Policy Changes Lives is a weekly seasonal podcast that spotlights how the states are using thoughtful education policies to change students' lives for the better.
From back-to-school in September through November, experts from the ExcelinEd team share their expertise and interview policymakers, educators and researchers about transformative K-12 policies. Each week, we explore a different topic related to states' education policies, such as early literacy, math, the teacher pipeline, funding, the digital divide, education choice, reimagining learning, school accountability and college and career pathways.
In a nutshell: Policy Changes Lives is designed to inform and engage policymakers, educators and advocates about the latest trends in K-12 education policy.
Why should you listen?
Please subscribe and follow @ExcelinEd on Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Thank you for listening!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Policy Changes Lives is a weekly seasonal podcast that spotlights how the states are using thoughtful education policies to change students' lives for the better.
From back-to-school in September through November, experts from the ExcelinEd team share their expertise and interview policymakers, educators and researchers about transformative K-12 policies. Each week, we explore a different topic related to states' education policies, such as early literacy, math, the teacher pipeline, funding, the digital divide, education choice, reimagining learning, school accountability and college and career pathways.
In a nutshell: Policy Changes Lives is designed to inform and engage policymakers, educators and advocates about the latest trends in K-12 education policy.
Why should you listen?
Please subscribe and follow @ExcelinEd on Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Thank you for listening!
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.
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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.
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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.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Justine Morina sits down with Meagan Comb, Executive Director of the Wheelock Educational Policy Center at Boston University, to unpack one of the most urgent questions in education: How do we ensure every student has a well-prepared, effective teacher?
Together, they explore how states are rethinking teacher preparation as part of broader efforts to boost literacy and math outcomes. From Louisiana’s bold math teacher training requirements to Colorado’s flexible licensure pathways and Arkansas’ sweeping LEARNS Act reforms, the conversation highlights concrete examples of how smart policy can strengthen teacher pipelines, address shortages and ultimately improve student achievement.
Listeners will walk away with practical lessons from leading states about the critical skills teachers need most, the role of data and evidence in evaluating preparation programs and strategies for recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented educator workforce. This episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for policymakers and advocates committed to ensuring every child has access to great teaching and a well-prepared, effective teacher.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Christy Hovanetz sits down with longtime education leader (and ExcelinEd board member) Chris Cerf to examine one of the most pressing issues in American education: the “honesty gap.”
Too often, states report student performance in ways that mask real challenges, leaving parents and educators with an inaccurate picture of whether students are truly on track. Christy and Chris dig into why this matters, how school accountability has evolved over the past few decades and what states can do to ensure honesty and transparency in measuring student success.
Drawing on Chris’s experience as New Jersey’s Commissioner of Education, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools and a key leader in New York City’s Department of Education, the conversation explores the policies and practices that have moved the needle on student outcomes—and the consequences when states fail to hold schools accountable. Together, they highlight examples of states that have succeeded, unpack the role of state assessments and consider how accountability can advance meaningful change by maintaining high expectations for all students.
Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of why strong accountability systems are not about punishment, but about creating trust, driving improvement and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Ben DeGrow sits down with Keith Jacobs, Director of Provider Development at Step Up for Students, to discuss a groundbreaking expansion for parental choice in Florida. Long known for leading the way in private school choice, Florida is pioneering a new policy that enables and engages public schools and districts to serve as education scholarship account (ESA) providers. This means families using ESAs can purchase individual public school classes, extracurriculars or specialized programs — blending the best of private customization with public school offerings.
Drawing on his experience as both a longtime educator and an advocate for parental choice, Jacobs explains how this policy is reshaping the relationship between families and public schools. Instead of being sidelined by choice programs, districts can now actively compete and collaborate by offering courses and services that meet family needs.
Tune in as we explain how the Sunshine state is expanding the reach of ESAs to include district programs and reimagining the role of public education in a choice-driven marketplace. This episode promises to highlight the potential impacts on students, schools and communities by offering a glimpse into how traditional and new providers can work together to better serve every child.
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When should students take Algebra I—and how can states design math policies that expand opportunity without setting students up to struggle? In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Lindsey Henderson, Policy Director for Math at ExcelinEd, sits down with Dr. Thomas Dee, Professor of Education at Stanford University, to explore what the research really says about Algebra I timing, readiness and state policy solutions.
Together, Lindsey and Dr. Dee examine the evidence behind guaranteed access/automatic enrollment policies, the critical role of early math foundations like fractions and ratios and why one-size-fits-all “Algebra for All” approaches often backfire. They also dig into high school math pathways—whether calculus, data science or quantitative reasoning—and how states can better align them to student aspirations.
