my son is in 7th grade and he seems not to care if he does well or not. What should i do?

He nows this year is very important. it will determine what high school he will attend. I yelled, punished him from using the computer, watching tv ect. Me and my husband are at wits end, It causes us to fight all of the time. My husband says let him fail it is his life. I feel as his mother i should keep on him. Nothing works! i dont no what to do. please help!!!!!