Middle school literacy struggles don't start in middle school. ExcelinEd's Senior Policy Fellow Dr. Kymyona Burk, Ed.D., joins The Science of Reading Podcast to discuss reaching adolescent readers before it's too late. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...

More than 24 states now require third-grade retention for struggling readers. Others are rolling those policies back. On July 28, ExcelinEd's Sonya Yates joins state leaders at GLR Week to break down what's actually working. #GLRWeek2026 Learn more: leo.gradelevelreading.net/event/promot...

High-quality math instruction starts with high-quality instructional materials. States can play a critical role by establishing transparent review processes, identifying evidence-based curricula and supporting effective implementation. Learn how here: excelined.org/2026/06/23/h...

Texas' new PASS program offers $400 tutoring grants to third graders who didn't pass the STARR third-grade reading test. Families can use the funds for private tutoring or reading specialists. Applications open this fall. #txlege yhoo.it/4wutMPV

Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence, we're grateful for the chance to work toward a future where a quality education is within reach for every child in every state. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday!

“Arkansas students, teachers and school leaders deserve tremendous credit for the remarkable progress seen in this year’s math, English, and science results." excelined.org/2026/06/18/s...

ExcelinEd's Ji Soo Song is moderating the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's webinar on technology-enhanced teaching and learning for K-5 students on June 16—covering AI, digital safety and what educators and parents need to know now. Learn more & register: leo.gradelevelreading.net/event/k-5-te...

One week from today, ExcelinEd is hosting a conversation you won't want to miss. State leaders share how smart policy is creating purposeful, workforce-aligned pathways for every learner. Jun. 15 at 9:30 AM ET. Learn more & register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Senior Policy Director Lindsey Henderson (@flippyfeets.bsky.social) presented at the National Conference of State Legislatures Math Policy Academy in Austin, Texas, earlier this week! She spoke on the importance of sound, evidence-based math policies and shared the online resource MathMatters.org.

Ohio, Texas and other leading states are building learner-centered pathways that connect education to the workforce. Hear how on Jun. 15 with ExcelinEd, and learn what policy strategies are driving real results for students. Learn more & register now: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

What can Florida’s experience with education choice tell us about what comes next? Gov. Jeb Bush recently joined Michael B. Horn on The Future of Education podcast to discuss the policy shifts shaping the conversation. Listen to the full episode now: www.the74million.org/article/an-e...

More than 200 studies point to a consistent trend: school choice programs can improve outcomes for students, families and taxpayers. In his new blog, Ben DeGrow highlights gains in graduation rates, parent satisfaction, school safety and even public school performance. excelined.org/2026/05/13/r...

Charter schools are just one part of a robust school choice system. Every child deserves access to a quality education that equips them with the knowledge, skills and values they need—and school choice gives families the power to find it. Explore more at SchoolChoiceMatters.org. #NCSW

"As policymakers digest this report, it’s important to remember that there is no single policy that will turn around falling student outcomes or struggling schools." excelined.org/2026/05/13/s...

Every student deserves a school that works for them. Charter schools are creating more pathways to success. Learn more about charter schools and #NationalCharterSchoolWeek on the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' website here: publiccharters.org/charter-scho...

It's National Charter School Week, so let’s talk about #charterschools! Swipe through for some fast facts about charters in America and visit schoolchoicematters.org/ecosystem/#charterschoolsto learn more about the policies that affect them.

We're wrapping up Teacher Appreciation Week by rewatching this special video series featuring heartfelt stories from our incredible staff about the teachers who inspired them growing up. Explore it here: youtube.com/playlist?lis...

ExcelinEd Senior Policy Fellow Dr. Kymyona Burk served as a moderator at The Reading League Summit in New York! The panel, Taking Action on Policy, explored how to "effectively implement screening legislation, identify gaps in current policies and leverage existing frameworks to advance literacy."

ExcelinEd Senior Policy Director Lindsey Henderson (@flippyfeets.bsky.social) was a panelist at Education Week's Virtual Leadership Symposium 2026, discussing effective math instructional practices and sharing ExcelinEd's MathMatters.org. Thanks, EdWeek!

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we're taking a look back at our Leading the Way Video Series featuring state education leaders in Arkansas, Indiana, South Carolina and North Carolina as they discuss the policies shaping teacher support in their states. Watch them here: youtube.com/playlist?lis...

New episode of the Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast features Senior Policy Director for Education Choice, Ben DeGrow, on the continued expansion of ESAs and the importance of balancing flexibility with accountability in policy design. Listen now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUrc...

ICYMI ➡️ Students are pursuing career pathways. Employers are looking for prepared talent. So why does the gap persist? Our recent blog explores how intermediaries bridge education and industry, and the policy levers that help them do it at scale. Check it out: excelined.org/2026/04/22/i...

📣 New report out of Delaware finds career pathway programs can support strong postsecondary enrollment and employment outcomes when they are intentionally aligned to labor market demand and paired with robust work-based learning experiences. Give it a read ➡️ rodelde.org

Senior Math Policy Director, Lindsey Henderson, had the opportunity to testify during Alaska's House Education Committee hearing yesterday. She presented ExcelinEd's Comprehensive Math Model Policy and Fundamental Principles and how these work together to strengthen math skills and improve outcomes.

What does a strong school accountability system actually include? ExcelinEd's recent video series with Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D., walks through the indicators, data and design principles that drive real student outcomes. excelined.org/2026/04/02/s...

