(announced by OSDE, August 27, 2009)
The items on the Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Biology I assessments are designed so that calculators are not required to solve any of the problems. All tasks can be solved without the use of a calculator. However, certain tasks are much more difficult if a calculator is not available. Before the first day of the test, students using a calculator for any EOI mathematics or science assessment should be familiar with the use of the specific calculator that will be utilized. Students must be instructed in the use of calculators or this tool can actually hinder students’ performance on the assessment. The appropriate calculator will be available for the online version of the EOI mathematics and science tests.
Subject-specific Requirements
Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology I:
• Scientific Calculators meeting general requirements may be used on all/specified sections.
Algebra II:
• Graphing Calculators meeting general requirements may be used on all/specified sections.
General Requirements
• Calculators are permitted but are not required.
• Calculator capabilities described for a specific subject give the maximum capabilities allowed; calculators with less capability are acceptable.
• Students may not share calculators.
• Students may use their own calculators or those provided by the school.
• Calculators that make noise must have the sound feature turned off.
• Calculators that have paper tape must have the tape removed.
• Calculators with power cords must have the cord removed.
• All calculators must have the memory cleared before and after the test session.
• Any programs or applications must be removed prior to the test session.
Prohibited Calculators
• Pocket organizers
• Handheld or laptop computers
• Electronic writing pads or pen-input devices
• Calculators built into cellular phones or other electronic communication devices
• Calculators with a typewriter keypad (QWERTY format)
• Calculators with programs or applications that cannot be removed or disabled (e.g., Polynomial Root-Finder and Simultaneous Equation Solver on TI-86)
• Calculators with built-in computer algebra systems (CAS), such as, but not limited to: Casio: Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad 300, and all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G. Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 Hewlett-Packard: HP-48GII and all model numbers that begin with HP-40G or HP-49G
Test Security and Validity
Using a calculator that does not meet the above requirements invalidates the test results and is a violation of test security and test validity. Any violation will be reported to the State Superintendent and may result in revocation of teaching and/or administrative certificates.