LOL! by the way- he did tell me this evening that your and Kathy's answers were correct, he'd just been concerned that they weren't because it didn't sound like what his teacher was saying yesterday but after she covered it again today, it was clearer and this was the same answer. I stifled my defensive reaction and decided maybe it made sense because he wants to learn what his teacher says is right.
Remember, he spent the better portion of the last 3 1/2 years incarcerated and had to be very assertive at times to even be put in academic classes--until he maxed out what they had to offer in Department of Juvenile Justice. That's why he's a senior taking algebra 2 and spanish 2 and bio 2. They simply didn't have any teachers in there (Department of Juvenile Justice) to teach these classes so he hasn't had anything above the 1st or 2nd (he had 2 science classes and algebra 1 and geometry) level in these areas in 1 1/2 - 2 years. He says it's coming back to him and it appears to me it is. He still might need some help from you though- and TG this board and you ladies are here! He's had the 3 years of history and English classes already so only needs the 4th year in them.
Some things- like texting on the cell phone- I'm glad he's behind other teens on. Other things- like the academics and stuff like putting air in the car tire- I'm real sorry he's behind on. But he's really doing his part to catch up this time. I'm still keeping fingers crossed and praying but I have to say, doing the right thing seems to be winning out over his temptations and occassional feeling of giving up (which he still has) this time.
He asked me to post another math problem (1 out of his entire homework) tonight but when he told me what it was and I saw the context of the rest of the homework, I told him I thought he could figure it out on his own and he did. It was about absolute values but he'd just done an entire worksheet on them 2 nights ago and got them right. I think part of the problem is him getting his confidence back- that he can do this in a mainstream sd and hold his own academically. I keep reminding him that he can if he does his part (and he can) but we aren't mensa members here so it's going to take some hard work and a lot of studying.
Sorry- I think I'm rambling. I'm just so proud to finally see him study on his own accord, get up for school on his own, be excited about classes, etc....it's been a long time coming and I want it to last, Know what I mean??