I agree that he needs to be listened to, unconditionally. He is more than his school placement and it's important that he hear that from you. You don't care where or what he does in school as long as he develops his potential and is responsible and honest (or whatever your values are).
Amy Chua would never say that, and although I think she is a little out there, neither would I. School is the primary "job" of my children, and it is their moral obligation, both to themselves, their parents, and society in general, to do their best.
