As students enter the middle grades, many lose academic momentum and thus reach ninth grade unprepared. This lack of preparedness snowballs: It leads students to disengage from their studies, causing them to miss opportunities to get back on track in high school and thrive in the years beyond. Sixth grade is a particularly critical juncture. Targeted support in mathematics, English, and attendance during this year can help close achievement gaps and set students up for long-term success. Principals in Alabama searched for best practices for middle-grades transitions and to identify the challenges for students. Sixth graders in Arkansas provided feedback on their thoughts and concerns as they transitioned to middle school. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) partnered with the Mississippi Department of Education to create the Middle School Transition Toolkit. Among student surveys distributed by SREB to examine Alabama and Mississippi middle-grades transitions, only 52 percent and 45 percent of respective students had developed a plan with their advisor or counselor for courses that students would take in high school. Louisiana and Delaware are two states in the region taking different approaches to tackling middle-grades transitions and student preparedness.