Everyday conflict can get in the way of academics in the middle grades. Kids need to learn the essential social competencies that will allow them to get back to productive learning.
By Paige Tutt
March 31, 2023
When she speaks to young teens and their parents about middle school, Phyllis Fagell likes to share a few data points—and reactions are generally gasps of recognition from the adults and audible sighs of relief from kids.
In sixth grade, only a third of friendships endure through the school year, research shows. If you ask middle school students to name a best friend, only half of the kids named will reciprocate and identify them as friends in return; by 12th grade, just 1 percent of middle school friendships remain intact.
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