We are looking forward to a great year! Some have asked about purchasing a calculator for 8th Grade Keystone Algebra I and we have been researching options for our students. It is understood that calculator apps are available for the iPad. However, an iPad is not an acceptable device to use during Keystone Exams, AP Exams, SATs, ACTs, college math placement tests, and often during testing in college. Due to these reasons and the fact that a student must practice using a device to be comfortable with its functionality, a graphing calculator will be REQUIRED for this course.
There will be times during class (including during assessments) where work will be completed with the use of calculators. Calculators will be used as a tool, not a crutch. Your student will be expected to know the content well enough to be able to solve problems without the aid of a calculator including basic mathematical computations with decimals, fractions, radicals, exponents, and other mathematical values. It is expected that your student have his/her own graphing calculator and that he/she brings it to class every day.
The teacher will use a TI-84 PLUS CE graphing calculator and therefore it is highly suggested that if your family needs to purchase a graphing calculator, to purchase a TI-84 PLUS CE graphing calculator. Although this Texas Instruments calculator is expensive, please know that your student will be able to use this same calculator throughout high school and possibly in college as well.
This calculator is available to purchase online and in local stores. If you have any additional questions, please contact:
Mrs. Jennifer Bomboy, 8th Grade Math Teacher – jbomboy@loyalsocklancers.org