This highly-compelling session was led by author Paul Tough, with a Q&A moderated by Jeff Raikes. The discussion focused on the pressing questions addressed in Tough’s newest book, Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why.

Tough encouraged the audience to look closely at what brain science says about the effects of adversity on children’s development, and that we need to intervene even earlier than school age to help low-income students succeed. He suggested that we need to shift our thinking about students’ lack of motivation for learning to focus on building environments of belonging and purpose for students.

His book, Helping Children Succeed, will be released later this month. Attendees received an advance copy of the book.