The value of collaborative research carried out by local education agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher learning (IHLs) has been established. The middle grades, in particular, present extreme needs and opportunities for collaboration because these years have been relatively neglected in the elementary secondary spectrum of education. Well-focused collaborative research tailored to the needs of the middle school student is needed to improve programs and develop appropriate reading strategies. Recommendations for improving collaborative research at the middle school level include: (1) focus on student achievement rather than control issues; (2) involve administration for support and improved understanding of the middle grades; (3) provide more incentives for LEA/IHL partnerships; (4) include more research methods and action research opportunities in teacher and administrator preparation; (5) lobby for better federal and state support for educational research; (6) use technology to enhance collaborative research; and (7) demonstrate more active support by LEAs and IHLs for each other. Success in collaborative efforts is most promising for models that are jointly controlled, involve practitioners and administrators at the outset, are long-term, and are built on mutual trust. (SLD)