This paper describes research into the nature of the achievement goals and values held by students from Window Rock High School on the Navajo Reservation (Arizona). It examines the compatibility of these student-held goals and values with goals and values promoted by classrooms and schools, and the impact individual, family, peer, class, and school-held goals and values have on student achievement, motivation, and school retention. The specific focus is on the value of competition in the cultural and school contexts of Navajo students. An emphasis is the methodology used to obtain and analyze data. The research was conducted through interviews with 20 students from grades 8 through 12, 10 members of the Navajo community, and 9 Navajo teachers. There appears to be considerable disagreement about the cultural relevance of the value of competition for Navajos participating in the interviews. Some community members and teachers believed that competition was not a traditional value, but others believed the Navajo people have always been competitive. Both groups agreed that competition was becoming more common and increasingly important for the Navajo student. However, students believed that setting goals to improve one's personal best was more appropriate and motivational than competing with others. The divergence between student and adult beliefs raises the question of how students perceive the school environment. The desire of students to improve on their personal best may not be capitalized on effectively in the schools. The study questionnaire is attached. (Contains 1 table and 22 references.) (Author/SLD)