Dropping AP Bio

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hi, wanted some advice on whether I should drop AP bio

I’m in 12th grade. I currently have a C in the class, but this is not because I’m struggling with the content.
I have a pretty bad health condition which has resulted in me missing a lot of days this semester. This isn’t really an issue with any of my other classes (I’m taking three other APs) since my teachers are pretty helpful and understanding.
My bio teacher is…not so understanding.
I have a disability plan with the school, so it’s not like she can just straight up fail me because I miss a lot. But she’s been difficult for me to handle, doing things like only giving me half a period to take a test I missed and then saying “it is what it is” when I tell her I didn’t get to finish. Essentially, she’s failing me on make up stuff because I was absent, even though the absences are not in my control since I can’t exactly force my disease to go away on the days I have Bio.
My major concern right now is that I wasn’t able to create a science fair project due to health issues, which is a requirement for the class. I’m pretty sure she’s just gonna give me an F, no excuses, and then my grade will be even worse.
I’m just wondering if it’s worth it for me to try and stick it out with this woman or just drop the class. I can handle the content, but I don’t know how to deal with her. I don’t know this will look to colleges though, and I don’t want it to seem like I can’t handle difficult classes. So yeah, some advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

2

wow i’m sorry for all that’s happened. i had a similar bad experience in my 9th grade algebra one class. i’ll never forget that because the teacher was extremely unfair. but maybe you can be upfront to her and if that doesn’t help get a parent involved and go to your guidance counselor for more assistance. maybe you can switch into another AP Bio class taught by another teacher?

3

Yeah it sucks. I did go to my guidance counselor, but I’m not sure how much she can do. And lucky me, this lady is the only AP bio teacher in our school ?

4

As a parent, I would say get your parents involved. Do you have an IEP or another “formal” plan?

First, have a conference with the teacher and your parents.

Then, have a conference with the principal. I have found guidance counselors are pretty useless outside of scheduling and college recs, but perhaps yours is different.

I have found as a parent once I get involved, bully teachers tend to back down.

Good luck - and, like I said, lean on your parents.

5

I have a 504 plan. Does the plan type matter?

6

A 504 Plan does mean that your teachers are legally obligated to provide the accommodations outlined within it, although it’s highly unlikely that your plan includes things like “should not be provided with less time when making up tests.” You should, however, get a copy of it to see if any of the things she’s doing go against the plan and, if so, raise the issue with her and/or your GC. Good luck