What issue does Ms. Foster face when she learns about Mary Jordan’s previous academic success?

The situation that Ms. Foster encounters is highlighted by Mary's lack of motivation, which contrasts sharply with her previous academic success. This creates a dilemma for Ms. Foster as it suggests that Mary is capable of performing at a high level based on her past achievements, yet her current disengagement raises concerns about her academic potential and progress. Understanding this discrepancy is crucial for Ms. Foster, as it necessitates finding ways to re-engage Mary and support her in realizing her capabilities.

In contrast, the other choices do not address the core issue of motivation. Mary's transfer from another school or her involvement in more challenging courses may provide context to her educational background but do not directly relate to the challenge of motivation. Similarly, while a strong academic background could complicate grading, it does not reflect the current issue that Ms. Foster must tackle, which is Mary's apparent decline in motivation compared to her past performance. Thus, the correct option emphasizes the significant challenge posed by this lack of motivation in the educational setting.