Why does ponyboy neglect his schoolwork

Ponyboy was actually forced to neglect His school work due to his failing health state

Explanation:

Ponyboy became delirious, He was also so distracted, this were all because of him having a breakdown in his health. The aggregate of all the conditions which affected him led to him neglecting his schoolwork.

He was later given an option by His teacher to write a composition about anything to make up for his poor grades.