From lessons learned in states like Minnesota, Virginia and Indiana to the broader implications of detracking and math access, this conversation provides policymakers with practical insights and actionable strategies. Whether you’re a state leader, educator or advocate, this episode offers a clear takeaway: math policy isn’t just about when students take Algebra I—it’s about ensuring every student is prepared, supported and set up for long-term success.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Matthew Joseph welcomes Terry Ryan, CEO of Bluum and Board Chair of the Idaho Charter School Network, to explore how Idaho is leading the way in helping charter schools save on facility costs and invest more in student learning. At no cost to taxpayers, the state has developed a strategy that begins with no-interest revolving loans for new charter schools in their early years, followed by the use of the state’s “moral obligation” to help those schools secure affordable, long-term private financing.
Drawing from his leadership at Bluum and decades in education policy, Terry explains how this financing model works, the challenges it addresses and the measurable impact it’s already having for Idaho students. He shares real-world success stories, lessons learned from implementation and why other states should consider adopting similar solutions.
Listeners will come away with a clear understanding of how smart policy design—paired with strong partnerships—can free up resources for what matters most: delivering high-quality education for every child.
For reports mentioned in this episode: bluum.org/publications/
To learn more about Bluum's amazing work in the charter space over the past decade: Home - Bluum - 10 years
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In this episode, host and ExcelinEd VP of Policy Cara Candal kicks off season two of Policy Changes Lives by tackling the biggest federal education headlines with Patricia Levesque, CEO of ExcelinEd, and Lindsay Fryer, founder of Lodestone DC.
Together, they break down the White House proposal to close the U.S. Department of Education, the potential reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and how states are navigating new waiver requests. They also dive into provisions in Congress’s sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” from expanding Pell Grants for short-term credentials to new higher ed accountability rules and the launch of a federal tax-credit scholarship program.
Patricia and Lindsay share what these shifts mean for governors, legislators and state leaders—and why, despite the headlines, the real drivers of reform remain in state hands.
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Welcome back to Policy Changes Lives, the official podcast of ExcelinEd! Listen to our Vice President of Policy Cara Candal give a preview of our 2025 season.
We’re highlighting leaders who are breaking down old boundaries and putting students first.
Our goal? To inform, inspire and equip policymakers and advocates who care about student success and what’s next in education policy.
So hit that follow button and join us this season on Policy Changes Lives.
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In our final episode of the 2024 season of Policy Changes Lives, hosts Cara Candal and Adriana Harrington sit down with ExcelinEd CEO Patricia Levesque to recap the 2024 National Summit on Education, revisit our 2024 policy trend predictions and, finally, introduce new trends we expect to see in 2025.
Tune in for this info-packed episode as we explore what’s next for education policy and how states might tackle these new challenges in the year ahead.
Time Stamps
2:11 ExcelinEd National Summit on Education Keynote Recaps
13:52 Chronic Absenteeism
16:13 Phone-Free Schools
18:34 School Accountability
21:29 Early Literacy
23:27 Math
26:11 Private and Public School Choice
29:04 Artificial Intelligence in Education
31:34 Leveling Up High School/ High School Redesign
33:51 Addressing Teacher Shortages
36:43 Rapid-Fire Recap of our 2024 Policy Trend Predictions
42:02 Our 2025 Policy Trend Predictions
Links to Resources
ExcelinEd’s 2024 National Summit on Education keynotes on our YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLamKh0vaiRJPFN4YtZvMkbQRaO-LIlRx1&si=hBNI6LXHaFDhNL9p
Save the Date: 2025 National Summit on Education in New Orleans: https://excelined.org/national-summit/
ExcelinEd’s website, featuring model policies and much more: www.excelined.org
Early Literacy Matters: www.earlyliteracymatters.org
School Choice Matters: www.schoolchoicematters.org
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, ExcelinEd’s Founder and Chairman Governor Jeb Bush sits down with Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner from the main stage at the National Summit on Education in Oklahoma City to emphasize the power of student-centered policies.
Gov. Bush discusses his experience leading transformative education reforms in Florida and shares his vision for states to recommit to foundational skills in math and literacy while also adapting to new challenges like declining enrollment, student wellbeing and social media’s impact on learning.
Hear how state-level policymakers can tackle emerging trends and more. Gov. Bush’s candid Q&A will offer practical advice for prioritizing education policy goals amidst states’ competing opportunities and challenges.
Tune in now to his inspiring call to "go big and be bold" to create sustainable pathways for student success.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Michael Chartier sits down with Tim DeRoche, founder and president of Available to All, to explore the ambitious goal of eliminating school boundary lines by 2030.
They delve into the origins of these boundaries, tracing their roots back to discriminatory redlining practices and examining how they continue to limit access to quality education for countless students across the nation. Tim shares insights from his book, A Fine Line: How Most American Kids Are Kept Out of the Best Public Schools, and highlights the urgent need for reform to ensure equal educational opportunities for all.
The conversation also touches on the No More Lines coalition's strategy for achieving open enrollment nationwide and the challenges policymakers face in making this vision a reality. Tim and Michael discuss the first steps states and districts can take to begin dismantling these boundaries and the potential impact of open enrollment on overcrowding and resource allocation. As they look ahead to the 2030 goal, they explore the milestones that will be crucial to maintaining momentum and achieving success.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about equal access to educational opportunity and the future of public education in America.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Quentin Suffren explores the growing movement among state policymakers to ensure that high school graduates are not only prepared for college but also equipped with the skills needed for the workforce.
