Question
Our son started 6th grade this year and is doing very well in all his classes - save one. He is falling further and further behind in his Advanced Math class. He has always been a strong math student, and although the material is harder, we strongly feel that it is not a question of ability. He states that he has trouble not being the smartest one in the class -as he has always been up to this point. We know this is an excuse and are not buying it.
We have spoken with the teacher and she confirms that he is not paying attention, arriving at the bell, sitting in the back row, reading under his desk and generally not working up to his potential. We monitor his grades and have instituted John's weekly report card with the teacher - which the teacher is not fond of completing, but we have insisted. This seems to remedy his inattention and falling grades for a bit, but then it returns. We know this is not a general attention issue because he participates and excels in his other classes.
We are in need of guidance on where to go from here. Thank you in advance.
