MCAS and the TI83 calculator

[EugeneGall]

Dr. Mecklin,
Thanks so much for your post about the TI83 calculator. �On a hunch, I looked at the MCAS instructions page. �The boxplot problem was asked in Section 3 of the 3-d test, and in the final 2 sections, students were encouraged to bring their graphing calculators. �The MCAS test writers say that students who don't have a graphing calculator won't suffer because everything can be handled with a 4-function calculator with a square root key. �So, while the poor in MA are going in with their $10 Walmart calculators, kids from the 'burbs are going in with their $120 TI83s. �The TI83 plots the boxplot in Question 39, solves the regression in Question 23 and calculates the mean and median in Problem 40. �The TI83 also solves the loan payment problem (but that would just screw up the TI83 user since the MCAS formula isn't the correct one). �Use of these calculators is strongly encouraged by MCAS.
�I revised my comments in light of this TI83 revelation. �I included the direct quotes from the MCAS instructions page saying that use of graphing calculators is strongly encouraged (but you wouldn't be disadvantaged by using a cheap calculator).  The new comments are now online at the same URL:
http://www.es.umb.edu/edg/MCAS/mcasproblems.pdf
�In my town of Norwell MA, the students start with their TI83s in the middle of the 8th grade, my daughter's grade. �I had put off buying her a TI83 since my daughter has a computer (an old P90), and I didn't feel like paying $120. �What a fool I am. �With MCAS, a TI83 could be worth about 10 points on the 200-280 scale.
�My daughter tells me that the kids like the TI83 and TI83+ because you can play Frogger on them. �Whatever that is.
��DOE should have never put the MCAS questions on the boxplot and calculating medians and modes in the graphing calculator section. �Kids from Norwell will have 1.5-2 years of TI83 experience behind them before they take the 10th grade MCAS. �This is incredibly unfair.
�So thanks again for telling me about the plotting capabilities of the TI83. �I'm heading to Staples this afternoon. �My daughter can play Frogger to her heart's content so long as she tries out the other functions too. �She'll have significant and unfair advantage in passing MCAS in 17 months.

Gene Gallagher