There are multiple problems with being a bright student. Being smart can be deemed ‘uncool’, and even in some honors classes some try to prove they are more ‘cool’ by doing the minimum. So as a parent it falls to you to make his life hell until he works at school, like you have to do for your career, even though it is hard to do so.

So, keep in touch with the teacher. Make him write down the homework/assigned reading for every class in a planner and have the teacher(s) in the class(es) he’s not doing well in initial it. Check with the teachers to make sure it is accurate, and that they initialed it. (Be sure to have him do this as he leaves the classroom and not in class, as you don’t want him publicly shamed.) Take away privileges (tv, games, computer) until his homework is done, removing any of those from his room. The national news can be a part of a history class, so make sure to watch it yourself.

Read the material yourself, for history, and quiz him on it (or use end of chapter questions). For history, taking notes in a notebook often helps, as it forces additional memory connections. Reading for retention often requires a minimum of 3 readings. Also, questioning the motives of the publishers in the way they present the material can help with memory.

Also if he is failing one class, I’d recommend calling his other teachers and finding out how he is doing in his other classes.