Teachers: How can I earn a second chance?

I've been stressing out about my grades in an AP class. I've been getting B's on most of my tests and quizzes for half a marking period. However, I must get an A. My parents require me to do so and would surely kill me if I do not. I got an A the first marking period, but for the second (which is not), I did not do as well.



The sad thing is I've been stressing about this everyday of my break (including New Year's). I realize that partly it's my fault, because I've been cramming. But my resolve is to change and truly work hard on everything. I promise for sure.



But the problem is... I only have one more month (half a marking period) to change my grades. Even if I do work hard and get a perfect score on everything, I won't make it to a solid A.



Is there anything I can do or talk about to my teacher to give more opportunities (or tests)?



I realize there are not many assignments left, but I need more to get the A. There are no extra credit assignments. This is an AP course.



Teachers: If I do show that I care and if she truly realizes I have worked harder, will she give me a chance by offering more assignments or even extra credit?



*I realize it is my job to work and I'm willing to do so. All I'm asking here is more opportunities and a chance. I am NOT trying to bribe the teacher or do anything wrong.



Please... I'm miserable now and desperately need it ;(Teachers: How can I earn a second chance?
Speaking as a teacher, I've heard too many times ';I'm going to change'; to believe it anymore. It would be one thing if I actually did see the change, and I have been known to make deals with students if I really see change. However, the life lesson here is that all actions have consequences. If you really, really wanted that A you would have worked for it since the beginning of the year. You have to realize what you're asking your teacher to do. You're saying that you should have worked harder, but you didn't, so now you want your teacher to work harder because of that. How is this fair to your teacher? It can't hurt to ask, and since you're actually passing the course that's in your favor as well, just keep these things in mind.Teachers: How can I earn a second chance?
Honestly, I doubt there will be anything a teacher will do to help you with your grades if you weren't doing the work as well as you should have the first part of the semester. Part of school is teaching the students that there are consequences for their actions (or in your case, inactions).



But this is something you need to bring up with your parents. Bs aren't the end of the world. I mean, a C is average. Just tell them the truth but that you're determined to work harder next quarter. They might actually let you off a little easier because you were honest with them.
The short, easy and most reliable answer I can give you is to simply ask your teacher, ';what must I do academically in order to get an ';A'; in your class?';

If there is any way possible, and you are sincere, then your teacher can and will tell you. If however, you have been more of a disruption to the class than a learner, or if you are a minimalist doing just enough to get by, then all bets are off. Your teacher is unlikely to extend themselves on your behalf...since you didn't.



As a teacher I know that sometimes we have a little flexibility in our assessment of a student's work...and sometime we don't. As a semester progresses it becomes easier to recognize a student who is giving 100% and doing their best from the student who is not. One strong indicator is how well the student is doing in their other classes. It's been my experience that by and large, the student who is doing A/B work in your class is doing A/B work in their other classes as well.



Good luck and I hope that helps
The fact that you realize your fault in the matter, and have admitted that your grade is not what it should be due to the fact that you have thus far not done a truly AP-level job with your studies, would tell me, as a teacher, that you have learned a lesson. Maybe I would be willing to add some assignments to my course syllabus so that you personally, and maybe other students in the same boat, would have a chance to raise your grade.



But, on the other hand, your lesson will be learned better if you suffer the consequences. All is not lost with a B grade. Next semester you will show your teachers you want the A, because you don't want the alternative consequences ever again. This will make you a stronger, more driven learner. (The essence of a professionally done job.)