Very often when students are struggling in school part of the issue is a lack of organization. Skills such as test taking strategies, study strategies, time management, project management, memorization techniques and essay writing are often not taught in school, but are critical for academic success.
For years we taught a class in study skills for new middle and high school students, and the feedback we received from students and parents was that what students learned in this class was not taught in school, but was invaluable in helping them to successfully launch the next phase of their academic careers.
Below is a link to a good article with some very practical tips and suggestions for how to help students be organized in school. Back-to-school is right around the corner.