history: My son had been doing really well in school. Lately he has been slacking off and not turning stuff in. My son had always done so well in school. That is good_comma_ is he struggling now?
current: Yes, lately he has been slacking off it seems and he failed a test.
next: Did you ask him about it, or did he make a big change to high school. Sometimes a big change or just burn out can kick in.