In 2008, a study conducted by the ACT found that how students fare in middle school is a leading predictor of their ability to succeed in college or the workplace after high school. The research showed that students who are not academically prepared going to high school are unlikely to make up ground even with serious schooling and academic help. The trend cut across demographic and economic lines.

“What we’re saying is college and career readiness is a process that includes high school but is not exclusively a high school issue. It’s a K-12 issue,” said Cyndie Schmeiser, President of ACT’s education division in a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune.

There are two critical developmental stages during middle school. One is emotional development, or the “people smarts” to read people, situations, and manage one’s own emotions. The other is your passions and interests. If students don’t develop a strong sense of something they are good at by middle school, they won’t persevere on their weaknesses. PEOPLE SMARTS FOR TEENAGERS and GIFTS AND TALENTS FOR TEENAGERS are two books which can help students get the self-knowledge and self-management skills they need for success in high school and beyond.