I think that the term "work ethic" is pretty loaded and doesn't accurately represent the underachievement pattern we are talking about here. It's not really a matter of ethics or morals to me. I think a school psychologist is likely to call the complex of behaviors here an executive function issue. Let me dig around on my floor for a book that talks about this.

Here it is!

Rimm, Sylvia (2008)_Why Bright Kids Get Poor Grades And What *You* Can Do About It: A Six-Step Program for Parents and Teachers_, Scottsdale, Great Potential Press.

The six steps are:

1. Assessment
2. Communication between Teachers, Parents, and Students
3. Changing Expectations
4. Role Model Identification
5. Correcting Deficiencies
6. Correction

I need to finish reading this book--as soon as I finish cleaning the living room. I'm hosting the Book Club tonight!