The Department of Education is pleased to announce plans for the distribution of classroom calculator kits for instruction in Algebra and Geometry and End of Course (EOC) testing in Grades 8-12. The Mathematics Curriculum Framework calls for students to use technology (including calculators) as a part of their learning experiences. The state assessment system (ACTAAP) has been designed to reflect the Mathematics Curriculum Framework, hence a part of the Algebra and Geometry End of Course Exams expects students to have access to calculators. By providing these calculators, all students will have access to calculators when they take the Algebra and Geometry End of Course Exams on May 3, 2000. The Department is requesting schools to send algebra and geometry teachers to one of the one-half day training sessions to be conducted in areas across the state.
Each district will receive calculator kits to be distributed during the Teacher Training Workshops February 28 through March 17, 2000. Dates and times will be determined and announced by the Teacher Center Coordinator in the cooperative or a contact person in each of the districts in Pulaski County. One of the district's teachers attending the workshop will sign the district's Ownership and Conditions Form prior to receiving the calculator kits. The Department will not assume responsibility for lost or broken calculators after initial delivery. The value of each kit is $125. The calculator kits are property of the school district and should be included on the inventory of each algebra/geometry classroom. Each calculator kit will include ten (10) Texas Instruments Scientific calculators, carrying case, teacher guide, poster and transparency. Additionally, each teacher attending the training will receive an instructional packet and curriculum examples of effective use of calculators in teaching and learning.
The training will be provided through the regional service cooperatives or through the central offices for schools in Pulaski County. Please make arrangements through the cooperative or central office for algebra and geometry teachers to attend one of the workshops to be held during February 28 - March 17, 2000.