ExcelinEd

Did you know that nearly 65% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck? And alarmingly, less than half (44%) could cover a $1,000 emergency with savings. These staggering statistics highlight the growing need for financial literacy education. In response, 27 states have recently adopted financial literacy requirements for high school graduation. But there's much more to explore when it comes to shaping the future of financial education in the U.S. Our new report, "Financial Literacy in the United States: A 50-State Scan," explores how states are tackling financial literacy education across three key areas: high school requirements, K-8 financial education and teacher preparation. The report identifies emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities for improving financial literacy across the nation. Want to know which states are leading the charge? You’ll want to check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gETcpa6k

In Melissa Williams' kindergarten class, students are learning much more than just counting — they’re building “number sense,” a foundational skill that’s critical for mastering more complex math later on. Whether it's recognizing number relationships or solving problems efficiently, number sense helps students understand the “why” behind math concepts. Research shows that a strong grasp of number sense is linked to better math achievement, while a lack of it often leads to struggles with concepts like fractions and algebra. But too often, foundational numeracy skills aren't given the attention they deserve in schools. To ensure our kids thrive in math, we need to give them a solid number sense foundation early on. Teachers also need more support and training to effectively teach these skills, just as we do with reading. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gTRH4mSd

The latest results from the Nation's Report Card show troubling numbers for Missouri's students: 42% of 4th graders and 35% of 8th graders are reading below basic levels. This issue isn't just about numbers; it's about the foundational skills students need to thrive academically and beyond. In his new op-ed, ExcelinEd regional advocacy director Jordan Zakery explores the role of outdated practices like "three-cueing" and why it's time to move towards research-backed methods, like the science of reading. He highlights how states like Mississippi have turned their literacy outcomes around by focusing on phonics-based instruction and evidence-driven curriculum. As we look to improve literacy in Missouri and across the country, it's clear: students need high-quality literacy instruction that sets them up for success. Jordan dives deep into how we can achieve this and why it’s so crucial for the future of education. Read his op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/gNFpuduy

The latest NAEP results reveal a stark reality: many states continue to struggle with pandemic-related learning losses in reading and math, and pre-pandemic achievement levels were often not much better. However, there are key examples of success that offer valuable lessons for the entire nation. States like Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Indiana have demonstrated that strong, evidence-based policies—focused on accountability, teacher support and targeted investments—can drive significant improvements in student proficiency. In Christy Hovanetz, Ph.D.’s latest blog post, she explores how these states have begun to turn their education systems around, highlighting the strategies and policies that led to academic gains. Whether through rigorous standards, comprehensive teacher training, or targeted interventions for struggling students, these states show that progress is possible. If you’re interested in understanding how policy leadership can shape the future of education, this is a must-read ?? https://lnkd.in/gEz8cyZW

Education policy has a real and lasting impact on student success. A decade ago, Oklahoma and Mississippi both passed strong reading laws to ensure students could read proficiently by fourth grade. But in 2014, Oklahoma weakened its policy, allowing social promotion, while Mississippi stayed the course. Today, Mississippi ranks among the top states in fourth-grade reading, while Oklahoma has fallen to the bottom. Mississippi’s commitment to research-based reading instruction has led to remarkable gains, proving that high standards and consistency matter. This is an important lesson for policymakers everywhere. Read the full article to see how these decisions shaped student outcomes and what states can learn from Mississippi’s success. ??

ExcelinEd in the field ?? Lindsey Henderson, policy director for math, had the opportunity to attend and MC Utah Women Tech Council's annual SheTech Explorer Day earlier this week! This annual event brings middle school and high school girls from all across the state to explore technology in a fun atmosphere while meeting STEM role models and learning more about opportunities in those fields. What a great way for young girls who are talented in math to explore all of the opportunities within the field!

We're excited to introduce Catie Cleveland, our new Senior Advocacy Associate for the Great Lakes region, who joined the ExcelinEd team in December! Catie most recently worked as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she managed the daily operations of Rep. Tracy Richardson’s office, conducted stakeholder outreach and clerked the House Finance Subcommittee on K-12 education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a minor in Communications from Ohio State University. Catie lives in Columbus, Ohio, and enjoys attending concerts and live sporting events, specifically Ohio State football games. She grew up in rural Indiana and returns often to visit her niece and nephew!

Families across the country contribute to their state’s education system, whether their children attend public, charter or private schools. Yet, funding formulas often create disparities, penalizing families based on their school choice. It's time to rethink how we fund education. Read our latest blog post from Matthew Joseph and Ben DeGrow to learn how student-centered funding models ensure every student receives equitable resources, regardless of which school they attend. By modernizing funding systems, we can ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed.

Early literacy reform has made significant strides in the past two decades, and ExcelinEd’s updated Early Literacy Matters dashboard shows both the progress and the challenges that remain. States like Alabama, Indiana and South Carolina have adopted all 18 key literacy policies, setting a national standard for evidence-based reform alongside Louisiana, North Carolina and Arkansas. However, progress is not just about policy adoption—it’s about implementation. Despite advances, national assessments highlight that gaps in literacy remain, stressing the need for ongoing action to ensure every child has access to high-quality reading instruction. Read Dr. Kymyona Burk, Ed.D.'s full op-ed for a more in-depth look into the specific changes happening in these leading states and explore the continued work needed across the nation.

Last week, Christy Hovanetz, senior policy fellow, moderated a panel at the National Forum for the Future of Assessment and Accountability hosted by EdFirst in Dallas, TX! The panel, “From Classrooms to Boardrooms: Partnering with the Business Community for the Future of Accountability,” featured education leaders and Chambers of Commerce executives who discussed how businesses use data from state education assessments and accountability indicators for long-term economic development and workforce planning. Strong accountability systems strengthen the quality of education and directly impact the long-term success of students both academically and later in life!