In this week’s technology snapshot video, I have investigated the PARCC calculators and gave recommendations of free iPad apps that will closely resemble the PARCC calculators.  Since PLSD will be giving the assessments all online this year through iPads, students will not have “regular” calculators.  The calculator will be available through the PARCC testing platform when a calculator is needed and allowed.  There are two parts to the Math PARCC assessment in grades 6-12, a non-calculator and a calculator section.  During the non-calculator section students will not be permitted to use a calculator.  Special Education students with an IEP or 504 students with calculator accommodations will be permitted to use an approved handheld calculator for the entire test.

Students in grades 3-5 will not be permitted to use a calculator for any part of the assessment, (exception for IEP/504 students)

Students in grades 6-7 will have access to a four-function calculator with square root and percentage functions.

Students in grade 8 will have access to a scientific calculator

Students in high school level courses will have access to a graphing calculator with functionalities similar to a TI-84.