Older Readers, Vocabulary

I can't help but wonder how students make it to Jr. High without knowing how to read. I would say my reading basic reading skills were built from 1st grade to the third grade, and from there I was able to survive. Yes it was a little late than most people, but my elementary teachers made sure I had the basics down.
So my question is how can I help? Out of the nine instructional elements, I feel that I can easily implement #3 (if I had more guidance in how to approach it). I know there is more to it than just breaking students into groups. Does anyone have any suggestions?