STAAR Calculator Use Policy Calculator
Instantly check the official Texas Education Agency (TEA) calculator guidelines for any STAAR test.
Policy Details:
Allowed Tools & Features:
What is the STAAR Calculator Use Policy?
The calculator use for STAAR is a set of official rules published by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that dictates if, when, and what type of calculator a student can use during a State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. This policy is not uniform across all grades and subjects; it is specifically tailored to ensure the test accurately measures a student’s understanding of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for that specific course.
Understanding the correct calculator use for STAAR is critical for students, parents, and educators to ensure a fair and valid testing environment. Using a disallowed calculator or using a calculator when none is permitted can result in test irregularities. This calculator and guide are designed to simplify these complex rules.
STAAR Calculator Policy Logic Explained
Instead of a mathematical formula, the policy for calculator use for STAAR operates on a logical, rule-based system. The two primary inputs are the student’s Grade Level and the Test Subject. Our calculator uses this logic to provide an instant determination.
The general logic can be summarized in the table below, which reflects the official TEA guidelines.
| Grade Level | Subject | Calculator Permitted? | Required Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-7 | Mathematics | No | None (unless for approved accommodation) |
| 5 | Science | No | None (unless for approved accommodation) |
| 8 | Mathematics | Yes | Graphing Calculator |
| 8 | Science | Yes | Four-Function (or higher) |
| EOC | Algebra I | Yes | Graphing Calculator |
| EOC | Biology | Yes | Four-Function (or higher) |
For more detailed information on accommodations, please refer to the official STAAR test rules on the TEA website.
Practical Examples of Calculator Use
Example 1: 5th Grade Student
Input: Grade 5, Mathematics
Result: Calculators are NOT PERMITTED. The student is expected to demonstrate computational fluency without assistance. The policy for calculator use for STAAR at this level focuses on foundational math skills.
Example 2: Algebra I Student
Input: EOC, Algebra I
Result: A GRAPHING CALCULATOR is REQUIRED. Students must have access to a graphing calculator, either a handheld device or the one embedded in the online test. This is because the Algebra 1 STAAR EOC assesses more complex functions and graphing concepts.
How to Use This STAAR Policy Calculator
- Select Grade Level: Choose the student’s current grade from the first dropdown. For high school End-of-Course exams, select “EOC”.
- Select Subject: Choose the subject of the STAAR test in question. Note that some subjects are only available for certain grade levels.
- Check Policy: Click the “Check Policy” button.
- Interpret Results: The tool will immediately display whether a calculator is allowed, the specific type required, and other important details about the policy for that specific test.
Calculator Functionality Level by Math Grade
This chart visualizes how calculator access increases in higher-level math assessments.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use for STAAR
- Grade Level: This is the most significant factor. Elementary and middle school tests for grades 3-7 focus on building foundational skills without calculators.
- Subject Matter: Higher-level subjects like Algebra I and Biology require calculators to handle more complex computations and data analysis, which is reflected in the graphing calculator policy.
- Online vs. Paper: The online testing platform has built-in calculators that match the policy for that test. Students taking the test online will have the correct tool available automatically.
- Student Accommodations: Students with specific, approved accommodations (e.g., through an IEP or 504 plan) may have different rules. This calculator reflects the standard policy, not individual accommodations.
- Calculator Memory: For tests allowing handheld calculators, school policy requires that all memory be cleared before and after the test to prevent storing notes or formulas.
- Prohibited Features: Calculators with a Computer Algebra System (CAS), Wi-Fi, or other communication capabilities are strictly forbidden. The focus of calculator use for STAAR is computation, not information retrieval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What happens if a student uses a calculator on a “no calculator” test?
This would be considered a testing irregularity. The student’s test could be invalidated, and it may require the school to file a report with TEA.
2. Can a student use their own graphing calculator for the Algebra I EOC?
Yes, students are generally allowed to use their own approved graphing calculator. However, it must be on the list of approved devices, and its memory must be cleared. This is a key part of the 8th grade math calculator and EOC policies.
3. What does “four-function” mean for the Biology or Grade 8 Science test?
A four-function calculator can perform basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Scientific or graphing calculators are also permitted for these tests, as they include these basic functions.
4. Is the calculator in the online STAAR test a TI-84 Plus?
The graphing calculator embedded in the STAAR online platform is a version of the TI-84 Plus CE. This ensures students have access to a familiar and powerful tool.
5. Why are calculators not allowed in grades 3-7 math?
The curriculum for these grades (the TEKS) emphasizes developing number sense, computational fluency, and problem-solving strategies without technological assistance. The policy on calculator use for STAAR aligns with these learning objectives.
6. Does my student need to clear the memory on their calculator?
Yes. It is a mandatory part of test security. Test administrators must ensure all calculator memory is cleared to factory settings before and after the exam.
7. What is a CAS (Computer Algebra System) and why is it banned?
A CAS can solve algebraic equations, simplify expressions, and perform other symbolic manipulations. These features are banned because they would assess the calculator’s ability, not the student’s. Understanding the Texas state testing guidelines is important.
8. Where can I find the official TEA policy document?
The official policy is available on the TEA’s Student Assessment Division website. Our tool is based on the latest version of that document to ensure accurate calculator use for STAAR information.