Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
We use statewide administrative data from Florida to estimate the impact of attending public schools with different grade configurations on student achievement through grade 10. Based on an instrumental variable estimation strategy, we find that students moving from elementary to middle school suffer a sharp drop in student achievement in the transition year. These achievement drops persist through grade 10. We also find that middle school entry increases student absences and is associated with higher grade 10 dropout rates. Transitions to high school in grade 9 cause a smaller one-time drop in achievement but do not alter students' performance trajectories.