This action research project investigated various reading strategies to increase reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. The targeted population consisted of students from three elementary schools and one junior high school, located in lower to middle socioeconomic neighborhoods. Two elementary schools and the junior high school are located in a small Midwestern city. One elementary school is located in a large Midwestern city. Poor reading comprehension and vocabulary skills contribute to lower student achievement. Evidence for the existence of this problem includes report card grades, national achievement test scores, teacher observations, and writing samples. Analysis of probable cause indicated that factors contributing to reading scores include poor home environment, high mobility rate, low intellectual ability, inability to link new material with prior knowledge, poor reading skills, and lack of continuing education of teachers. A review of current literature and analysis of the identified problem in the targeted schools led to the use of graphic organizers to improve comprehension and vocabulary skills. Post intervention data revealed improvement in reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. (Contains 66 references and 17 tables of data; 59 appendixes contain checklists, graphic organizers, diagrams, survey instruments, and writing samples. (Author/RS)