A survey method was used in conducting this study of the status and direction of reading activity in selected middle schools in Pennsylvania which include grades six, seven, and eight. Among the purposes of the study were to investigate current practices in teaching reading in the middle schools of Pennsylvania and to present recommendations for the establishment and evaluation of structured reading programs based on the characteristics of middle school students. After a pilot study involving 21 middle schools, questionnaires were sent to 54 selected middle schools; a 76% return was obtained. Analysis of the data indicated that all the schools have some type of organized reading instruction in grades six, seven, and eight; in 60% of the schools, every student participates in a formal reading program; both training and experience in reading are limited in some schools; a limited number of school districts employ full-time reading supervisors; and schools with professionally trained reading staff and special reading departments reported the highest percentage of organized reading program activity. (Author/GW)