Every student deserves a great education, and every state has the power to deliver it. That’s the north star of our work, but we know it’s sometimes hard to know where to start or how your state is doing when it comes to education policy.
That’s why ExcelinEd has developed a suite of online interactive tools—Literacy Matters, Math Matters, School Choice Matters and Pathways Matter—that state leaders can use to explore and hopefully implement proven education policies.
ExcelinEd’s “Matters” sites share a unified philosophy: good policy is impactful, transparent and replicable. Each site equips policymakers, educators and advocates with real tools—maps, frameworks, model policies and implementation ideas—they can use to make progress that’s measurable and sustainable.
Each site is a “one-stop shop” for the fundamentals. From reading to math, school choice to college and career readiness, we give state leaders the information they need to build a lasting policy foundation that will lead to student success. This roundup introduces you to the sites and explains how they can help improve core education policy in your state.
EarlyLiteracyMatters.org is a dedicated hub to help states strengthen foundational reading skills in the early grades—where students learn to read so they can read to learn later on. Grounded in the science of reading, the site offers both policy frameworks and practical implementation tools.
The site’s 18 Early Literacy Fundamental Principles outline what comprehensive reading reform looks like, from universal screenings and dyslexia-specific support to teacher training, evidence-based materials and read-at-home plans.
A state-by-state literacy map shows where each state stands on adopting those principles, offering a snapshot of progress and gaps across the country. Leaders can explore how their peers are addressing policies such as retention, coaching and family engagement; understand where the gaps in their state exist; and borrow proven ideas from other states that are leading the way.
Early Literacy Matters also includes modules for literacy coaches, downloadable policy scans and family-facing resources. It’s designed to raise awareness and to help states move from policy to implementation.
SchoolChoiceMatters.org demystifies education choice, an expansive set of policies that empower families to find and choose the best educational fit for their children.
School Choice Matters serves as a comprehensive dashboard covering public school options (like open enrollment and charter schools) and private choice programs (like ESAs and vouchers), homeschooling and emerging policy enhancers that expand access.
The site’s interactive state map analyzes more than 40 policy components across four key areas—public choice, private choice, open enrollment and homeschooling—plus supports like transportation, Learn Everywhere credits and part-time enrollment. Each state receives a visual rating with links to statutes, regulations and implementation details.
Policymakers and advocates can use the tool to compare state policies, identify gaps and design policies that enable all families to access diverse schooling options. When states design high-quality choice programs, students are able to find the educational environmental that works best for them.
PathwaysMatter.org focuses on one of the most urgent challenges states face: building seamless, high-quality college and career pathways that lead to real world opportunity.
The site, which was relaunched late last year, outlines a framework of 45 state policies in three key areas—K-12, college and employers—and four foundational policies: governance, return on investment, definitions of quality and credentials of value. Each section provides definitions, model policies and examples of successful implementation from across the country. The interactive map, with red/yellow/green ratings for each policy within the state, currently analyzes 20 states; we plan to include all 50 states by the end of 2027.
Through learner journeys and policy indicators, Pathways Matter helps leaders understand what a coherent education-to-workforce system looks like and how to align programs, funding and accountability to make it happen.
The emphasis is on systemic design, not isolated programs, helping states ensure every student can navigate multiple on-ramps and off-ramps toward high-demand and high-wage careers.
MathMatters.org focuses on evidence-based math instruction and the foundational knowledge students need to succeed in advanced math by middle school and in the years beyond.
At the core of Math Matters is ExcelinEd’s evidence-based Comprehensive K-8 Math Model Policy, which describes 11 fundamental principles that touch many points of the instructional system from educator support and instructional time requirements to family engagement and access to advanced math courses.
These 11 fundamental principles are greater than the sum of their parts. When combined, they establish a system within which math teachers are supported, instruction is data-driven, interventions are timely, parents are active participants and Algebra I or Integrated Math I is prioritized for its role as a course critical to predicting college success.
The digital tool also provides resources on building math knowledge and skills through the Four Strands of Mathematical Proficiency: procedural fluency (the ability to perform math procedures with speed, accuracy, efficiency and flexibility); conceptual understanding (knowing how and why math “works”); real-world problem-solving skills and productive dispositions (seeing math as sensible, useful and worthwhile).
Effective policy starts with accurate information. Providing quick access to state-specific data and practical implementation tools, ExcelinEd’s “Matters” websites empower policymakers to make decisions that will improve students’ lives. Bookmark these resources to ensure you always have a blueprint for educational innovation at your fingertips.