ExcelinEd's Managing Director of Policy, Adriana Harrington, will be a panelist at SCORE's Future Forward Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, exploring policies that can work together to create stronger education-to-career pathways for students. Learn more here: tnscore.org/what-we-do/e...

Senior Policy Director Nathan Oakley had the opportunity to speak at Nevada’s North Star Summit earlier today, hosted by Opportunity 180, 50CAN and Battleborn Kids Matter! He presented on PathwaysMatter.org and sat on a panel alongside Asm. Erica Mosca and Paul Moradkhan from the Vegas Chamber.

ExcelinEd in the field ➡️ Senior Policy FellowChristy Hovanetz, Ph.D., was invited to present at the U.S. Department of Education's Strengthening State Assessment and Accountability Systems Convening last week, which brought together 50 states to identify ways to improve State accountability systems.

Not all accountability systems are created equal. Some obscure the truth. Some drive real improvement. ExcelinEd's new video series breaks down the difference and what policymakers can do about it. excelined.org/2026/04/02/s...

ExcelinEd CEO Patricia Levesque sat down with Philanthropy Roundtable to talk about the state of education reform in 2026, from early literacy and math gains to AI in the classroom and the challenges of turning good policy into lasting results. ⤵️ www.philanthropyroundtable.org/foundations-...

What math policies are states prioritizing in 2026? From guaranteed access to advanced math to evidence-based professional development, the trends are clear. Explore ExcelinEd's Math Matters playbook this National Mathematics & Statistics Month: www.mathmatters.org #MathMatters

The ExcelinEd Literacy team had a great time hosting the Fundamentals of Literacy Coaching Training of Teachers event in Cleveland, Ohio earlier this week, bringing together participants from 20 states nationwide! (Pictured: Cohort 2)

Strong math skills open doors. This National Mathematics & Statistics Month, explore the evidence-based policies helping students build the foundation they need for lifelong success. Dive into ExcelinEd's Math Matters playbook: www.mathmatters.org #MathMatters

What belongs in a school rating system? What is a "honesty gap" — and why does it matter? ExcelinEd's new accountability video series with Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D., answers these questions and more. Start watching now: excelined.org/2026/04/02/s...

"Standards don’t discriminate when met with support; they elevate. In trusting students to meet ambitious yet achievable objectives, we give them the greatest gift: the confidence to navigate whatever turbulent waters life presents." Read Ian Rowe's latest here ⤵️ nypost.com/2026/04/04/o...

America's students spend 60B+ hours in classrooms each year. Are schools being held accountable for results? ExcelinEd's new video series breaks down how school accountability systems work—and how to make them stronger. excelined.org/2026/04/02/s...

A new Chalkbeat investigation into Pennsylvania's graduation pathways features ExcelinEd's Adriana Harrington on why low-value credentials are a growing concern for students and schools.

ICYMI ➡️ Senior Policy Director Ben DeGrow was recently featured on the PBS television talk show, "The Follow Up," where he shared insights on how federal tax credits and open enrollment laws in Michigan are helping grow school choice in the state. Watch it here: www.pbs.org/video/school...

Student achievement has declined over the last decade. Reversing that trend starts with honest data and high expectations. Our new video series with Senior Policy Fellow Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D. explains how accountability systems can drive real change: excelined.org/2026/04/02/s...

States are investing in career and technical education like never before. Now comes the harder part: making sure those programs are actually working. Read Adriana Harrington's latest on what comes next. www.governing.com/workforce/th...

A February Dear Colleague letter encourages states to leverage Title II funds for strategic staffing. Our ATI model policy provides the framework to do it: tiered licensure, differentiated roles, merit-based compensation & targeted funding for high-need schools. ➡️ www.excelined.org/teachers-lea...

"As they look to fill the pipeline for the next generation of teachers, some education leaders in Maryland are asking: What about the students already in front of us?" Learn how Maryland is strengthening the teacher pipeline: www.k12dive.com/news/marylan...

Senior Policy Fellow Chrisy Hovanetz, Ph.D., presented at BEST NC's Education Innovation Lab Policymaker Session! Policymakers and advocates explored why accountability systems are critical for understanding students' needs and educators' capacities.

Do states have the systems to know if their CTE pathways are actually delivering? A new national report from Insightful Education Solutions draws on data from 47 states to find out. Explore the findings 👇 effectivepathways.com #EffectivePathways

Senior Policy Fellow Dr. Kymyona Burk gave a keynote address at the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition Summit and Day of Action! Kymyona shared insights on the "Mississippi Marathon" and what it takes to successfully implement literacy policies that lead to long-term student success.

ExcelinEd's Model Policy for AI-Powered Educational Tools gives states and districts a practical framework to move forward with confidence. Check it out ➡️ excelined.org/2026/02/25/f...

#Arkansas's third grade reading policy is centered on getting students the support they need early, before gaps in foundational literacy skills have the chance to grow. Read more: www.kuaf.com/show/ozarks-...

Explore ExcelinEd's comprehensive guide to ensure that every new teacher entering the workforce is equipped with knowledge and skills grounded in the science of reading. excelined.org/2026/02/02/s...

The potential for AI in K-12 is real and so are the stakes if schools aren't prepared. ExcelinEd's new model policy helps states find the right balance, with guardrails around student privacy, operator accountability and tools designed to educate rather than automate. excelined.org/2026/02/25/f...

ExcelinEd in the field ➡️ Senior Policy Fellow Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D., had the opportunity to speak with Alabama legislators earlier this week about school accountability and the critical importance of maintaining high standards.