Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-189 and index.

Introduction. Students at risk ; The researcher ; MSU HEP ; The pedagogy -- Real Talk. The theoretical foundations of Real Talk ; Refinement of the Pedagogy of Real Talk ; The Pedagogy of Real Talk and other approaches -- The Students, Their Experiences, and the Academic Results. Inception of the case study ; HEP student participants ; The results -- Implementing Real Talk in the HEP program. Dialogue ; Relating to students ; Structure ; Clarity ; Redundancy ; Enthusiasm ; Appropriate pace ; Maximized engagement -- Flexibility, Adaptability, and Effort. Flexibility ; Adaptability ; Effort -- Terministic Screens and Real Talk Discussions. Terministic screens ; Real Talk -- Dealing with the Exceptions. The case of PB ; The case of Jessie ; The Case of LB ; The challenge to teachers -- Implementing Real Talk in Any Classroom -- The Training of Teachers. The basic components and foundations of the Pedagogy ; Connections through Real Talk ; Another Real Talk example ; Maintaining connections -- Training : Alternative Lessons. Alternative lesson examples -- Training and Feedback -- New Beginnings -- Appendices: Real Talk on symbolism ; "Who I am" Real Talk on the first day of class ; Real Talk on adversity ; Real Talk on assumptions ; Real Talk on overcoming personal challenges with hard work and determination ; Real Talk on transforming frustration and anger into empowerment ; Real Talk on being authentic ; Real Talk on classroom norms ; Examples of Real Talk themes ; Bridge project packet ; Alternative lesson on congruent triangles ; Alternative lesson on federal courts and the Judicial Branch ; Alternative lesson on graphing different types of linear systems ; Alternative lesson on public speaking anxiety ; Alternative lesson topics and summaries ; Games.