Academic Underachievement

As a teacher at an area high school, I work with a wide range of students, from the student that breezes through classes, to the student that struggles to pass their classes. Every student is different, and has different educational needs. Some students can be helped to reach their potential through special services and accommodations that help with learning challenges they may face. Other students may not qualify for these services, and may have to look at how they can help themselves in other ways.

Many teachers, parents, and sometimes even the students themselves can be frustrated with being in a situation in which the student does not meet the full potential they have. Sometimes these students are incorrectly labeled as "lazy" or "unmotivated", when in reality, it could be another issue altogether. Sometimes it goes beyond the student, and there may be contributing factors in the family, in which case all parties need to be involved in, and be a part of the solution. There are many directions these solutions can take, as every student is different, but every student who under performs can work to improve their situation.

“The most important thing about education is appetite.” 
― Winston Churchill