March 8, 2007

Guidance for Calculator Use in the Classroom and on
State Assessments in Mathematics

Integration of technology into the classroom is a powerful student motivator. The usage of calculators helps students visualize concepts and ideas. This chart summarizes the policy decisions made regarding the use of calculators in classrooms and on State Assessment in Mathematics.

GRADE LEVEL	CLASSROOM	STATE ASSESSMENT IN MATHEMATICS
3	Four function calculator for instructional purposes	NO CALCULATORS permitted
4	Four function calculator for instructional purposes	NO CALCULATORS permitted
5	*Scientific calculator for instructional purposes	NO CALCULATORS permitted
6	*Scientific calculator for instructional purposes	NO CALCULATORS permitted
7	*Scientific calculator; Graphing calculator for exploratory use	*Scientific calculators are REQUIRED for Book 2 (short and extended response questions) NO CALCULATORS permitted for Book 1 (multiple-choice questions) NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS permitted for any part of the test
8	*Scientific calculator; Graphing calculator for exploratory use	*Scientific calculators are REQUIRED for Book 2 and 3 (short and extended response questions) NO CALCULATORS permitted for Book 1 (multiple-choice questions) NO GRAPHING CALCULATORS permitted for any part of the test
MATH A	Graphing calculator	**Graphing and/or Scientific calculators are REQUIRED
MATH B	Graphing calculator	**Graphing calculators are REQUIRED
INTEGRATED ALGEBRA	Graphing calculator	**Graphing calculators are REQUIRED
GEOMETRY	Graphing calculator	**Graphing calculators are REQUIRED
ALGEBRA 2 and TRIGONOMETRY	Graphing calculator	**Graphing calculators are REQUIRED

* must include at least these functions: standard four functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), decimal, change sign (+,-), parentheses, square root, and symbolic Pi. They may NOT include: any and all problem solving or programming capabilities, place values, and inequalities.

** must include at least these functions: trigonometric and logarithmic functions. They may NOT be capable of symbol manipulation or communication with other calculators through infrared sensors. NO instruction or formula cards, or other information regarding the operation of calculators such as operating manuals are permitted. The memory of any calculator with programming capability must be cleared, reset, or disabled when students enter the testing room. If the memory of any calculator is password protected, and cannot be cleared or reset, the calculator may NOT be used.