Can I Use a Graphing Calculator on the Keystones? – Policy Checker

High School Testing Guides

Can I Use a Graphing Calculator on the Keystones?

Navigating the rules for standardized tests can be tricky. A common question students ask is: “Can I use a graphing calculator on the Keystones?” The answer depends on the specific exam and the features of your calculator. This tool helps you quickly determine if your calculator is permitted based on the official Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) policy.

Keystone Calculator Policy Checker

1. Which Keystone Exam are you taking?

The policy differs by subject. Calculators are generally not permitted on the Literature exam.

2. What type of device is it?

Devices whose primary purpose is not a calculator are prohibited.

3. Does it have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless capability?

Calculators with wireless beaming capabilities are not allowed unless disabled.

4. Does it have a built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS)?

CAS features, which can perform algebraic manipulations, are prohibited.

5. Does it need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work?

Calculators that require being plugged in are not allowed.

Decision Flowchart

This flowchart visualizes the core decision process for calculator permissions on Keystone Exams.

What is the Pennsylvania Keystone Calculator Policy?

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) sets the official rules for what materials students can use during the Keystone Exams. For the Algebra I and Biology exams, a calculator is permitted and often recommended. However, for the Literature exam, calculators are not allowed. The main goal of the policy is to ensure fairness and prevent any student from having an unfair advantage through technology. The rules focus on prohibiting devices that can store and retrieve non-factory information, communicate wirelessly, or perform advanced symbolic calculations. Test administrators are required to clear the memory of all calculators before and after each testing session.

Keystone Exam Policy Breakdown

To determine if a graphing calculator can be used on the Keystones, you must check for prohibited features. The policy explicitly forbids certain types of devices and functionalities. Understanding these rules is key to knowing if you can use a graphing calculator on the Keystones.

This table outlines the core rules of the Pennsylvania Calculator Policy.
Feature/Device Type	Status	Reasoning & Details
Cell phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops	Not Allowed	Devices with a primary purpose other than being a calculator are forbidden.
Wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)	Not Allowed	Any feature that allows communication between devices is prohibited unless it can be disabled.
Computer Algebra System (CAS)	Not Allowed	Calculators that can solve algebraic equations or simplify expressions are not permitted.
Requires an electrical outlet	Not Allowed	Calculators must be battery-operated.
Standard Graphing Calculator (e.g., TI-84 Plus)	Allowed	Permitted for Algebra I and Biology, provided memory is cleared and it has no prohibited features.
Literature Exam	Not Allowed	Calculators of any kind are not permitted on the Literature Keystone Exam.

Practical Examples

Example 1: A Standard Graphing Calculator

Device: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE
Exam: Algebra I
Inputs: Standalone device, No wireless, No CAS, Battery-powered.
Result: Allowed. This is a standard, approved calculator for the math and science exams.

Example 2: A Smartphone App

Device: A graphing calculator app on a smartphone
Exam: Biology
Inputs: App on a smartphone, Has wireless capabilities.
Result: Not Allowed. Smartphones are prohibited because their primary purpose is not a calculator and they have communication capabilities.

How to Use This Keystone Calculator Policy Checker

This tool simplifies the process of checking your device against the official Pennsylvania Keystone exam rules. Follow these simple steps to see if you can use your graphing calculator on the Keystones.

Select Your Exam: Choose between Algebra I, Biology, or Literature from the first dropdown. This is the most important factor.
Identify Your Device: Specify whether you’re using a handheld calculator or an app on another device.
Answer Feature Questions: Respond to the questions about your calculator’s features, such as wireless capability and CAS.
Review Your Result: The tool will immediately display whether your calculator is “Allowed” or “Not Allowed” and provide a brief explanation for the decision.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use

Exam Subject: The most critical factor. Calculators are only for Algebra I and Biology.
Device Type: Only dedicated calculators are allowed. Multi-purpose devices are banned.
Memory Clearing: Proctors must clear the memory of all calculators before the test. Stored programs or data are not allowed.
Exam Mode: Some modern calculators have a specific “Exam Mode” that disables restricted features. This mode must be activated by the proctor. For more info, see our guide on the Algebra 1 Keystone calculator policy.
Computer Algebra System (CAS): A feature that can manipulate variables and solve equations symbolically is strictly prohibited.
Physical Condition: Calculators that make noise, have a paper tape, or need to be plugged in are not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a TI-84 Plus on the Keystone exam?

Yes, a TI-84 Plus is generally allowed on the Algebra I and Biology Keystone exams, as it does not have a CAS and is a standard graphing calculator. Its memory must be cleared beforehand.

What happens if I bring a prohibited calculator?

You will not be allowed to use it. Test administrators are required to enforce the Biology Keystone calculator policy and other exam rules strictly. It’s best to check your calculator with our tool beforehand.

Are there any online calculators provided during the exam?

The PDE policy mentions “online options,” suggesting that for computer-based testing, a built-in calculator may be available for permitted sections. However, you should confirm with your school’s testing coordinator.

Can I share a calculator with another student?

No, sharing calculators during a test session is explicitly prohibited.

Do I need to clear my calculator’s memory myself?

No, the official policy states this task must be completed by the Test Administrator or Proctor before and after the exam.

Why can’t I use a calculator on the Literature Keystone exam?

The Literature exam assesses reading comprehension, analysis, and interpretation of texts. A calculator provides no relevant function for these skills, so they are not permitted.

What is a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and why is it banned?

A CAS is a sophisticated software that can perform symbolic math, like simplifying `(x+y)^2` into `x^2 + 2xy + y^2`. This is considered an unfair advantage, so calculators with this feature are banned.

Is a scientific calculator allowed?

Yes, scientific calculators are generally allowed on the Algebra I and Biology exams as long as they don’t have any of the prohibited features mentioned in the policy.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Explore more of our resources to help you prepare for your exams:

What Calculators Are Allowed on the Keystone Exams? – A detailed list of approved and unapproved models.
Keystone Biology Calculator Policy – Specific guidelines for the Biology exam.
Preparing for the Algebra 1 Keystone – Tips and tricks for the math section.
General Test Preparation Tips – Strategies for success on any standardized test.
Understanding Your Keystone Scores – Learn how to interpret your exam results.
Official Pennsylvania Keystone Exam Rules – A summary of the official PDE handbook.