International Review of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 10, No. 1 (2015), pp. 67-74 www.irssh.com ISSN 2248-9010 (Online), ISSN 2250-0715 (Print) Motivation and Academic Achievement in Middle School Students Ma. Concepción Rodríguez Nieto (Corresponding Author) School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Mutualismo 110, Mitras Centro, C.P. 64460, Monterrey, N.L., México E-mail: fapsi.mcce@uanl.mx Laura Minerva Ramírez Treviño School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Mutualismo 110, Mitras Centro, C.P. 64460, Monterrey, N.L., México E-mail: laura.ramirez333@hotmail.com Martha Patricia Sánchez Miranda School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Mutualismo 110, Mitras Centro, C.P. 64460, Monterrey, N.L., México E-mail: Martha.SAnchezMRN@uanl.edu José Armando Peña Moreno School of Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León Mutualismo 110, Mitras Centro, C.P. 64460, Monterrey, N.L., México E-mail: José.penam@uanl.mx (Received: 29-7-15 / Accepted: 24-9-15) Abstract In Mexico, national tests indicate deficiencies in relevant areas to middle school students. The search for alternatives to improve this aspect of educational quality has led to research on motivation essential for learning. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between achievement goals and orientations and academic achievement in middle school students. The sample was no probabilistic of 325 students. The Achievement Goal Questionnaire was applied in group and grade point average of the previous school year each student was obtained. The results showed on invalidity in the internal consistency and the factorial decomposition distribution of subscale items avoidance performance goals. The means of achieving the four goals were higher than average with minimal differences and dominance of mastery approach goals. Only one significant negative and low correlation between GPA and achievement goals avoidance performance was found. Further research is suggested in different cultural contexts and educational levels to confirm or modify the results of this study.