Can You Use Calculators On The Sbac

SBAC Calculator Policy Checker

The rules for calculator use on the Smarter Balanced (SBAC) assessments depend on the student’s grade level and the specific test section. Use this tool to determine if you can use a calculator on the SBAC test and which type is permitted.

Policy Details:

Select a grade and test section to see the specific rule.

Calculator Type: N/A

Context: N/A

SBAC Calculator Policy Summary

This table summarizes the general calculator policy for the SBAC Math assessments. Policies can vary by state and for students with specific accommodations.

Grade Level	Calculator-Allowed Sections	Allowed Calculator Type
3-5	None	None (except for approved accommodations)
6	Yes (CAT & PT sections)	Four-Function
7-8	Yes (CAT & PT sections)	Scientific
High School (11)	Yes (CAT & PT sections)	Graphing (e.g., Desmos)

What is the SBAC Calculator Policy?

For parents, students, and educators, a common question is: can you use calculators on the SBAC? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) has a detailed calculator policy that varies by grade level and the specific portion of the mathematics assessment being taken. The policy is designed to ensure that the test accurately measures a student’s mathematical fluency and reasoning skills, allowing calculator use for more complex problems while requiring manual calculation for foundational skills.

Essentially, the test is divided into “calculator” and “non-calculator” sections. For younger students (grades 3-5), no calculators are allowed at all, emphasizing mental math and foundational arithmetic. As students advance, the policy adapts. The question of whether you can use calculators on the SBAC becomes more pertinent in middle and high school, where calculators are provided as an embedded tool for certain test sections to tackle more complex computations.

Common Misconceptions

One of the biggest misconceptions is that students can bring their own personal calculators. For the computer-based test, this is false. The SBAC provides a built-in, on-screen Desmos calculator with functionality appropriate for the student’s grade level. Another point of confusion is that calculators are available for the entire test; however, all grade levels with calculator access still have a non-calculator section to assess fundamental skills.

SBAC Calculator Policy Rules and Explanation

Instead of a mathematical formula, the policy governing if you can use calculators on the SBAC test is a set of conditional rules. These rules ensure a fair and consistent testing environment. The core logic is built around grade level and test segment.

The step-by-step logic is as follows:

1. Identify the Grade Level: The policy is first and foremost defined by the student’s grade.
2. Identify the Test Section: Within a grade, the policy differs for the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and the Performance Task (PT). Furthermore, a specific “non-calculator” segment exists for all applicable grades.
3. Determine Calculator Type: Based on the grade, a specific type of calculator is designated (e.g., basic, scientific, or graphing).

Policy Variables Table

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Grade Level	The student’s academic grade.	Numeric	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11
Test Section	The specific part of the math assessment.	Categorical	CAT, PT, Non-Calculator
Calculator Permission	The final decision (Allowed/Not Allowed).	Boolean	Yes / No
Calculator Type	The functionality of the provided calculator.	Categorical	None, Four-Function, Scientific, Graphing

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: 6th Grade Student

• Inputs: Grade 6, Math CAT Section
• Outputs: YES, a calculator is allowed. The allowed type is a Four-Function calculator.
• Interpretation: A 6th-grade student taking the main adaptive portion of the math test will have access to a basic calculator for questions where complex arithmetic is not the primary skill being assessed. For about 50% of questions, this tool will be available. They must still be prepared for the non-calculator section of the test.

Example 2: 8th Grade Student

• Inputs: Grade 8, Math Performance Task
• Outputs: YES, a calculator is allowed. The allowed type is a Scientific calculator.
• Interpretation: An 8th-grade student working on a multi-step performance task can use an embedded scientific calculator. This allows them to focus on problem-solving and applying concepts (like the Pythagorean theorem or volume calculations) rather than getting bogged down in manual calculations. Knowing you can use calculators on the SBAC for these sections is a key part of test strategy. For more on test strategy, see our test preparation guide.

