I have a son who is a high school sophomore. He is a smart boy with a pleasant disposition and has been a good student until recently. His grades are deteriorating and he does not seem to care. We have tried to punish him by removing privileges, but this has not worked. We are concerned about his college admission possibilities, but he seems unfazed.

This happens way too often. Formerly good students who begin to underperform at a critical time in high school. Not all students are emotionally ready for this transition to early adulthood and may demonstrate this lack of readiness with the most influential tool within their power, their grades. Unfortunately colleges monitor high school grades closely and will reject students for substandard performance. This is the reality that your student may not be ready to comprehend.

Students in this position need a clearer picture of who they are and where they are going in terms of personal strengths and interests. Their future may be too overwhelming for them to comprehend. Great strides can be made by integrating positive past experiences, interests and choices into a future plan.

Your son may or may not qualify for a school-sponsored IEP based on emotional distress.
Regardless, he would still benefit from an Individualized Education Plan created for him as an immediate intervention at this critical juncture. Resource Education Solutions can create a plan to redirect your son’s focus and self-motivation.