Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast

ExcelinEd

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?​ You'll learn about the latest trends in K-12 education policy.​You'll hear from policymakers, educators and researchers who are shaping the future of education.​You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how education policy is made.​You'll be inspired to engage in the K-12 education systems and policy areas that matter to you.​ 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.

  1. 50m ago

    A state strategy for keeping effective teachers in the classroom | Sup. Mike Miles

    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.

    A state strategy for keeping effective teachers in the classroom | Sup. Mike Miles

  2. Oct 8

    Building comprehensive literacy systems for older readers | Jeanne Schopf

    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.

    Building comprehensive literacy systems for older readers | Jeanne Schopf

  3. Oct 1

    Implementing the federal scholarship tax credit | Luke Ragland

    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.

  4. Sep 24

    Is high school math preparing students for college and careers? | Steve Hood

    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.

    Is high school math preparing students for college and careers? | Steve Hood

  5. Sep 17

    From classrooms to careers: Georgia’s new playbook for ROI | Ian Caraway

    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.

    From classrooms to careers: Georgia’s new playbook for ROI | Ian Caraway

  6. Sep 10

    AI, screen time and what it means for young learners | Michael B. Horn

    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.

    AI, screen time and what it means for young learners | Michael B. Horn

  7. Season 2,026 Trailer

    We’re back for a new season! Here’s what to expect.

    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.

    We’re back for a new season! Here’s what to expect.

  8. 12/11/2025

    Education policy trends to watch in 2026 | Patricia Levesque

    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.

    Education policy trends to watch in 2026 | Patricia Levesque
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About

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?​ You'll learn about the latest trends in K-12 education policy.​You'll hear from policymakers, educators and researchers who are shaping the future of education.​You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how education policy is made.​You'll be inspired to engage in the K-12 education systems and policy areas that matter to you.​ 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.

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