Discussion is key to humanity.
We’re in the middle of a Conversation Crisis. The good news? Discussion skills are perfectly teachable. We equip K-12 schools to teach them.
Send Me More Info Show Me How It Works
Our Core Belief
We aren’t anti-tech, but we are pro-human. We believe that conversation is an essential human skill — one that should be taught, measured, and celebrated in school.
Today’s students are growing up in a world that doesn’t often include real, live conversations. Kids text instead of talk, ask bots instead of friends, swipe away what they don’t like, use self-checkouts to avoid cashiers, or tune out the world with giant, humanity-canceling headphones.
At R.E.A.L.® Discussion, we equip K-12 schools to explicitly teach the “Other AI: Authentic Interaction” skills we know Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha students need. Our engagements are built around each school — and our approach is informed by research, tested in real schools, and fundamentally optimistic.
“After investing significant resources in civil discourse trainings, we realized the challenge wasn’t incivility, it was discussion skills. R.E.A.L.® met us where we were, and our custom program has been transformational — for students and faculty alike.”
Bre StricklinHead of Middle School, UMS-Wright Preparatory School (AL)“Through R.E.A.L.®, our 9th and 10th grade English teachers track their students’ improvement in their communication skills and ability to confront challenges in the classroom. The method creates space for all voices and perspectives to be heard. And it works! As a parent, I saw my own kids’ discussion skills take off thanks to this program.
More broadly, R.E.A.L.® Discussion fits into who we are and where we are going as a school. It builds on our signature public speaking program, lays the groundwork for success in the 11th and 12th grade advanced curriculum, and ensures a human-centered classroom experience in today’s world.”
Peter CurranHead of School, Blair Academy (NJ)“In today’s tech-centric world, we must intentionally equip students to actively engage. At Woodward Academy, a partnership with R.E.A.L.® Discussion has been at the heart of that work.
Over the last three years, we’ve seen our students grow in confidence and connection. Ultimately, the skills-based approach aligns with who we are as an Academy because it balances rigor and relationships; it teaches our students to think critically and connect compassionately.
That’s the kind of education we believe in, and that’s the future we are helping to build thanks to R.E.A.L.® Discussion.”
Dr. Nigel TraylorVice President for Academic and Student Life, Woodward Academy (GA)“As an Academic Leader, R.E.A.L.® Discussion has been an amazing opportunity to tie the daily work of English teachers to our school mission — but also to the defining challenges of today’s world.
My cross-divisional team now has a common language and shared vision in using the English classroom to cultivate the skills and habits students need to thrive as citizens in a democracy and humans in a tech-centered world. They have received positive feedback from fellow faculty, parents, and most importantly, students.
An added bonus is that this shared vision and practice also supports the quick onboarding and integration of new faculty members.”
Nora LandonEnglish Department Chair, William Penn Charter School (PA)“By lunch on the day of our all-school workshop, our faculty was already asking when R.E.A.L.® Discussion would be back. We’ve since sent faculty to other R.E.A.L.® PD, but that all-school workshop was fantastic — full of research, stories, and joy!
It brought our faculty both a sense of possibility and very practical strategies for tackling a complex topic: How could we build students’ capacity for confident dialogue in today’s world?
Liza worked with me ahead of time to align content to our School’s mission, language, and priorities, which was unusual and appreciated. I couldn’t imagine a better way to start the year!”
Bart GriffithPresident, Shady Side Academy (PA)“Liza delivered exactly what our Trustee Day audience needed and did so with an appreciation of independent schools from many perspectives. Her style is energetic, supported by research, takeaways, and lots of audience interactivity. Finding R.E.A.L.® was like a great stock tip!”
Alecia DryDirector of Professional Learning, AIMSThe Vision
Remember computer labs? Today’s schools need Conversation Labs.
When the personal computing revolution was on the horizon in the 1990’s, schools designed Computer Labs to systematically teach the high-transfer tech skills kids would need in an uncertain future – things like typing and eye-hand-mouse coordination. This required teacher training, time in the school day, and concrete assessment — but it was worth it to prioritize foundational, future-ready skills.
And now, in the AI era, it’s time for schools to intentionally teach the human skills technology can’t replace. The R.E.A.L.® approach can help you create Conversation Labs — strategic, expert-led programs designed to explicitly teach (and assess) the face-to-face discussion skills students need academically, socially, and societally.
Bring R.E.A.L.® Discussion to Your School
Student Voices
What students say
“R.E.A.L.® makes it so I can talk to people in the real world, instead of standing there with my head down when someone is talking to me.”
6th Grade Student
“If I go into politics, I might be the first politician to listen to others and ask questions and value other opinions.”
8th Grade Student
“[Through discussions] I’m learning it’s possible to disagree with someone’s idea, not their whole entire identity.”
9th Grade Student
Partner Schools
Featured School Partners
Stay connected
Let’s Talk – Or At Least Stay In Touch!
Join our mailing list to stay up to date on Conversation Comeback – the movement to teach, measure, and celebrate conversation skills in school.
Ready to talk? Send us a note and let’s get scheduled – there’s nothing we love more than live conversation with school leaders!
Start Here
Sign Up