<p>If a teacher honestly feels your S is giving “inconsistant effort” why would he ask him/her for a rec? I don’t understand your son’s thinking. Perhaps showing him a recommendation form from the Common App and explaining the purpose of a rec will open his eyes. </p>
<p>Although from what you said, he’s gotten this comment from other teachers as well, so it’s possible his options are limited.</p>
<p>PS I think our school uses the same report card program, with the choices of comments.</p>