Understand Where Your Students are Coming From! The factors that influence students beliefs and attitudes about the value of formal education are complex and expansive, especially with respect to marginalized student populations. Motivational speaker and master storyteller Dr. Tommie Mabry builds from personal experiences as a child labeled "at risk" to promote empathy and understanding in motivating the success of youth. Written in a clear style, this practical guide leads educators through shifting student perspectives on the value and benefits of formal schooling, beginning first with teacher self-examination of their own perspectives. Perspective is a holistic construct that encompasses mindset, emotions, effort, and outcomes. Layered with effective methodologies, chapters address a range of critical topics important to this view of perspective, including extensive information on Building positive relationships Drawing on educators empathic capacity Engendering trust Practicing culturally responsive teaching Igniting students passions Written with an emphasis on marginalized students and adverse childhood experiences, the concepts and strategies are applicable across all student populations.