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.
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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.
“R.E.A.L.® Discussion is one of the most compelling and actionable ways any school can train our youth to communicate effectively – and respectfully – across differences.”
Dr. Margarita CurtisFormer Head of School, Deerfield Academy (MA) · Partner, Strategic School Leadership
“R.E.A.L.® Discussion is the perfect strategy for actually teaching and assessing the communication skills strand of our Portrait of a Learner. It brings ideals like empathetic listener, courageous communicator, and critical thinker into clear focus for our teachers and students.”
Connie WhiteDirector of Learning and Innovation, Woodward Academy (GA)
The 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
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