Parents irate over plan to nix AP Bio

Several residents blasted school officials at a June 7 Board of Education meeting over the district’s decision to cancel an Advanced Placement biology course for juniors and seniors at Long Beach High school next year.

The discussion grew contentious when residents argued that the course is essential because it is challenging and rigorous, and provides students with the knowledge they need to excel in college. School officials, however, insisted that the decision was made after a review of the academic records of some of the students who had enrolled in the course. They were deemed ineligible to take the class and, as a result, there were not enough students to fill it, officials said.

Dr. Vincent Butera, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said that the A.P. biology class will be changed “to reflect more of the inquiry which is more consistent with the International Baccalaureate program.”

Butera clarified his statement after the meeting. “The College Board, which is in charge of creating A.P. exams and courses … is changing the nature of the A.P. bio course,” he said.

At the meeting, Robert Levokove, a 2009 graduate of the high school, said that although 13 students were enrolled, the district decided to cancel the class “very abruptly,” and the students who were eligible were asked “on the spot” to choose a new course.

“When I asked Dr. Passi why the decision was made without the consultation with the parents or the students,” Levokove said, referring to the high school principal, Dr. Gaurav Passi, “his exact reaction was, like, ‘We just don’t do that.’” Dr. Zachary Levokove, Robert’s father, who has another son in 10th grade, praised the A.P. biology course and said that there should have been greater transparency from the district about its decision. “If there were 13 children on the list the day the course was canceled, why isn’t the course running?” Levokove asked. “A letter should have been prepared and given to the students.” He added that students should have been able to discuss the change with their parents. “Kids were pressured,” he said. “It was inappropriate.”