Student should master basic arithmetic and fractions prior to using a calculator.
Students in high school courses will typically be assessed both with and without a calculator as appropriate to the skill being assessed. Many topics will be taught both algebraically and using technology.
Students should learn to be proficient in calculators that are allowed during testing. For example, while Desmos.com is a great tool for visualization and manipulation, it cannot be used in an exam. A graphing calculator has similar functionality.
As a best practice, we are asking that students own both a graphing calculator (TI-Nspire CX) and a non-graphing calculator (TI-30xs).
It is a student's responsibility to keep the graphing calculator charged and functional. If the calculator runs out of battery power during a testing period, students may switch to a backup calculator. Students may not recharge during an assessment. This is consistent with testing policies in standardized tests.
During a period, it is the responsibility of the student to have a calculator if one is allowed by the start of the period.
Your calculator should be labeled and personalized. It should be instantly recognizable as your calculator, just as you might recognize your phone.
If caught using an illegal device during the test, especially those with wireless communication capabilities, it will be considered cheating and subject to appropriate penalty.
*Cell phones are not considered to be an appropriate calculator for use in or out of class.
Prohibited Calculators
calculators with built-in computer algebra systems, including TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CX CAS
handheld, tablet, or laptop computers, including iOS or Android devices
calculators built into cell phones or any wireless communication devices (including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)
calculators with a typewriter keypad (letter keys in QWERTY format)