Success in math is important to all students; it provides them with college and career options in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the middle grades, students build upon the critical skills taught in elementary school and prepare for entry into algebra, which is considered a gateway to later achievement in school and career. Research-based principles and practices in math intervention research can be applied in the middle grades to improve student outcomes. These research-based strategies will enable middle grade students to develop important mathematics knowledge and skills to become algebra-ready. This report presents a few questions school leaders might ask while providing instructional leadership, observing classrooms, or working with teachers on effective math instruction or intervention, and how Middle School Matters' math researchers would respond based on their knowledge of research in the area.