Signs your teen is struggling to track progress

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Neurodivergent High School Learners and Progress Tracking

For many neurodivergent teens, including those with ADHD, autism, or other learning differences, keeping track of academic progress can feel overwhelming. If you are a parent of a neurodivergent learner, you know your child may face unique hurdles that affect their ability to monitor grades, remember assignments, and reflect on goals. Recognizing these challenges early gives you the opportunity to provide encouragement and find the right solutions together.

Recognizing the Signs Your Teen Is Struggling to Track Progress

It is common for high school students to experience ups and downs in their academic journey. However, being aware of the signs your teen is struggling to track progress can help you step in before frustration or low confidence take hold. Here are some key indicators to look for:

• Missing assignments or late work: Your teen frequently forgets to turn in homework, projects, or study for tests, even when reminders are provided at home or school.
• Uncertainty about current grades: When you ask about their grades, your teen seems unsure or avoids the topic altogether.
• Difficulty setting or sticking to goals: Your child starts the semester with strong intentions but loses track of their goals or gives up after setbacks.
• Overwhelmed by long-term projects: Larger assignments or multi-step tasks cause stress, procrastination, or last-minute efforts.
• Emotional responses: You notice increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal when discussing schoolwork or progress reports.
• Disorganization: Binders, backpacks, and digital folders are often cluttered, making it hard to find study materials or keep up with deadlines.

Experts in child development note that these challenges are especially common among neurodivergent teens, who may process information differently or have executive function challenges. Many teachers and parents report that students who struggle to track their progress can become discouraged, which in turn impacts motivation and self-esteem.

Remember, noticing the signs your teen is struggling to track progress is the first step. Your support and understanding can make a lasting difference.

Why Tracking Academic Progress Matters in High School

High school is a time of increasing independence and responsibility. Tracking academic progress helps students see where they are excelling, identify areas for improvement, and build habits that will serve them in college and beyond. For neurodivergent learners, these skills may require extra support, but they are just as important. When a teen learns to monitor their progress, they gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of control over their learning journey.

How Can Parents Help High School Students Monitor Progress?

If you have noticed signs your teen is struggling to track progress, you might wonder what you can do. Here are practical steps you can take to help high school students monitor progress and feel more empowered:

• Open a judgment-free conversation: Ask your teen how they feel about their current workload and what challenges they are facing. Let them know that many students find tracking progress difficult, and that it is okay to need help.
• Break goals into smaller steps: Instead of asking your teen to “improve in math,” help them set specific, manageable goals, such as “complete all math assignments this week.” Celebrate small wins together.
• Use visual aids: Encourage your child to use planners, checklists, or digital apps to track assignments and grades. Some neurodivergent teens benefit from color-coding or visual schedules.
• Model organization skills: Show your teen how you organize tasks or manage time. Share your own strategies for staying on top of responsibilities.
• Check in regularly: Rather than waiting for report cards, schedule brief weekly check-ins to review progress and address any challenges early.
• Partner with teachers: Reach out to your child’s teachers or school counselor for insights or accommodations that can support your teen’s unique needs.
• Encourage self-advocacy: Teach your teen how to ask for help or clarification at school. Remind them that it is a sign of strength to seek support.
• Leverage external resources: Explore tutoring or executive function coaching, such as those available through K12 Tutoring’s Executive Function resources, for structured support.

Goal Setting and Academic Tracking for Neurodivergent High School Students

Goal setting and tracking academic progress are interconnected skills that can be especially challenging for neurodivergent learners in grades 9-12. Many students benefit from explicit instruction and ongoing support in these areas. For example, a teen with ADHD might need reminders to write down assignments and check grades weekly, while a student with dyslexia may prefer digital tools that read instructions aloud.

Some families find it helpful to create a shared calendar or visual progress chart at home. This can help make progress visible and reduce anxiety about what is coming next. Remember, the process is more important than perfection. Mistakes and setbacks are normal, and each step offers a new opportunity to learn and adapt.

Parent Question: What If My Teen Refuses to Talk About School Progress?

It is not unusual for teens, especially those who are neurodivergent, to avoid conversations about school when they feel overwhelmed or embarrassed. If you see signs your teen is struggling to track progress but they resist your efforts to help, try these approaches:

• Choose a neutral time to talk, such as during a car ride or while doing an activity together.
• Use “I” statements, such as “I noticed you seem stressed about school. How can I support you?”
• Offer choices, like, “Would you rather use a paper planner or a digital app to keep track of assignments?”
• Reassure your teen that asking for help is normal and that many students find school challenging at times.
• Consider involving a trusted adult, such as a school counselor or family friend, if your child is more comfortable talking with someone else.

Above all, continue to express your unconditional support. Your understanding can help your teen feel safe opening up when they are ready.

Definitions

Tracking academic progress means keeping up with grades, assignments, and goals to understand how a student is performing over time.

Executive function refers to the mental skills that help us plan, organize, remember, and complete tasks.

Tutoring Support

At K12 Tutoring, we understand that every learner is different. If you are noticing the signs your teen is struggling to track progress, know that you are not alone. Our tutors are trained to provide compassionate, individualized support for all students, including those who are neurodivergent. We work with families to identify strengths, build new skills, and foster confidence in every learner.

Related Resources

• Parent and Family Engagement Guidance: Supporting Your Child’s Academic Achievement – ed.gov
• How to Effectively Track Student Progress – Teach For America
• Progress Monitoring – Michigan Alliance for Families

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].