Can a Calculator Be Used on the Smarter Balanced Test?
An Instant Policy Checker & SEO-Optimized Guide
Smarter Balanced Calculator Policy Checker
Policy Summary
Calculator Availability by Grade Level
What is the Smarter Balanced Assessment?
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) provides a system of assessments aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and mathematics. These tests are used by many states to measure student progress and readiness for college and careers. A key question for students, parents, and educators is: can a calculator be use on smarter balanced tests? The answer is nuanced and depends heavily on grade level and the specific portion of the test. These assessments are not just multiple-choice; they include performance tasks that require students to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Many people mistakenly believe the SBAC is a single, high-stakes test. In reality, it’s a comprehensive system that includes summative assessments for accountability, interim assessments to track progress, and formative tools (Tools for Teachers) to support classroom instruction. The policy regarding whether a calculator can be use on smarter balanced is designed to ensure that students are tested on both their foundational math skills and their ability to use tools strategically.
Smarter Balanced Calculator Policy and Explanation
There is no single “formula” for calculator use. Instead, the Smarter Balanced consortium has a clear policy that dictates when a calculator is available. The primary goal is to assess a student’s full range of mathematical abilities, which includes both mental math and procedural fluency (non-calculator sections) as well as problem-solving with the aid of a tool (calculator-allowed sections). Knowing if a calculator can be use on smarter balanced assessments is crucial for test preparation.
The calculators provided are embedded within the online testing platform. Students do not bring their own devices, which ensures fairness and security. The type of calculator available becomes more advanced in higher grades. Here is a detailed breakdown of the official policy:
Official Calculator Policy Breakdown
| Grade Level | Calculator Allowed? | Calculator Type Provided | Typical Test Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 3-5 | No | None | All math sections are non-calculator. |
| Grade 6 | Yes (on a specific segment) | Basic Four-Function | Allowed for about 50% of test questions. |
| Grades 7-8 | Yes (on a specific segment) | Scientific | Allowed for 70-80% of test questions. |
| High School (Grade 11) | Yes (on a specific segment) | Graphing/Regression (Desmos) | Allowed for a significant portion of the test. |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: A 6th Grade Student
Let’s consider a 6th-grade student preparing for the SBAC math test. Using the checker, they learn that a calculator is permitted. However, the policy states it is only for a specific segment. This means they will encounter two parts in their math assessment: a non-calculator section to test their fluency with decimals, fractions, and basic operations, and a calculator-allowed section where they can use a basic four-function calculator for more complex problem-solving. This knowledge helps them practice accordingly, focusing on mental math for one part and strategic calculator use for the other. A great resource for this is a comprehensive guide to test prep.
Example 2: A 4th Grade Student
A 4th-grade student and their parents want to know if a calculator can be use on smarter balanced test. The policy checker gives a clear “No”. For grades 3-5, the focus is entirely on building foundational skills, such as multi-digit multiplication, division, and understanding fractions, without the aid of a calculator. This informs the student that all their practice should be focused on mastering these manual computation skills, as no calculator will be available on test day. Understanding these foundational math concepts is key to their success.
How to Use This Calculator Policy Checker
This tool simplifies the process of understanding the SBAC calculator rules. Here’s how to get a clear answer:
- Select Grade Level: Choose the student’s current grade from the dropdown menu. The tool covers grades 3 through high school.
- View the Instant Result: The main display will immediately tell you “Yes” or “No” and provide a brief explanation of the policy for that grade.
- Review the Details: The “Policy Summary” section breaks down the grade, allowance, and type of calculator available. The dynamic chart also visualizes the policy across all grades. This makes it easy to see when and if a calculator can be use on smarter balanced tests.
- Plan Your Preparation: Use this information to guide your study strategy. If a calculator is allowed, it’s wise to practice with the specific type (e.g., basic, scientific) available through the Smarter Balanced practice tests.
Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use
Several factors determine whether a student can use a calculator on the Smarter Balanced assessment. Understanding these factors provides a complete picture of the testing environment.
- Grade Level: This is the most significant factor. The policy is strictly tiered, with no calculators in early grades and increasingly powerful calculators in later grades.
- Test Segment: For grades 6 and above, the math test is divided into at least two segments: a non-calculator section and a calculator-allowed section. The test is designed to assess skills with and without a calculator.
- Subject Area: The calculator policy applies exclusively to the mathematics assessment. Calculators are not a tool for the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the test.
- Embedded Tool vs. Personal Device: Students cannot bring their own calculators. The SBAC tests use a secure, embedded Desmos calculator, ensuring all students have access to the same tool. This is a key detail in whether a calculator can be use on smarter balanced tests.
- Accommodations (IEP/504): For students with documented needs in an IEP or 504 plan, specific accommodations may be available. This could include the use of a non-embedded calculator (like a braille or talking calculator) if the embedded one is not accessible to them. These are specific cases determined by the student’s educational team.
- Assessment Purpose: The non-calculator sections are intentionally designed to measure a student’s number sense, estimation skills, and fluency with mathematical procedures—skills that are foundational to higher-level mathematics. You can learn more about effective study strategies for both sections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. Personal calculators are not permitted in the Smarter Balanced assessments to ensure fairness and test security. A specific, approved digital calculator is provided within the testing platform for the calculator-allowed sections.
No. For grades 6-8, the test is split into segments. A scientific calculator is available for the designated “calculator-allowed” segment, which covers roughly 70% of the questions for 7th graders. There is still a “non-calculator” segment.
The assessments for grades 3-5 are designed to measure foundational mathematical skills, including computational fluency, without the assistance of a calculator. This ensures students have a strong basis before moving to more complex topics.
High school (Grade 11) assessments feature a powerful embedded Desmos graphing calculator, which also includes scientific and regression capabilities.
Yes, Smarter Balanced provides online practice and training tests that include the same embedded calculators students will use on the actual test. This is highly recommended for familiarization. Check out these test resources.
Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan may have accommodations for calculator use. For example, a student who cannot use the embedded tool may be permitted to use a handheld talking or braille calculator. This must be documented in their plan.
No, the calculator is a tool for the mathematics assessment only. It is not available or relevant for the English Language Arts (ELA) test.
For Grade 8, a scientific calculator is available for approximately 80% of the test questions. This allows for assessment of more complex, multi-step problems.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Test Taking Strategies Guide: Learn how to approach different types of questions on standardized tests.
- Understanding Common Core Standards: A deep dive into the standards the Smarter Balanced tests are based on.