In the 2008-09 school year researchers from EdSource and Stanford University conducted a large-scale study of 303 middle grades schools in California. The team surveyed 303 principals, 3,752 English Language Arts (ELA) and math teachers in grades 6-8, and 157 superintendents of the districts and charter management organizations that oversee the schools. The major contribution of this study is the set of specific actionable practices that middle grades educators and leaders can implement now by making smart, strategic choices. This Narrative Summary provides the reader with a broad overview of the study's methodology, limitations, and findings. The researchers conclude with implications of their findings. [This summary accompanies "Gaining Ground in the Middle Grades: Why Some Schools Do Better. A Large-Scale Study of Middle Grades Practices and Student Outcomes. Initial Research Report." For the main report, see ED508673.]