Self-contained classrooms vs. Departmentalized: Examining the Impact of Student Motivation and Achievement Currently, in the state of Georgia, the TKES system used to observe teachers reflects instruction in departments and self-contained classrooms. As a result, schools are moving to more departmentalized school settings due to increased student enrollment, greater demand for differentiation, and easier transitions to higher grade levels. This study will help determine the importance of departmentalized versus self-contained classes. A study by Dr. Alecia Sthrol showed statistics that middle and high school teachers saw a drastic change in student achievement due to departmental classroom settings. However, there were many disadvantages associated with the process which, if not maintained at par, would result in decreased student achievement. The purpose of this research is to determine whether departmentalized classroom settings or self-contained classroom settings influence student motivation and achievement for fourth grade students. (insert motivation statements here)“According to the self-esteem theory of achievement motivation, the sense of academic self-worth is the most critical factor in determining students' attitudes and behavior. The key to academic self-esteem is students' perception of their own abilities in school, especially compared to others. Students learn to avoid the shame and humiliation of failure by choosing not to try. This type of intentionally resistant behavior in the classroom has been coined “negative motivation” (Teel, 2001 p. 16). Methods Participants Twenty-two fourth grade teachers from both a self-contained and departmentalized classroom will conduct the basic t..... . middle of paper ......mentalized classroom environments, because it will alleviate teachers' stress and decrease students' difficulties, but it will increase academic difficulties because it will allow schools to have higher expectations and rules. Departmentalization in fourth and fifth grades offers an academic specialization where self-contained classrooms are lacking. Departmentalization makes it easier for students to track discipline according to their ability. Make full use of the best teacher resources and facilitate instructional planning. Additionally, students appear to appreciate the freedom to move from class to class during a school day (KSU, 2013). With this understanding, elementary and middle school educators can collaborate to structure departmentalization programs so that young adolescents get the best possible start in middle school and beyond (KSU, n.d..).