There are a variety of reasons one may have difficulty taking tests. So try to determine a possible cause. For instance, does your nephew get extremely anxious before a test and seem to forget the information? Does your nephew do fine on oral answers or essay questions but tends to do poorly on multiple choice tests when given a “scantron” answer sheet? Talk with your nephew and the school to help answer these questions.

There are many articles and suggestions on-line for those with test anxiety issues. If it is a problem passing “scantron” tests, then consider having your nephew evaluated for a visual processing concern, which might make him eligible for services for learning disabilities. Evan if he didn’t qualify due to his current academic success, a 504 document could be initiated, which would give him some other options such as using a laminated index card under the problem or reading passage. Or, he could possibly be allowed to take tests in other adapted ways rather than with a scantron.

Good luck in learning more about your nephew.