Albert Bandura, the leading pioneer in the study of self-regulation, has defined the term as the child's ability to self-educate, self-direct, regulate motivation, and learn to think about what she is learning (1994). Lev Vygotsky's theory that children can be taught to think independently about how to solve problems expands upon Bandura's work (1978). Though Montessori did not use the term "self-regulation," the descriptions of inner discipline, or "normalization," in her writings are clearly related to this concept. Because Montessori classrooms emphasize developing behaviors associated with self-regulation, Lander University's Montessori Teacher Education Program chose to focus on this as a topic of research in a 3-year study funded by a 2004 congressionally directed grant. Findings showed positive results for Montessori children in ratings of self-regulation and academic performance which affirm the effectiveness of Montessori classroom practice in fostering positive work habits and internal motivation. The authors hope that these results will lead more public school administrators, particularly those in small rural settings where programs of school choice are rare, to consider Montessori a viable option. (Contains 4 tables.)