The results of a three-part study, conducted to present an indepth look at reading comprehension instruction in the middle grades, are described in this report. Four major areas are covered: teacher's verbal reports, program specifications, teaching behavior, and student mastery. The report first describes the research design, or how a profile of reading instruction was established for grades four through six. The procedures of obtaining data are described: audio interviews, video taping, program analysis, and student performance. The results are presented and discussed and the following types of comparisons are made: (1) some teacher verbal reports are compared to actual program specifications; (2) some teacher behaviors are compared to both program specifications and verbal reports; and (3) student performance is compared to program specifications, teacher behavior, and teacher verbal reports. A summary of the study is offered and the results of administrator interviews are presented. The questionnaire used is described and data from questionnaire responses are compared with those gathered from teacher observation. (HOD)