Sixth-graders struggle in middle school.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

Sixth-graders placed in middle schools have more discipline problems and lower test scores than their peers who are attending elementary schools, according to a study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, the negative effects of grouping sixth-graders with older students are lasting and persist at least through ninth grade.

"These findings cast serious doubt on the wisdom of historic nationwide shift to the grades 6-8 middle school format," the study indicates. In the 1970s, less than 25% of middle schools included sixth grade. Now, the figure is 75% nationwide. The shift took place, in part, due to school population pressures, but also because educators believed it was developmentally appropriate.

"What's been lacking in the debate is any real data on how the school configuration affects student behavior and performances," the study laments. "As it turns out, moving sixth grade out of elementary school appears to have had substantial costs"

The researchers contrasted sixth-graders attending grade 6-8 middle schools with those attending grade K-6 elementary schools. The sixth-graders in middle school were more than twice as likely to be disciplined...