Effect of goal-setting on motivation and academic achievement in reading and mathematics for RTI-identified Tier II students

This study documents the effects of goal setting on motivation and academic achievement for struggling students in the RTI-Identified Tier II group for reading and mathematics. Previous research indicates that having a goal increases motivation (Murayama and Elliot, 2009), and having higher motivation leads to higher academic achievement (Cavas, 2011). An action research project was designed to use personal mastery goals to increase student motivation and academic gains. Students participating in academic interventions set mastery goals and monitored their progress during a 10- week study. Throughout the study, student motivation was measured using surveys and at the end of the study, student achievement was measured using a universal screener assessment. Results from the study were inconclusive and further research is needed in this area