My son is a bright kid, he just lacks motivation(he is failing 4 classes)....He has been tested for everything and does not fall under Special Ed (ADD nor ADH)...He always passes the TAKS test (is commended) so he is capable of doing the work, but just refuses....We have tried restriction, grounding, spankings, bribing and striving for a want / goal, but to no avail.....What should we do??? The teachers are at their wits end and I feel some teachers have given up...We go to church, we do family time, I just don't know what else to do....I have spoken to the school counselor and teachers and they say that their hands are tied up...Until he proves or demonstrates that he can do the work, they will not test him for GT or honors...He does say that his work is easy...What should I do, is their anything I can do either through the public school system, or should I look into a private Christian school...and so Which one in San Antonio-TX ...
2007-03-07 16:21:29 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Something has to be bothering this child. If the class were to easy he would be getting A's. Am I right?
I doubt he has it but has he been checked for sensory integration dysfunction by a OT.
2007-03-07 16:31:49 · answer #1 · answered by Monet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is very typical for a 7th grader. I used to tutor kids and even the brightest kids would fail something or just "forget" to turn something in. The best thing I can recommend is an Academic Performance Management plan, which is essentially a very strict written schedule. He does his homework in a certain spot everyday where there are plenty of pens, pencils and paper etc., so no excuses are used for him to leave and forget to do something. He eats a healthy snack when he gets home. You check off on his homework and place it in a color-coded folder for each subject, etc. There is way too much to write and each kid is different. But one thing that is essential is it something the school, you, and him (maybe a tutor) agree to abide by. If there is a weak link in this chain, it will not work. Mel Levin is the pioneer of this stuff. I say read a few of his books. And with all the sincerity in the world good luck and never give up.
2007-03-07 16:39:58 · answer #2 · answered by O 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I read this I first didn't know what to say but then I started thinking and realized, your son is probably smarter than the rest of the school population. The things they're teaching in school just aren't challenging enough and he doesn't feel the need to care.
I'm not saying pull him out of the classroom but you want to consider a tougher school environment. Maybe tell him that if he tries just for a very short period he can get into a lot more challenging classes. This may motivate him slightly to do something.
Also, what about having another student, more like college age come and talk to him about his future and see how that goes. Have them explain what it's like in the real world and how if you work hard in school now you benefit much more later. i.e. in college....
Good luck.
2007-03-08 01:34:30 · answer #3 · answered by Fashionisto Billy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know exactly how your son feels. I am 15 and have been advanced to a senior to graduate this year. I believe that taking him form public school straight to a private school will be a bit harsh on the standards, and dress code and all. What you might consider looking into is possibly a charter school. I attended one for 9 years (k-12) and I can see the difference in standards. Most charter schools accommodate the child and will set him/her at their level, so they can achieve more...etc.
2007-03-07 16:31:41 · answer #4 · answered by Kaci 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried talking to him...onot bagering him or yelling at him or blaming him, just a one on one mother to son talk, no pressure assuring him that he can say what he wants with out penelty. see if something is wrong with him. Aslo try accuntuating the positive and not focusing on the negative. when you son does something wrong redirect the attention to something that he is doing right and come back to the task. The more attention you pay to a behavior the more likly it is to be repeated. Try reading "Whale Done: The Power Of Positive Relationships" By Ken Blanchard.
2007-03-07 17:21:57 · answer #5 · answered by Danielle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son was similar all throughout middle school. Does your son have any passions? anything of importance to him at all? Music? friends? perhaps soccer/baseball? theres usually something they love. if not find something he loves if you still cannot prevail have him take classes at a local community college about something easy enough for him but still challenges him. My son, did poorly in school cause he was bored out of his mind and the teachers didn't go fast enough for him.
god bless
2007-03-07 16:48:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
he can repeat the grade, or go to school out in the woods,
i dunno if the restrictions dont effect him because he can get around them somehow or he just really does not have a goal to aim for.
spanking has only so much impact. being hit by a nun isnt going to have much added effect. school isnt supposed to be super hard... it is set up for the students to succeed. if he wants get anywhere ........ he needs some motivation /rethinking . maybe he needs to go to a after school program where he is forced to work on homework . maybe summer school will be enoug. he is lucky to have a dedicated parent that really wants him to succeed.
2007-03-07 16:34:47 · answer #7 · answered by smartass_yankee_tom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try secular counseling. Your church could perhaps recommend someone.
2007-03-07 16:26:14 · answer #8 · answered by rokdude5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