This action research project sought to improve student motivation in order to increase academic performance among eighth graders in an urban community. Evidence of academic underachievement and lack of student participation was documented by means of teacher observations, incomplete and missing assignments, and student questionnaires. Student, parent, and teacher surveys were administered at the beginning of the 1999-2000 school year, and a modified version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire was also administered to measure students' motivation. Four major interventions were implemented: the requirement of an assignment notebook, increased parental awareness through academic progress reports, implementation of motivationally oriented content, and development of students' organizational and study skills. In addition, a variety of cooperative learning and social skill activities were incorporated. Post-intervention data indicated an overall improvement in many areas, including completion of homework, feelings about instructors, interest in class content, and academic achievement. The incorporation of cooperative learning and multiple intelligence lessons was found to strengthen student motivational levels and academic achievement. (Eight appendices include survey forms and a sample student progress report. Contains 25 references.) (EV)