Four goals of reading instruction are problem solving, securing ideas, achieving state mandated standards, and making decisions. These broad goals provide general direction for teachers in teaching reading. In order to apply reading to problem solving, a teacher may propose a life-like and important problem to students. The pupils then select reading materials to obtain possible solutions. If a teacher would prefer to focus on conveying ideas through reading to students, the teacher may chose readings that will challenge pupils. In addition, quality discussions help pupils learn the important ideas from the subject matter. State mandated standards for reading provide specific objectives for teachers to follow as well as evaluation techniques for student progress. Finally, when decision-making is a goal of reading, pupils chose their reading materials according to their individual interest and developmental level. (PM)