Originally published on Frisco Enterprise– October 15th, 2023
This local Frisco student has experience lobbying for digital learning at the state and national level. Seventh Grader Jacob Butler can tell you that he has experience advocating for digital learning options at both the Texas State Capitol in Austin as well as in Washington, D.C. A student at K12’s Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville has begun lobbying at the state and national level for digital learning — that includes testifying in live hearings.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Jacob Butler. I am a 7th grader at K12’s Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville. I live with my mom, dad and sister.
How did you get involved in online learning?
I first started digital learning because of COVID. My parents did not want my education to suffer due to the pandemic. Ever since I made the change, it has been one of the best educational decisions. Tell us about the impact that online learning had for you. I am a dyslexia student. The online learning has helped me because the self-paced learning style K12 offers allows me to spend more time on things I struggle with and take more time to complete with my disability. Digital learning is also better for me because of the direct contact I have with my teachers, even after school hours.
What led you to lobby in D.C. and Austin for digital learning?
After attending a meeting with the National Coalition of Public School Options, my mom and I decided the work they were doing was important to continue to have the option for digital learning. I wanted to be a part of the legislation that makes it possible. My first trip to the Capitol in Austin, I was able to meet with several Texas House of Representatives and their staffers to explain why digital school is so important for students like me. I was then invited by Texas Rep. Brad Buckley and the National Coalition for Public School Option (PSO) to testify in a live hearing where House Bill 681 was being debated. Since I had previously worked with the PSO advocating in Austin, they offered me the chance to attend a leadership conference in D.C. There I was able to visit Sen. John Cornyn’s office to advocate for those digital students who are eligible for free or reduced meals but were not attending brick and mortar schools and unable to get the food they needed.
What was the best part about testifying in live hearings?
While testifying was difficult and made me really nervous, the difference I made helped me see that even at my age, people can make an impact on the legislation in their state. House Bill 681 passed in the house, and I now know I was a part of keeping digital learning a possibility for me and other students in Texas.
What was the most surprising part about testifying in live hearings?
Despite the nerves I was experiencing with the large amount of people behind me and the representatives sitting in front of me in the large room, I was surprised that the more I talked, the easier it was to finish my speech. I somehow got really comfortable and did such a great job, the representatives applauded me and welcomed me to testify in any of their hearings in the future.
What do you hope lawmakers take away from your efforts?
As I continue to advocate for digital learning, I hope lawmakers in both the house and senate remember my story and how important digital learning is for so many different students like me when it is time to make legislative decisions.
What was your favorite part about working as a page for the Texas House and Senate?
While they were both very different experiences, I really like how I was able to meet so many important representatives and senators on the floor while they were voting on bills. The more I am in the Capitol, the more I get to know my own representatives and senator. It’s pretty cool, they know who I am when they see me and I’m only 12 years old.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy gaming online with my friends. I like to volunteer at my church on various tech teams for different ministries during live services. I like attending different church services where I can learn more and spend time with friends.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl — although with school and my parent’s rules, I don’t get to stay up as late as I want.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you’re ever worried or in a troubled situation, you can always pray to God and ask for His help or forgiveness and He will hear and understand you.
To learn more about Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville, visit https://tvah.k12.com/.
