Academic Underachievement
Academic underachievement occurs when a student's school performance is below his or her expected capabilities. Often a student's expected level of performance is based on past levels of achievement or intellectual abilities. Academic underachievement in adolescents may be due to a number of factors:
- Learning disabilities-When the student has difficulty processing information through auditory, visual, or tactile means, or responding to information through writing, speaking, or motor coordination. They have difficulty following directions and learning through conventional means. Often they have corresponding behavioral problems, short attention span, depression, or low self-esteem. Many are identified as special education students.
- Major life stressor-A response to a major stressful event such as a death in the family, move, illness, or parental divorce. These symptoms should be temporary. If they persist for longer than 6 months, it may indicate depression.
- Attention deficit
- Lack of motivation
- Truancy
- Defiance
- Depression
- Substance abuse
The education program at Aspen Achievement academy is ideal for academic underachievers. Students who have difficulty in traditional classroom settings thrive on real life experiential education. They learn about astronomy by looking at the stars, geography by studying local rock formations, biology through observing flora and fauna of the area. Attention and motivation improve in the outdoor setting. Writing assignments are abundant. Educational goals and objectives are designed to help the student succeed academically and progress therapeutically.
The Utah State Board of Education recognizes Aspen Achievement Academy program as a special alternative school. All credits earned are transferable back to the student's home school.
