Mathematics Department Calculator Policy

The Department of Mathematics at Naperville Central High School has established the following policy regarding the use of calculators in the mathematics classroom:

For students enrolled in General Math, Introduction to Algebra I, or Applied Math we recommend a scientific calculator which includes built-in fraction capabilities. Our college preparatory sequence actively integrates graphing calculator technology with the traditional curriculum. It is recommended, but not required, that students enrolled in Fundamentals of Geometry, Plane Geometry, and Survey of Math Topics use a graphing calculator in their studies. The graphing calculator is required for students in Algebra I, Advanced Algebra, Discrete Math, Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry, AP Calculus, and AP Stats. Students should purchase a TI-84 plus or TI-83 plus graphing calculator (TI-83 plus calculators are being phased out) if they do not already own a graphing calculator. We recommend the TI-84 plus because of its cost, mathematical utility, and user friendliness. The TI-84 plus is the model that most teachers will use in the classroom on the overhead projector for demonstration purposes. This model will be appropriate for all of a student's studies during their high school years.

  While the calculator is an invaluable tool for studying mathematics, there will be times when the instructor deems that a particular topic or skill is more appropriately investigated and assessed without the use of a calculator.

  During quizzes, tests, or final exams it is particularly important that each student have their own calculator. The student should be thoroughly familiar with the operation of the calculator he or she plans to use on a quiz, test, or final exam. Calculators may not be shared during a quiz, test, or final exam and communication between calculators is prohibited during quizzes, tests, or final exams.

  Some of the newest calculator technology provide students with the ability to import, store and hide games that are violent  and/or use inappropriate language. If a student is found in possession of a calculator that contains games and/or language that we consider inappropriate for a school setting or is playing a game at an inappropriate time during class, we reserve the right to remove the inappropriate materials by clearing the memory of the calculator.

  The Department of Mathematics at Naperville Central High school, while recognizing the inherent mathematical power of the TI-92 and the TI-89, does not allow the use of the TI-92, TI-89 or any similarly capable computing machine on quizzes tests, or final exams. The TI-92 and the TI-89 will occasionally be used by instructors for demonstration purposes only.