NYT middle school article

In this article it is clear to see that there are three main views. Two are argued more seriously, while the third is simply looked over. One side stresses the importance of having middle schools become k-8, so the students will have more time to be nurtured. Instead of being forced into high schools at age 10-11 (arguably their most susceptable time) they have time to figure out more about themselves with the comfort of familiarity. On the other hand some teachers push for a 6-12 school. This enforces the idea of taking kids and having three more years to truly prepare them. The argument is that teachers could take these students, and with the three extra years, get every one into college. The third and ignored view is the idea that all of this time and money in switching is just an expensive distraction. What schools really need is smaller classes and more individual attention from qualified teachers.
I don't know where to stand, I see both arguments and they both make sense to me. I guess if I had to choose then I would choose the latter with one condition. At least from 6th-7th grade the students need to be somewhat separated from the older students while they transition and get used to the bigger schools with so many different things going on. High school is more directed at helping students figure out what they want for themselves in the future, and with a good transition with effective teachers from 6th-7th grade I think the results could be amazing. Put these students into a positive environment that does push them towards college or a future and I think it will not only be better on the students, but also on the teachers.
Imagine being a teacher in high school and getting a a freshman right out of elementary school, so much would have to be done. You couldn't teach them anything, it would all be transition, students would be even farther behind than they are now. But if they start out in 6th grade learning how it's going to work, not only will they we ready by freshman year, but they'll be way ahead. Students will be much better prepared and will have more like 5 years of high school to be ready for the real world instead of three.