The purpose of chapter two is to review the literature relating to the main variables of the study. Two literature reviews were carried out. The first literature review examined retention rates and low standardized test scores of students taking middle school mathematics courses. This follows the purpose of the conceptual framework, Keller's (1987) ARCS model. Here, there will be literature to inform the study related to research design, intervention design, and measurement instruments. Finally, there will be a section on the conceptual framework. Student Retention in Middle School Mathematics President Barack Obama (2008) began his term by saying that the agenda begins with education. Whether you are conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, virtually all economists agree that in the digital age, a highly educated and skilled workforce will be key not only to individual opportunity, but also to the overall success of our economy. We cannot be satisfied until every child in America - and I mean every child - has the same opportunity for a good education that we want for our own children. This promise has raised serious concerns about the education taught to students ranked 28th in the United States. 40 other countries in Mathematics and Sciences. 80% of professions depend on knowledge of mathematics and science (Week and Obama 2009). To ensure that educators have enough money to fund their efforts to be more competitive with the rest of the world in math and science, President Obama will increase federal spending on education with 18 billion more dollars in K-12 classrooms, ensuring educators have the teachers, technology and professional development needed to achieve high levels of quality......workplace... ...matics in six countries, Mathematics Education in the 21st Century, Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, Michigan State University. Silver, E. A. (1998). Improving Middle School Mathematics: Lessons from TIMSS and Related Research, US Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328. Singh, K., M. Granville et al. (2002). “Achievement in mathematics and science: effects of motivation, interest, and academic engagement.” The Journal of Educational Research 95(6): 323-332. Stroup, AL and LN Robins (1972). “Predictors of high school dropout among black males.” Sociology of Education 45(2): 212-222.Washington, WM, BC Barish, et al. (2006). “National Science Council.” Week, E. and B. Obama (2009). Obama's Education Plan: An Education Week Guide, Jossey-Bass Inc Pub.