How to Motivate an Underachiever
In this article, you will find:
Learning problems
Learning ProblemsLearning problems can also make Dino's achievement drag. Get to any root learning issues by talking first to his middle school teachers or school counselor. It could be a difficult subject, a specific academic challenge like a long-term project, or a personality clash with a teacher that's causing Dino's stall.
If you or his teacher suspect a learning delay, take him to an educational diagnostician or licensed psychologist for cognitive and achievement tests, especially if he's never had one or the last one was more than two years ago. The Woodcock-Johnson Psychoeducational Battery is an example of one such test. Combined with family and individual interviews, such tests yield a comprehensive picture of current academic and processing skills and give an indication of future performance. Finding out what Dino is truly capable of is a comfort if he has been boring a hole through the sofa with his head. The counselor will also make specific recommendations for getting him on the move again. Remember that if his public school agrees to conduct a psychoeducational test, there is no cost to you. Consult his middle school guidance counselor for eligibility and guidelines in your school district.