Education Technology

Students Can Choose Their Calculator for Digital STAAR® Exams

Posted 07/13/2021 by Texas Instruments

Recently, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) shared updated information regarding the embedded calculator options on the Grade 8 Math and Algebra I online tests. After this announcement, we received multiple questions from teachers asking about the use of handheld graphing calculators on the tests, so we reached out to TEA assessment officials. TEA confirmed the handheld policy remains unchanged, and that handheld graphing calculators, including the TI-Nspire™ and TI-84 Plus families, are still allowed on the Grade 8 Math and Algebra I online STAAR® exams. In addition, students may continue to use the embedded TI-84 Plus CE option.

We are pleased that the TEA supports students by allowing them to choose whichever calculator they are familiar with from class to show what they know on these important exams.

TI is here to help! Your local Educational Technology Consultant can address any needs or questions you may have. To schedule an appointment or a virtual meeting, contact either Pareesa Schulte for ESCs 4, 10—12, 15, 18, 19 at 505.803.6963, or Marco Gonzalez for ESCs 1—3, 5—9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20 at 956.459.3831.

For more resources on using TI calculators for test day, including how to prepare your handhelds, visit education.ti.com/texas/STAAR.

STAAR is a registered trademark of the Texas Education Agency.