DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 66
March 21, 2008
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Additional Graphing Calculator Approved for Use
on the Standards of Learning Assessments in 2007-2008 |
The
purpose of this memorandum is to notify you of an additional graphing
calculator that may be used on the end-of-course Standards of Learning assessments in mathematics and science beginning
with the 2007-2008 assessment administration.
Currently students may use a graphing calculator from the TI-83 Plus
series, the TI-84 Plus series, or the CASIO 9850G Plus series. Texas Instruments has produced a new calculator,
the TI-Nspire, which meets the criteria for use on the end-of-course
mathematics assessments.
The
TI-Nspire has a Press-to-Test mode that must be enabled prior to using the
calculator on an end-of-course assessment.
Regardless
of the graphing calculator used, it is important to remember that the memory
must be reset prior to test administration, clearing all memory contents not
built into the calculator’s system. Each
calculator must also have all calculations done during the testing session
erased prior to students leaving the test administration room.
If
you have questions about the use of graphing calculators, please contact
Deborah Kiger Bliss, mathematics coordinator, Office
of Middle and High School Instruction, by e-mail at Deborah.Bliss@doe.virginia.gov
or by telephone at (804) 786-6418. If
you have questions about the end-of-course mathematics assessments, please
contact Dr. Marcia Perry, team lead, mathematics and science, Office of School
Assessment and School Improvement, by e-mail at Marcia.Perry@doe.virginia.gov or
by telephone at (804) 786-1390.
BKCJr/DKB/MP/yba