K-PREP Calculator Permissibility Checker
An expert tool to determine if you can use TI-83 graphing calculators on the K-PREP test based on official Kentucky guidelines.
Check Your Calculator’s Status
Permitted Calculator Types by Selection
| Grade Band | Test Subject | Online Calculator | Hand-held Permissibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select options above to see detailed policy. | |||
What is the K-PREP Calculator Policy?
The Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress (K-PREP), now formally known as the Kentucky Summative Assessments (KSA), has a detailed policy on calculator use to ensure fairness and consistency. The primary question for many students and parents is: can you use TI-83 graphing calculators on the K-PREP test? The answer is not a simple yes or no; it depends on the grade level, the specific test subject, and whether the student is taking the test online or with a paper-based accommodation. For most students taking the test online, a built-in Desmos calculator is provided, and personal hand-held calculators are not permitted. However, for students with specific accommodations requiring a paper test, hand-held calculators like the TI-83 are often allowed, provided they meet certain criteria.
K-PREP Calculator Permissibility Formula and Explanation
This calculator doesn’t use a mathematical formula, but a logical one based on the official Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Calculator Use Policy. The logic determines if a calculator is permitted by evaluating three key inputs: Grade Level, Test Subject, and Calculator Type.
The core logic follows these steps:
- Identify the testing format: The default for KSA is online testing, where only the embedded Desmos calculator is used. Hand-held calculators are only for students with specific paper-based accommodations.
- Determine the appropriate online calculator: The system provides a specific type of Desmos calculator based on grade level (Four-Function for grades 3-5, Scientific for grades 6-8, and Graphing for high school).
- Evaluate hand-held calculator requests: For accommodated tests, the selected hand-held calculator (e.g., a TI-83) is checked against the list of prohibited features. Prohibited calculators include those with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) like the TI-89, internet connectivity, or QWERTY keypads. The standard TI-83 and TI-84 models are generally acceptable as they do not have CAS.
Variables in the Policy
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Auto-Inferred) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade Level | The student’s current grade. | Educational Grade | 3-5, 6-8, 10, 11 |
| Test Subject | The content area being assessed. | Academic Subject | Mathematics, Science, etc. |
| Calculator Type | The category of the calculator. | Device Category | Four-Function, Scientific, Graphing, CAS |
| Testing Format | Whether the test is online or paper-based. | Format | Online (Default), Paper (Accommodation) |
Practical Examples
Example 1: High School Math Student
- Inputs:
- Grade Level: Grade 10
- Test Subject: Mathematics
- Calculator Type: TI-83 / TI-84 Series (Graphing)
- Results: For a standard online test, the result is Not Permitted, because the student must use the embedded Desmos graphing calculator. If the student has a paper-based accommodation, the result changes to Permitted, as graphing calculators without CAS are allowed for high school math assessments.
Example 2: Middle School Science Student
- Inputs:
- Grade Level: Grade 8
- Test Subject: Science
- Calculator Type: Scientific (Non-Graphing)
- Results: The online KSA provides a scientific calculator for middle grades. Therefore, a personal hand-held calculator is Not Permitted for a standard online test. For a student with a paper accommodation, a hand-held scientific calculator would be Permitted.
How to Use This K-PREP Calculator Permissibility Calculator
Using this tool is straightforward and designed to give you instant clarity on whether you can use TI-83 graphing calculators on the K-PREP test or any other calculator type.
- Select Grade Level: Choose the student’s grade from the first dropdown menu. The policy changes significantly between elementary, middle, and high school.
- Select Test Subject: Choose the subject for the assessment. Mathematics and Science have the most specific calculator rules.
- Select Calculator Type: Pick the calculator you are asking about. We’ve included the most common types, from basic four-function to advanced CAS models.
- Review Your Results: The tool will instantly display a clear “Permitted” or “Not Permitted” status. Crucially, it provides an explanation that clarifies *why* based on the assumption of a standard online test vs. a paper-based accommodation.
- Consult the Dynamic Table: For more context, the table below the calculator updates to show the default online calculator provided for your selected grade and subject.
Key Factors That Affect K-PREP Calculator Use
- Testing Format: This is the most critical factor. The vast majority of students test online and must use the integrated Desmos calculator. Hand-held devices are only for exceptions.
- Grade Level: The type of calculator provided online (and allowed for paper tests) directly corresponds to the grade band. Elementary gets four-function, middle gets scientific, and high school gets graphing.
- Computer Algebra System (CAS): Calculators with CAS functionality, such as the TI-89, TI-92, and TI-Nspire CAS, are explicitly prohibited. This is a key reason why the standard TI-83 is often allowed when other graphing calculators are not.
- Connectivity: Any calculator with Wi-Fi, infrared ports, or other communication capabilities is banned. If a calculator has an infrared port (like some older HP models), it must be completely covered with opaque tape.
- QWERTY Keypad: Calculators with a typewriter-style keyboard are not allowed.
- Accommodations (IEP/504): The most common reason a student would use a hand-held calculator is due to a specific accommodation outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan that requires a paper-based test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. So, can you use TI-83 graphing calculators on the K-PREP test or not?
For a typical student taking the test online, no. You must use the provided online Desmos calculator. For a student with a paper test accommodation, yes, the TI-83 is generally permitted because it does not have a prohibited Computer Algebra System (CAS).
2. What’s the difference between a TI-83 and a TI-89?
The main difference is that the TI-89 has a CAS, which can perform algebraic manipulations like solving for variables. The TI-83 does not have a CAS, making it compliant with most standardized test policies.
3. Do I need to clear the memory on my TI-83 before the test?
Yes. Policies for tests that allow hand-held calculators, like the ACT which K-PREP often bases its rules on, require that all programs and stored documents be removed. Proctors may inspect the calculator on test day.
4. What calculator is used for the high school math K-PREP test?
For the online test, a Desmos graphing calculator is provided within the testing platform.
5. Is the policy the same for the science K-PREP test?
It can differ. For example, at grade 11, students use a graphing calculator for the math test but a scientific calculator for the science test.
6. Why can’t I use my own calculator if I’m more familiar with it?
The state uses a standardized online calculator to ensure equity. Providing the same tool to all students adds to the validity and fairness of the test, ensuring scores reflect content knowledge, not calculator familiarity.
7. What if the online calculator doesn’t work during the test?
In the unlikely event of a technical issue, the policy states that an approved hand-held calculator should be provided to the student by the testing staff.
8. Where can I practice with the official online calculator?
Desmos provides a practice version of the testing calculators on its website at desmos.com/practice. You can select “Kentucky” to ensure you are using the correct version.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore these resources for more information on testing and academic standards:
- KDE Calculator Policy Details: A deep dive into the official documentation.
- Kentucky Academic Standards: Understand the standards the K-PREP test is based on.
- ACT Calculator Policy: Since K-PREP rules are similar, this provides useful context.
- Preparing for the K-PREP: Tips and strategies for test day success.
- Understanding Your K-PREP Scores: Learn how to interpret the results.
- List of Prohibited Calculators: A quick reference guide to models that are not allowed.