The Student Voice

Three middle school students stand in their school library and smile for the camera.

Disclaimer: This initiative initially was launched and coordinated by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation, which in 2022 merged with and became the Charles Butt Foundation.

It is not unusual for schools and educators to try new approaches to improve student learning. But how often do we hear from the students themselves about what is working, and why?


When school districts across Texas began to revolutionize classroom learning with blended learning, they had no idea that only two years later, students would describe their experiences as “amazing,” “freedom,” and “just me, myself.” Not only do their reflections describe more engagement and enjoyment, but the students get to the bottom of how the blended model is personalizing education, strengthening relationships, and bringing learning to life. 

The videos featured below are part of a series in which students reflect on blended learning in the following five categories:

  • Teacher Connection
  • Pace of Learning
  • Student Engagement
  • Peer Collaboration
  • Student Ownership