SUBJECT: Calculators for the State of Texas
Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Grade 8 Mathematics
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will
be implementing the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for grades
3–8 mathematics in the STAAR program beginning in the 2014–2015 school year.
The new TEKS for grade 8 mathematics focus on algebra readiness skills that require
graphing technology. In addition, areas of emphasis in the new grade 8
curriculum include proportionality, expressions, equations, relationships, and
functions. The significant increase in algebra content in the grade 8 TEKS
dictates the use of graphing calculators not only in classroom instruction but
also on the assessment. For these reasons, TEA is revising the testing calculator
policy to require graphing calculators on the STAAR grade 8 mathematics
direct access to calculators on the STAAR grade 8 mathematics assessment will
provide students with the opportunity to better demonstrate both their
knowledge and their ability to apply the content. Changing the calculator
policy to allow use during this assessment supports the close alignment of assessment
with curriculum and instruction. In addition, expanded calculator use in
curriculum, instruction, and assessment will support college and career
readiness; 21st century skills; and science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives. Furthermore, educators,
including mathematics teachers and administrators, support the use of
calculators as a tool for grade 8 mathematics.
New STAAR Policy:
Beginning in the 2014–2015 school
year, districts must ensure that each student has a handheld graphing
calculator to use when taking the STAAR grade 8 mathematics assessment.
Districts will be required to have a
sufficient supply of calculators available so that each student has access to a
calculator, not only on the day of testing but also for routine class work. This
policy is aligned with and supports the TEKS by ensuring that all students in grade
8 mathematics classes have access to calculators. This new calculator
requirement is the same as the STAAR Algebra I calculator requirement.
Many school districts have already
begun the budgeting process for future school years. In planning district
budgets, please be aware that the instructional materials allotment can be used
for calculator purchases to support this new policy.
Thank you for your continued
commitment to the success of Texas students. If you have questions regarding the
STAAR program, please call the Student Assessment Division at 512-463-9536. If
you have questions regarding the new TEKS for mathematics, call the Curriculum
Division at 512-463-9581.
Commissioner of Education
cc: District Testing