TEA OKs use of calculator apps on 8th grade STAAR exam

Date Posted: 3/21/2014
In February, Texas Commissioner of Education Michael Williams informed superintendents that every Texas school would be required to provide graphing calculators to all students taking the 8th grade STAAR mathematics exam. Yesterday, Williams announced that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will allow schools to use graphing calculator applications available on electronic tablets in order to satisfy the new requirement. The option to use calculator applications will be on a pilot basis for the 2014–15 school year. If successful, Williams will consider extending the option and possibly expanding it to include the use of other technology such as smart phones. The move is meant to provide some flexibility and less expensive options for schools as they try to meet the new requirement. Read the full press release.
CONVERSATION
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

05/09/2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 9, 2025
The Legislature continues its attack on payroll deduction, the future of the “Texas Two-Step” is uncertain, and the House looks to overhaul Texas’ testing and accountability system.

05/09/2025
Texas politicians are treating professional educators like babies … again
Some Texas legislators and elected officials spent Teacher Appreciation Week trying to strip your constitutional rights and silence your voices.

05/09/2025
Senate begins to move cross-chamber legislation
Most public education action this week in the Senate occurred behind the scenes as it appears education committee leaders are negotiating key school finance provisions.