Quentin sits down with Taylor White, Director of Postsecondary Pathways for Youth at New America, to talk about youth apprenticeships and the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) initiative. They’ll discuss the states that are leading early adopters of these programs, the challenges they face and student successes so far.
Tune in to learn more about youth apprenticeships and the important and growing role they’ll play as states seek to better connect the K-12 education system to postsecondary opportunities and the workforce.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Sonya Yates sits down with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, a renowned dyslexia expert, author, researcher and educational consultant for a special episode to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Host Sonya Yates and Dr. Hasbrouck discuss the long-term impact of dyslexia on students and states, especially when students don't receive the necessary supports and interventions. The episode highlights how early screening, high-quality instructional materials, and evidence-based interventions can transform the educational experience for students with dyslexia, setting them on a path to success.
They will also discuss how states and schools are responding to the latest policy trends in early literacy, the importance of understanding the research behind these approaches and how they can be implemented effectively to support students with dyslexia. Finally, the conversation will touch on the critical role that parents play in advocating for their children’s reading journeys and the best ways they can get involved.
Tune in as these experts demystify dyslexia and the policies and practices that can help students become confident, capable readers.
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In this episode, host Lindsey Henderson investigates with Adam Ezring, Deputy Director of the Collaborative for Student Success the urgent issue of declining math performance across the nation and the innovative policies that have the potential to reverse this alarming trend.
After highlighting the critical challenges that have led to a national math crisis, Lindsey and Adam discuss the importance of implementing policies that prioritize rigorous standards, accountability and evidence-based instructional practices to ensure students are prepared for college and career success.
Additionally, this episode will dive deeper into the emerging concept of auto-enrollment in advanced math courses, a policy designed to automatically place eligible students into higher-level math classes. This approach can help close achievement gaps by ensuring that more students, especially those from underserved communities, have access to challenging coursework that sets them up for future success.
Tune in as we showcase which states are pioneering forward-thinking policies and explain why innovative math practices are critical to turning around math outcomes for students nationwide.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Matthew Joseph hops on the mic. Matthew serves as Senior Policy Advisor at ExcelinEd, where he focuses on helping states improve education through the strategic use of resources and funding.
This week, we welcome David Mansouri, CEO and President of Tennessee SCORE, to discuss the transformative potential of student-centered education funding.
Together, these two will share insights into Tennessee’s journey toward implementing a funding model that prioritizes higher-need students, ensuring that resources are allocated more equitably across the state. They’ll also highlight the benefits of this approach and how other states might follow suit.
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In this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host and ExcelinEd Vice President of Policy Cara Candal chats with North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt to explore teacher recruitment and retention.
As schools nationwide grapple with keeping classrooms staffed with qualified educators, Superintendent Truitt shares her insights on the challenges facing North Carolina’s teaching workforce and the innovative strategies she has championed to address these issues. This discussion will highlight the significant impact of policies aimed at supporting teachers, the role of alternative certification routes, team teaching and more. Catherine also reflects on her tenure and offers advice for states facing similar challenges.
Tune in as we delve deeper into the ongoing efforts to improve teacher policies and strengthen the teacher pipeline across America.
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In this episode, we are excited to look behind the curtain in Indiana as dedicated folks break ground on the state’s new Career Scholarship Accounts program. CSAs help students cover costs for a range of training and internship experiences as well as the costs associated with completing them, such as supplies and transportation. It's a fascinating program that begins to tackle the challenges many students and schools face while making these work-based learning opportunities a reality.
It’s worth noting that Indiana has added CSAs to their comprehensive approach to supporting high-quality learner pathways. The Hoosier state is known for undertaking systemic work, such as aligning the K-12 and postsecondary education systems, working to ensure career and technical education programs are high-quality (Next Level!), and sharing outcomes data with students and families through the state’s Graduates Prepared to Succeed Dashboard.
Our resident expert Nathan Oakley and Adriana Harrington touch base with David Buyze, who serves as the Director of Policy and Special Programs for the Indiana Department of Education and executive director of the Indiana State Board of Education, to see how things were going. Listen now, followed by an update and our team’s hot takes.
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In this episode, host and ExcelinEd’s Senior Policy Director of Education Choice Ben DeGrow welcomes Robyn Bagley, executive director of Utah Education Fits All, to discuss the fascinating journey of Utah's education scholarship account (ESA) program.
Robyn is a long-time education advocate and entrepreneur, who has been instrumental in advancing policies that empower families to choose the best educational paths for their children. She shares the story of how Utah’s ESA came to be and the challenges that its supporters overcame to make it a reality. Robyn and Ben also address the future of the program and the potential for other states to learn from Utah's innovative approach.
Tune in to hear more about the impact of the ESA program, the role of parental choice in education and the broader implications for education policy across the United States.
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