If you’re teaching grades 6–8, chances are you have students reading far below grade level. The good news? With targeted, evidence-based instruction, these students can still make significant gains, starting now.
Why Middle Schoolers Still Struggle with Reading
- Missed foundational skills in earlier grades
- Lack of decoding automaticity
- Limited vocabulary and background knowledge
- Disengagement from irrelevant or inaccessible texts
Solutions That Work in 6–8
- Diagnostic assessments (e.g., CORE Phonics Survey, PAST)
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 support within the MTSS framework
- Use of structured intervention programs:
- Phonics for Reading
- Bridge the Gap
- Sound Partners
- UFLI Small Group (modified for upper grades)
- Regular fluency practice + progress monitoring
Middle school is not too late. In fact, it’s a critical window to help struggling readers build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in all content areas.