There are research-based principles and practices that can be found in reading intervention research and applied in the middle grades to improve student outcomes. School leaders and teachers of all disciplines can consider using these strategies to provide effective reading instruction school-wide, as well as more intensive interventions for those students who struggle to learn to read and perform below grade level, including students who are English language learners (ELLs). These research-based strategies will enable middle grades students to have the reading skills they need not only for high school success but also for post-secondary education and/or future careers. This report presents a few questions that school leaders might ask while providing instructional leadership, conducting classroom observations, and working with teachers, and Dr. Vaughn's response based on her knowledge of research in reading instruction and reading interventions.