9 year old son failing in school

My 9 year old son has been said to be extremely intelligent yet inattentive young man by several different sources. (like school teachers, summer day camp teachers, church staff, family etc) He is currently in 4th grade and just received his first report card. (like no other) He scored below 70 in 2 or 3 subjects. This has NEVER happened before. Part of me feels like he is unable to focus yet the other part feels like there are so many factors that could be the reason as opposed to his inattentiveness. (or an exacerbation of it) This is his first year in his current school district. I have been told by his principal and teachers that their curriculum is more vigorous than his previous school. His classmates were exposed to material last year that he wasn't exposed now which puts him behind now. In addition, the grades on his report card are an average of TEST GRADES ONLY as opposed to an average of classwork, homework, tests, class participation etc. like they did at the previous school. He's in a totally different environment. So, with that said I sort of feel like it's all these reasons that he is failing as opposed to complete inattentiveness. But I have to admit, he has struggled with inattentiveness before- but his grades weren't failing. As a mother, I don't want to medicate my child and have him feel like he needs to take a pill to control his behavior while at the same time I feel like I'm doing him a disservice if I sit back and watch him fail in school especially if it's due to inattentiveness. The school has suggested I contact his Pediatrician. (who will of course simply write a RX. or refer him. Do you think I should have him tested for ADD/ADHD? I can make arrangements with a P.H.D child/family therapist that my son has seen in the past. PLEASE HELP

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, I do think that pursuing an evaluation is the responsible thing to do. When the proper assessment has occurred, if ADHD is identified, treatment of it can provide a very useful tool for children. You just don't want to rush into it without proper evaluation. There are many reasons, as you've identified, why he might be having more difficulty now than before. And remember, the curriculum demands of fourth grade are a significant step betond what they are in third grade, so you often see a bit of a decline as children move into fourth grade. Whatever the case, pursuing a professionally-driven evaluation is a prudent step to take.

[onlyhope]

Thanks you so much. I appreciate your help and reassurance.

[jdtm]

There are several divisions in the school curriculum - Early Childhood which are those years before Grade 1, Primary which includes Grades 1-3, Junior which includes Grades 4-6, Intermediate which is Grades 7-10 and Senior which are the last two years in high school.  The first year in each division tends to be more difficult; not only due  to the curriculum but also the evaluation/expectation methods.  Also, the last year in each division tends to be "easier" for the students because they are "used to" the expectations and are more comfortable with the curriculum.  But, students being students one always finds many exceptions to the "rules".  And teachers being teachers, one again finds many exceptions to the "rules".

[onlyhope]

I wish there were exceptions especially in this case. Honestly, I was baffled when the principal told me it's there policy to average TEST GRADES ONLY for their final grades. This also poses a problem for children that just aren't "good test takers." I'm going to have him evaluated, pray and do my job as a mother to teach my child and reassure him. I can only imagine how my son feels considering how much this frustrates me as his mother. It's going to be a long, difficult road but everything happens for a reason. There's no point in me sitting back and being frustrated about it......I may as well cry or whatever, get it over with and focus on being proactive for my son in the very bad situation. Thank you all again for everything.

[onlyhope]

I just thought about something else- Sometimes I wish I could quit my job, stay home with my son and move far, far away. I know that's not feasible but I don't like to see him having such a hard time. Especially in school, teachers can TRY to be patient all day long, but they are only human. It could be much worse though so I should be thankful.

Thanks for "listening."