ExcelinEd

What education policy trends should leaders be watching in 2026? ExcelinEd CEO Patricia Levesque and VP of Policy Dr. Cara Candal break it down in the Season 2 finale of Policy Changes Lives. Whether you've followed the season or are just tuning in, this episode delivers the insights you need heading into the new year. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gC84fN6z

This week's episode of Policy Changes Lives features Gov. Jeb Bush's opening keynote with Hanna Skandera, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund, from the 17th annual National Summit on Education in New Orleans. Drawing on two decades of education reform and crisis leadership, Gov. Bush addresses today's toughest challenges and calls on policymakers to "go big and be bold" for every student. A must-listen for education leaders ready to reimagine what's possible. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gktvKHK3

What does every student truly need to know before graduation? This week on Policy Changes Lives, ExcelinEd co-hosts Adriana Gobbo Harrington and Lindsey Henderson sit down with Liz Cohen, Vice President of Policy at 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, to tackle this essential question. High school has traditionally centered on biology, civics and earth science—but as we move deeper into 2025 and beyond, the demands on graduates are shifting rapidly. This conversation explores how policies and practices must evolve to include financial literacy, computer science, data science and digital safety alongside traditional coursework. Liz brings nearly two decades of education policy expertise to the discussion, highlighting why math and data science are no longer optional—they're the bridge between college readiness and career readiness in our increasingly data-driven world. This episode is a must-listen for policymakers, educators and anyone invested in building a high school system that equips students not just with knowledge, but with the skills to thrive. Listen to the full episode here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gcT6jqxk

Most literacy policies focus on ensuring students can read proficiently by third grade. But what happens when they don't? In the newest episode of Policy Changes Lives, ExcelinEd's Dr. Kymyona Burk, Ed.D. and Casey Taylor explore adolescent literacy—the emerging frontier in education policy. They discuss why so many middle and high school students still struggle with foundational reading skills, what it means to cross the "decoding threshold" and how states can support older students through evidence-based instruction and targeted intervention. Strong early literacy policies must be paired with strategies that help adolescent learners build fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Listen to learn how thoughtful policy can ensure every student becomes a confident, capable reader—at any age. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gYTgPPAh

How can states ensure students are prepared not just to graduate but to thrive beyond high school? In the latest episode of the Policy Changes Lives podcast, host Nathan Oakley talks with Dr. Ken Warden, Commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, about how Arkansas is leading with a return-on-investment analysis to strengthen college and career pathways in the state. Their conversation offers valuable insights on how data can illuminate what’s working, identify gaps and guide real policy action. https://lnkd.in/gxXctmfa

South Carolina is leading the way with a bold approach to helping students focus: phone-free classrooms! On this episode of Policy Changes Lives, host Adriana Gobbo Harrington and Superintendent Ellen Weaver dive into how this statewide policy came to be, how schools and families are adjusting and what other states can learn from the rollout. Listen now for a fascinating look at how rethinking technology use can support learning, focus and well-being. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gmJdi4hr