Because intermediate grade students were not working up to their potential, a coordinator of elementary school instruction implemented a practicum to increase students' motivation. In-service meetings were held with six intermediate grade teachers from each of two schools for the purpose of planning techniques and devising activities for increasing the motivation of students. Teacher instruction focused on success- and failure-oriented personalities, learned helplessness, ways to renew student motivation, attribution theory, rewards, constructive feedback, and reinforcement theory. Practicum goals were to: (1) assist teachers in planning activities that would improve student motivation and increase students' drive to work up to their potential; (2) enable children to put forth the effort that would allow them to achieve at their expected level; and (3) improve students' attendance, preparation, and self-discipline. To attain these goals, a staff development program was implemented. This program included research-based techniques and activities designed to improve instructional and motivation strategies used in the classroom. Evaluation data indicated that a staff development program designed to assist teachers in strengthening student motivation does increase students' ability to succeed in school. Related materials are appended. (RH)