The purpose of this quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional study was to examine the possible relationship between students' autonomy, students' competence, and student-teacher relatedness, and their performance on ELA and math high-stakes tests. The self-determination theory was employed to guide the study. This study collected self-reported data from a sample of 116 5th through 8th grade students using the Basic Psychological Needs in the Classroom survey. This 5-point Likert-type survey determined to the extent that students' perceived levels of the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness influence their test performance. Self-reported test scores from the 2022 administration of the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program math and ELA exams were used to measure performance levels. Data collected was analyzed using multiple regression. The findings collectively indicate that students' autonomy, students' competence, and student-teacher relatedness significantly influence student performance. Also indicated in the study, when analyzed separately, multiple regression analysis revealed competence as the only independent variable that individually produces a significant influence for all four research questions. Findings from this study have important implications for current educational practices. Educators can increase autonomy, competence, relatedness, and therefore students' test performance by setting goals with students and providing necessary encouragement to ensure students reach those goals. Additionally, providing constructive and informative written feedback can contribute to a higher perceived level of competence, thereby contributing to improved high-stakes test performance. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]