ACADEMIC GOALS AND ACHIEVEMENT IN AT RISK SECONDARY EDUCATION STUDENTS

Academic goals have been a relevant variable explaining school achievement. Although there is evidence that academic goals can reduce differences in achievement, little is known about this relationship in students at social risk. Academic goals of 174 at risk secondary students were compared to those of 640 of their counterparts and their impact on academic achievement in Language, Mathematics and English. Students at risk presented lower learning and achievement goals. At risk students' academic goals especially influenced English achievement scores. The importance of interventions enhancing academic goals of at risk students is discussed.