Pedersen, T. (2019, August 01). Easing Fears About Shift to Middle School Can Pay Off in Behavior, Grades. Retrieved August 3, 2019.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found incoming sixth-grade students who participated in a school intervention to address transition-related fears have improved grades and fewer behavioral challenges. The study followed more than 1,300 students in Madison, Wis., and found those who received the social intervention improved their attendance by 12%, and reduced disciplinary issues and failing grades by 34% and 18%, respectively.