Based on prior developmental research as well as studies linking
motivation and self-regulation strategies (Cleary, 2006; Urdan & Midgley, 2003; Zimmerman
& Bandura, 1994; Zimmerman & Martinez-Pons, 1990), we hypothesized that the older
cohort (i.e., seventh-grade students) as well as those in “regular” math classes would exhibit
less adaptive motivation and self-regulatory strategy use than the younger cohort (i.e., sixth-
294 T.J. Cleary, P.P. Chen / Journal of School Psychology 47 (2009) 291–314
grade students) and those enrolled in advanced courses, respectively