, literacy coach, reading specialist and interventionist, to explore why improving literacy policy cannot stop in the early grades. Drawing on more than three decades of experience and her work on structured literacy, explicit instruction and the Science of Reading, Schopf discusses what it takes to help adolescent students who may still be developing the reading skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. As more states turn their attention to secondary literacy, the conversation examines how the needs of older readers connect to—and differ from—those of early learners. Schopf also shares insights from Reading Isn’t Optional: Fulfilling the Promise of Literacy for Secondary Students, highlighting the importance of sustained, evidence-based instruction and support throughout a student’s education. The conversation explores the policy levers and instructional practices state leaders can use to build comprehensive literacy systems that extend beyond the elementary years. For policymakers and educators, the episode offers an important reminder: the promise of literacy must extend through every grade, ensuring students have the reading skills they need to access rigorous coursework, graduate prepared and succeed in life. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on BlueSky ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, hosts Ben DeGrow, ExcelinEd senior policy director of education choice, and Abby Burrola, ExcelinEd associate director of education choice policy, sit down with Luke Ragland, Daniels Fund Chief Impact Officer and former president of Ready Colorado, to explore how states can put the new federal scholarship tax credit program into action. Ragland breaks down the basic parameters of the 2025 federal law and recent guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department, including what states need to consider as they decide whether to participate and establish certification processes for scholarship-granting organizations. The conversation takes a closer look at the state-level infrastructure needed to make the program work effectively, from building scholarship-granting organization capacity to establishing appropriate oversight and ensuring fiscal integrity. Ragland also explores how states can design implementation to serve students across public and private education, expand access to greater educational opportunity and integrate federal tax-credit donations with existing programs, such as education savings accounts and state tax-credit scholarships. The discussion offers practical considerations for state leaders navigating a new federal opportunity while building on the choice programs already serving families. For policymakers, educators and advocates, the episode highlights an important opportunity: effective implementation will depend not only on making the federal tax credit available, but on creating the state systems, safeguards and partnerships needed to ensure scholarship dollars reach students and expand meaningful educational options. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on BlueSky ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host and ExcelinEd Math Policy Director Tim Flatley sits down with Steve Hood, Assistant Commissioner of Academic Affairs for the Utah System of Higher Education, to explore a critical question for students and policymakers: Is high school math really preparing students for what comes next? As states rethink traditional math sequences and develop multiple pathways for students with different college and career goals, Hood explains why those pathways must connect to the expectations students encounter in higher education—and why a pathway is only successful if it opens doors rather than becoming a dead end. Hood shares lessons from Utah’s work to strengthen math pathways and improve the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The conversation explores the role of early college math, opportunities to earn meaningful college credit, guaranteed admissions and the importance of helping students understand where different math pathways can lead. Hood also discusses Utah’s efforts to help more students enter college-level math with the support they need to succeed, including the use of co-requisite support and data to measure whether reforms are actually improving student outcomes. This episode explores when K-12 and higher education leaders work together to align expectations, create clear pathways and provide meaningful opportunities for students to move into college-level work, states can give students more choices while keeping future college and career opportunities open. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host and Managing Director of Policy at ExcelinEd, Adriana Harrington, sits down with Ian Caraway of the Georgia Governor’s Office and the new lead of the Office of Education and Workforce Strategy to explore how states can better connect K-12 education and workforce systems to improve outcomes for students and employers. Ian and Adriana discuss the high-level recommendations from a new governance report and why strong state-level coordination is essential to building clearer pathways from the classroom to college, careers and the workforce. (You can learn more and download the full report here.) The conversation also highlights an important shift in how states can think about education policy—not as a collection of disconnected programs, but as a coordinated system designed to help students build valuable skills, pursue meaningful opportunities and meet the needs of a changing economy. For policymakers and education leaders, the episode offers a practical takeaway: better pathways require better governance—and better governance requires knowing what works. Georgia’s approach demonstrates how states can bring education and workforce leaders together, use data to measure results and focus investments on programs that deliver meaningful value for students, families and employers. Remember to join the conversation on social media too. ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram ExcelinEd on Facebook ExcelinEd on BlueSky ExcelinEd on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, hosts and ExcelinEd ‘s VP of Policy Cara Candal and ExcelinEd’s Policy Director of AI and Ed Tech Ji Soo Song sit down with education expert Michael B. Horn to explore what happens when young learners increasingly interact with educational technology and artificial intelligence. Together, they unpack the complicated questions surrounding screen time and AI exposure, examining how a student’s developmental stage, the content they encounter and the context in which technology is used can shape both its risks and its potential benefits.  The conversation also looks beyond simply asking whether students should spend more or less time on screens. Horn and our hosts discuss how educators and policymakers can ensure technology enhances learning rather than distracts from it, while addressing important concerns around student privacy, accountability and responsible use.   For policymakers, educators and parents navigating the rapidly changing role of AI in education, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how to embrace innovation while keeping student learning and well-being at the center.  Remember to join the conversation on social media too.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on BlueSky  ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new season of Policy Changes Lives is here! This fall, ExcelinEd is bringing together state leaders and education policy experts to explore the ideas shaping what’s next for students—from responsible AI and stronger college and career pathways to the next frontier of math and literacy policy. We’ll also tackle some of the biggest challenges facing states and communities, including declining enrollment, tighter budgets, teacher retention, school schedules, local governance and accountability. Plus, listeners will get a front-row seat to a special conversation from ExcelinEd’s National Summit on Education and, to close the season, a look ahead at the education policy trends states should be watching in 2027. Across every episode, we’ll focus on practical ideas, emerging state strategies and student-centered policies that can help more students succeed. Follow Policy Changes Lives and join us for the 2026 season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this season finale of Policy Changes Lives, ExcelinEd VP of Policy Cara Candal sits down with ExcelinEd CEO Patricia Levesque to break down the most important education policy trends state leaders need to watch as 2026 approaches.  From new efforts to strengthen middle-grade literacy to a rapid expansion of math policy reform, Patricia walks through where states are headed—and why foundational skills will continue to dominate legislative agendas. The conversation also explores rising interest in postsecondary return-on-investment, updated accountability and data systems, workforce-aligned pathways, digital distraction policies like phone-free schools, and what states can expect as AI tools reshape classrooms and policymaking.  Cara and Patricia reflect on the biggest themes from the 2025 season and discuss how governors, legislators and education chiefs can prepare for a policy year defined by both urgency and opportunity. If you want to understand the landscape heading into 2026—and what it will take to drive meaningful impact for students—this episode is the perfect place to start.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Couldn’t make it to the 2025 National Summit on Education—or just couldn’t be in three strategy sessions at once? In this special bonus episode, host Dr. Cara Candal pulls together some of the most important ideas, quotes and policy takeaways from across the Summit’s strategy sessions and mainstage conversations.  Across three days, state leaders, practitioners and advocates dug into the big questions driving education policy right now:  How do we close achievement gaps in reading and math? What does real college and career readiness look like? How should states rethink funding, school choice, civics, and digital learning for a new generation of students?  Cara takes you behind the scenes, weaving together clips from multiple sessions and connecting them to the practical realities facing governors, legislators and state agencies in the year ahead.  To listen to the full 2025 ExcelinEd National Summit on Education strategy session audios as well as our keynotes from the main stage, visit our YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj48WE9RS6E&list=PLamKh0vaiRJOqVYjpgynniKnpJ5bjJ3rh  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, ExcelinEd’s Founder, Chairman and 43rd Governor of Florida Jeb Bush takes the main stage with President and CEO of the Daniels Fund Hanna Skandera to open the 17th annual National Summit on Education in New Orleans with a powerful conversation on the future of learning, leadership and opportunity in America.  Reflecting on lessons from two decades of education reform and leadership through crises, Gov. Bush shares his vision for helping every student succeed through proven, student-centered policies that close learning gaps, expand parental choice and strengthen pathways to in-demand careers. The conversation touches on key themes from this year’s Summit—from rebuilding trust in higher education and addressing digital distraction in schools to balancing innovation in artificial intelligence with safeguards that protect children and preserve great teaching.  