Return to TEA Homepage

TEA Correspondence Homepage

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR/SUPERINTENDENT ADDRESSED:

SUBJECT: Calculators and the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) mathematics
and science assessments at Grades 9, 10, and 11

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) mathematics curriculum implemented in 1996 requires the use of graphing calculators in high school mathematics courses. As a result, graphing calculators will be used on the statewide mathematics assessments for students in Grades 9, 10, and 11, providing alignment among curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

In May 2001 a letter was sent to districts stating that "a sufficient supply of calculators must be available so that each student in Grades 9, 10, and 11 has ready access to a graphing calculator, not only on the day of [TAKS] testing, but also for routine classwork and practice." Several committees composed of mathematics specialists, superintendents, and campus administrators were convened to discuss these calculator issues. A statewide survey was also conducted through regional service centers during the fall of 2001.

By researching calculator needs and current calculator supplies in districts, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) determined that districts currently have a sufficient supply of calculators for one-third of their student population in Grades 9 through 11. Based on these findings, TEA made the decision to stagger the testing dates for the TAKS mathematics assessments at the high school level. Administering the mathematics assessments over several days will allow districts to have enough calculators for TAKS mathematics assessments. Therefore, it will not be necessary for the state to purchase calculators for assessment purposes. However, districts will need to support TEKS expectations by ensuring that all mathematics students in Grades 9 through 11 have access to graphing calculators.

Please also note that the state high school science assessments require that a calculator be made available to students during the test administration. As noted on the attachment, several types of calculators are allowable and students may share calculators during the science assessments.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the success of the students of Texas. If you have questions about the specific types of calculators that may be used on TAKS, please refer to the attachment or to the TAKS Information Booklets, which can be found at our website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/taks/booklets/index.html. If you have any other concerns regarding TAKS, you may call the Student Assessment Division at 512-463-9536.

Sincerely yours,


Jim Nelson
Commissioner of Education

Attachment


ATTACHMENT

Calculator Specifications for TAKS


Mathematics

· Each student must have a graphing calculator during the entire administration of the mathematics test.

· Any graphing calculator may be used except one with a typewriter-style keypad (known as QWERTY) or one that includes a computer algebra system (CAS). Handheld minicomputers, digital personal assistants, or laptop computers may not be used.

· All types of memory must be cleared both before and after testing, including standard memory, ROM, and Flash ROM. In addition, any programs or applications must be removed prior to the test administration.


Science

· Each student must have access to a four-function calculator, scientific calculator, or graphing calculator. Minimally there should be one calculator for every five students.

· Any graphing calculator may be used except one with a typewriter-style keypad (known as QWERTY) or one that includes a computer algebra system (CAS). Handheld minicomputers, digital personal assistants, or laptop computers may not be used.

· All types of memory must be cleared both before and after testing, including standard memory, ROM, and Flash ROM. In addition, any programs or applications must be removed prior to the test administration.

· If graphing calculators are shared among students, the test administrator must erase all memory between student uses.  

A MS Word Version of this letter is available for download.

 

Back to TEA Correspondence Homepage