How to Use This SBAC Calculator Policy Checker

This tool simplifies understanding the complex rules about whether you can use calculators on the SBAC test.

1. Select Grade Level: Start by choosing the student’s grade from the first dropdown menu. The policy changes significantly between elementary, middle, and high school.
2. Select Test Section: In the second dropdown, specify the part of the math test you’re curious about. The “Non-Calculator Section” will always result in a “No.”
3. Review the Primary Result: The large colored box gives you an immediate, clear “YES,” “NO,” or “PARTIAL” answer.
4. Read the Details: The “Policy Details” section provides crucial context, including the specific type of calculator permitted (e.g., Scientific) and the reasoning behind the rule. For students wondering about a Smarter Balanced calculator, this section is key.

Use this information to guide your test preparation. If you know a calculator will be available, practice with the online Desmos tool. If not, focus on strengthening mental math and written calculation skills.

Key Factors That Affect SBAC Calculator Policy

Several factors influence the rules for calculator use. Understanding them provides insight into the educational reasoning behind the SBAC’s design.

1. Grade Level

This is the most significant factor. The policy is designed to match the curriculum. Foundational skills are tested without calculators in early grades, while higher-level math in later grades allows calculators to handle tedious arithmetic.

2. Assessment Objective

The purpose of a specific test item determines calculator access. If the goal is to assess computational fluency, no calculator is allowed. If the goal is to assess problem-solving or application of concepts, a calculator is often permitted to remove the computational barrier.

3. Test Section (CAT vs. PT)

The Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) has both calculator and non-calculator items. The Performance Task (PT), which involves more complex, multi-step problems, generally allows a calculator. This distinction in the SBAC test rules is important for students to know.

4. Student Accommodations

Students with documented disabilities (e.g., an IEP or 504 plan) that affect calculation may be allowed a calculator on non-calculator sections as a specific accommodation. This is determined on an individual basis.

5. Test Security

To ensure a level playing field and prevent cheating, only the embedded Desmos calculator is allowed. External devices, especially those with memory or internet connectivity, are strictly prohibited.

6. Type of Mathematics

The type of math problem influences the type of calculator. Grade 6 requires only basic operations (four-function), grades 7-8 involve more complex math needing a scientific calculator, and high school problems involving graphing functions necessitate a graphing calculator. This is a key consideration for high school math test aids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring my own TI-84 calculator for the SBAC?

No. For the computer-based assessment, you must use the embedded Desmos calculator provided on-screen. External calculators are not permitted to ensure fairness and test security.

2. Are calculators allowed on the ELA SBAC test?

No, the calculator policy applies only to the mathematics portion of the SBAC assessment. There is no calculator use on the English Language Arts (ELA) test.

3. What happens if a student is caught with a prohibited calculator?

Using an unapproved calculator or using one during a non-calculator section is a test irregularity. This can result in the student’s test score being invalidated.

4. What are the specific grade 8 assessment tools available?

For the calculator-allowed sections of the Grade 8 math test, students have access to an embedded scientific calculator. This tool includes functions for exponents, roots, and scientific notation.

5. Is the calculator available for all math questions in grades 6-11?

No. Even in grades where calculators are allowed, there is always a “non-calculator” section where students must demonstrate their ability to perform calculations manually. The percentage of calculator-available questions ranges from about 50% in grade 6 to 80% in grade 8.

6. Does the policy for whether you can use calculators on the SBAC ever change?

Yes, assessment policies can be updated. It’s always best to check the official website for your state’s department of education or the Smarter Balanced website for the most current guidelines before testing.

7. Where can I practice with the official SBAC calculator?

The Desmos website offers free versions of the basic, scientific, and graphing calculators that are used on the SBAC test. Students can also access them through the official SBAC Practice and Training Tests.

8. Are there any online testing accommodations for calculators?

Yes. For students with a documented need (like dyscalculia) in their IEP or 504 plan, an accommodation may be granted to allow a basic calculator on the non-calculator sections of the test.