Can Students Use Their Own Calculator On Fsa Assessment

Determine the official calculator policy for Florida’s statewide assessments (FAST/B.E.S.T. EOC) based on grade and subject. Get instant clarity on whether you can bring your own calculator.

FSA/B.E.S.T. Calculator Policy Checker

Select a grade and subject to see the policy.

Calculator Type

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Handheld Allowed?

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Online Version?

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FSA/B.E.S.T. Calculator Policy Summary

This table summarizes the general calculator rules for the 2025-2026 Florida Statewide Assessments.

Grade/Course	Assessment	Calculator Allowed?	Permitted Type
Grades 3-5	FAST Mathematics	No	None (except for approved accommodations)
Grade 6	FAST Mathematics	Yes	Four-Function
Grade 7	FAST Mathematics	Yes	Scientific
Grade 8	FAST Mathematics	Yes	Scientific
Grade 8	Science	Yes	Four-Function
High School	B.E.S.T. Algebra 1 EOC	Yes (Session 2 only)	Scientific
High School	B.E.S.T. Geometry EOC	Yes (Session 2 only)	Scientific
High School	Biology 1 EOC	Yes	Four-Function

What is the FSA/B.E.S.T. Calculator Policy?

The can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment policy, now applicable to the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and B.E.S.T. End-of-Course (EOC) exams, is a set of official rules from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). These guidelines dictate whether a calculator is permitted for a specific statewide test, what type of calculator (e.g., four-function or scientific) is allowed, and the specific functionalities that are prohibited. The purpose of this policy is to ensure fairness and test integrity, making sure that the assessment accurately measures a student’s mathematical knowledge without providing an unfair advantage through technology. This policy is crucial for students, parents, and educators to understand for proper test preparation. Not adhering to the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment guidelines can lead to test invalidation.

This policy applies to all students taking Florida’s statewide standardized tests in public schools. Common misconceptions are that any calculator is fine, or that the rules are the same for every grade. In reality, the rules are highly specific to the grade level and subject matter being tested. For instance, a calculator permitted for a 7th-grade math test is strictly forbidden for a 6th-grade test.

FSA Calculator Policy Logic and Variables

There is no mathematical formula to determine if a calculator is allowed. Instead, the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment policy is based on a set of rules established by the FDOE. Our calculator uses this logic to provide a clear answer. The determination depends on two key variables.

The variables below are the inputs for determining the correct calculator policy.

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Grade Level	The student’s current grade in school.	N/A	Grades 3 through High School (EOC)
Assessment Subject	The specific statewide test being taken.	N/A	Mathematics, Science, Algebra 1, Geometry, etc.

Practical Examples of the Policy

Understanding real-world scenarios helps clarify the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment rules.

Example 1: A 6th Grade Student

• Inputs: Grade = 6, Subject = FAST Mathematics
• Calculator Result: A four-function calculator is permitted. A scientific calculator is NOT allowed.
• Interpretation: The student can use an online four-function calculator provided in the test platform or bring an approved handheld four-function model like the Texas Instruments TI-108. They cannot use a more advanced scientific calculator.

Example 2: A High School Student in Geometry

• Inputs: Grade = High School (EOC), Subject = B.E.S.T. Geometry EOC
• Calculator Result: A scientific calculator is permitted for the second session of the exam.
• Interpretation: The Geometry EOC is split into two sessions. The student cannot use a calculator on Session 1, but may use either the built-in online scientific calculator or an approved handheld model (like a TI-30Xa) during Session 2. It is a key part of the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment strategy to know when the tool is available.

How to Use This Calculator Policy Checker

This tool simplifies the official can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment guidelines.

1. Select Grade Level: Choose the student’s grade from the first dropdown menu. The options range from elementary grades to high school End-of-Course (EOC) exams.
2. Select Assessment Subject: Based on the grade selected, the second dropdown will show the relevant tests (e.g., Mathematics, Science, Algebra 1). Choose the appropriate test.
3. Review the Result: The tool will immediately display the policy. The main result box will give a clear “Yes,” “No,” or “Yes (Partial)” answer.
4. Check the Details: The intermediate values below the main result specify the type of calculator allowed (e.g., Four-Function, Scientific), if a handheld version is permitted, and if an online version is provided. This gives a complete picture of the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment rules.

Key Factors That Affect FSA Calculator Rules

Several factors determine the specific can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment policy for each test. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.

• Grade Level: This is the primary factor. Calculator permissions change significantly between elementary, middle, and high school. For example, calculators are forbidden in grades 3-5 math assessments but required in grades 7-8.
• Specific Assessment: The subject matter is critical. A Grade 8 student will use a scientific calculator for their FAST Math test but only a four-function calculator for their Science test.
• Test Session: For some End-of-Course (EOC) exams like Algebra 1 and Geometry, the test is divided into multiple sessions. A calculator may be prohibited in Session 1 but allowed in Session 2.
• Calculator Functionality: Even when a calculator is allowed, there are strict rules. Prohibited features often include Wi-Fi, QWERTY keyboards, or Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). The can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment policy is designed to prevent access to devices that can solve equations algebraically.
• Accommodations (IEP/504): Students with specific disabilities may have accommodations outlined in their IEP or 504 plan that permit the use of a calculator on non-calculator sections. This is a specific exception to the general rules.
• Handheld vs. Online: For most tests where calculators are allowed, an online version is embedded in the computer-based testing platform. The policy also specifies if students are permitted to bring their own approved handheld calculator. Knowing this is a vital part of the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my child use their own calculator or must they use the one on the screen?

For most tests that permit calculators, students can use either the online calculator provided in the testing platform or bring an approved handheld model. It is crucial to ensure the handheld model is on the FDOE’s approved list or meets the specified criteria. The core of the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment question is about approved models.

2. What is the difference between a scientific and a four-function calculator?

A four-function calculator performs basic arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, plus percent and square root keys. A scientific calculator adds more complex functions needed for higher-level math, such as trigonometric (sin, cos, tan), logarithmic, and exponential functions.

3. What happens if a student uses a prohibited calculator?

Using a non-approved calculator or a device with prohibited features (like a cell phone or smartwatch) during an exam is a violation of test security rules and will likely result in the student’s test being invalidated.

4. Are graphing calculators like the TI-84 Plus allowed?

Generally, no. For Florida’s B.E.S.T. EOCs (Algebra 1, Geometry), only a scientific calculator is specified. Graphing calculators, especially those with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), are typically prohibited as they offer functionalities beyond the scope of the assessment.

5. Where can I find the official list of approved calculators?

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) releases a document called “Calculator and Reference Sheet Policies” for each school year. This document, available on the official FDOE portal, lists specific approved models and prohibited functionalities. It’s the ultimate resource for the can students use their own calculator on fsa assessment question.

6. Do students with an IEP have different calculator rules?

Yes, sometimes. An IEP or 504 plan may allow a student to use a calculator as an accommodation on a non-calculator section if their disability severely limits calculation abilities. These are decided on an individual basis by the student’s IEP team.

7. Is the calculator policy the same for FSA, FAST, and B.E.S.T. EOCs?

The Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) have been replaced by the FAST (for grades K-10) and B.E.S.T. End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The calculator policies have been updated for these new tests, but the underlying principles remain similar, with rules tied to grade level and subject. Our calculator reflects the current FAST and B.E.S.T. policies.

8. Can two students share a calculator during the test?

No. Sharing calculators during a testing session is strictly prohibited to maintain test security and ensure individual work. Each student requiring a handheld calculator must have their own.