Gov. Bush also reflects on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and how Louisiana leaders transformed a moment of devastation into an education renaissance. His candid Q&A sets the stage for two days of action-oriented discussions, challenging policymakers to “go big and be bold” in tackling today’s toughest education challenges.  Listeners will leave inspired to reimagine education policy, recommit to the fundamentals of reading and math and build a future where every child has the chance to thrive.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High school has long centered on traditional courses like biology, civics and earth science—subjects chosen because every student needs a foundation in how their bodies, their government and their world work. But in 2025 and beyond, the demands on graduates are rapidly shifting. In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, co-hosts Adriana Harrington and Lindsey Henderson sit down with Liz Cohen, Vice President of Policy at 50CAN, to explore how high school requirements must evolve to better prepare students for college, careers and life.  From financial literacy and computer science to data science, digital safety and modern math pathways, the conversation digs into the policies and practices that can ensure all students leave high school ready for an increasingly complex and technology-driven world and how these additions reflect a shift toward preparing students for real-world success.   Liz brings insights from her nearly two decades of work in education policy, as well as her research on tutoring, learning recovery and the future of personalized learning. The takeaway is clear: math and data science are no longer optional add-ons—they are the bridge between college readiness and career readiness, equipping students with the skills they’ll need to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.  Together, Adriana, Lindsey and Liz ask a bold question: What does every student truly need to know before they graduate? This discussion challenges policymakers, educators and families alike to rethink high school for the next generation—and to build a system that equips students not just with knowledge, but with the skills to thrive.   Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most literacy policies focus on ensuring students can read proficiently by third grade. But what happens when they don’t? In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, ExcelinEd’s Dr. Kymyona Burk and Casey Taylor explore the “new frontier” in literacy policy: adolescent literacy.  Drawing on new research and national data, they unpack why so many middle and high school students still struggle to read classroom materials fluently—and what it really means to cross the “decoding threshold.” From the latest NAEP results to evidence-based strategies for Tier 1 instruction, the conversation highlights the urgent need to support students who haven’t yet mastered foundational reading skills.  Kymyona and Casey discuss the role of high-quality instructional materials, targeted interventions and ongoing professional learning for teachers. They also explain how strong early literacy policies must be paired with strategies to help older students build fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.  Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how literacy development continues well beyond third grade—and how thoughtful policy can help every student become a confident, capable reader.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens after students graduate high school? Do the pathways we’ve built truly prepare them for success in college, careers and life? In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Nathan Oakley sits down with Dr. Ken Warden, Commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, to explore how states are answering these critical questions with data-driven solutions.  Together, they discuss how Arkansas is leading with its return-on-investment analysis of college and career programs. The conversation highlights the power of data not just to measure outcomes but to guide real action—helping policymakers, schools and communities create stronger, more effective pathways for students.  Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how data can shine a light on what works, where gaps remain and how states can better prepare students for the opportunities that await them beyond high school.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Adriana Harrington sits down with South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver to discuss the state’s efforts to create distraction-free classrooms. In 2024, South Carolina became one of the first states in the nation to include a cell phone provision in its budget, requiring districts to prohibit the use of personal communication devices—like phones, smartwatches, tablets and gaming devices—during the school day.  Superintendent Weaver shares the reasoning behind this bold step, the early impact on students and educators and the challenges and successes schools have experienced in the rollout. From improving focus and academic performance to addressing student well-being, South Carolina’s policy is sparking national conversations about the role of technology in learning.  Listeners will gain practical insights into how schools are adapting, how families are responding and what may be next as policymakers consider making this approach permanent. The episode highlights why limiting digital distractions isn’t just a discipline issue but a key part of supporting student success and preparing schools for the future.  Remember to join the conversation on social media.   ExcelinEd (@ExcelinEd) / X    ExcelinEd(@excelined) • Instagram      ExcelinEd on Facebook    ExcelinEd on LinkedIn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.