Can a Calculator Be Used on Smarter Balanced?

Understand the calculator policies for Smarter Balanced assessments and see how this tool can help clarify your preparation.

Smarter Balanced Calculator Policy Checker

Smarter Balanced Calculator Policy Guidelines

Assessment Type	Grade Range	Standard Calculator	No Calculator	Scripted Calculator	Special Accommodations
Math CAT	3-11	Yes (Generally)	No	No	May allow calculator for certain accommodations (e.g., grades 3-5).
Math Performance Task	3-11	Yes	No	No	Calculator permitted as part of the task design.
ELA CAT	3-5	Yes (Limited Use)	No	No	Calculator not permitted for ELA.
ELA CAT	6-11	No	Yes	No	Calculator not permitted for ELA.
ELA Performance Task	3-11	No	Yes	No	Calculator not permitted for ELA.

The question of whether a calculator can be used during Smarter Balanced assessments is a common one for students, parents, and educators. Smarter Balanced assessments are designed to measure student learning in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). The specific policies regarding calculator use are nuanced and depend heavily on the type of assessment being administered, the grade level, and any applicable accommodations. This guide aims to clarify these policies and provide practical insights.

What is Smarter Balanced Assessment?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a group of states that collaborated to create a set of assessments aligned with the Common Core State Standards. These assessments are designed to provide a more accurate picture of student learning than traditional standardized tests. They include computer adaptive tests (CAT) for both mathematics and ELA, as well as performance tasks that require students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.

Who Should Use This Information?

• Students: To know what tools they can expect to have available during their tests.
• Teachers: To prepare students appropriately and understand the testing environment.
• Parents: To support their children’s understanding of assessment expectations.
• Administrators: To ensure compliance with testing protocols and understand assessment design.

Common Misconceptions about Calculator Use

• Myth: Calculators are always allowed on math tests.
  Reality: Calculator availability varies significantly between CAT and Performance Tasks, and by grade level.
• Myth: Calculators are allowed on all Smarter Balanced ELA tests.
  Reality: Calculators are generally NOT permitted on any Smarter Balanced ELA assessments.
• Myth: All students have access to the same calculator.
  Reality: Some assessments provide a “scripted” or on-screen calculator, while others allow approved personal devices or built-in tools.

Smarter Balanced Calculator Policy: Formula and Mathematical Explanation

While there isn’t a single numerical “formula” to calculate calculator allowance, the policy is determined by a set of logical rules based on specific criteria. Think of it as a decision tree or a rule-based system. The core components influencing calculator allowance are:

The Core Logic (Decision Tree):

1. Subject: Is the assessment in Mathematics or ELA?
2. Assessment Type: Is it a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) or a Performance Task (PT)?
3. Grade Level: What is the student’s grade level (3-11)?
4. Accommodations: Are there specific, documented accommodations for calculator use?

The calculator policy is derived from these factors. For instance:

• ELA Assessments (CAT & PT): Calculators are generally NOT permitted for any grade level. The focus is on language and reading comprehension skills, not mathematical computation.
• Math CAT:
  • Grades 3-5: A standard, on-screen calculator is typically available.
  • Grades 6-11: The Math CAT is divided into two parts. Part 1 does NOT allow a calculator. Part 2 DOES allow a standard, on-screen calculator. Students must complete Part 1 before accessing Part 2.
• Math Performance Task: A standard, on-screen calculator is generally available for all grade levels (3-11) to support problem-solving.
• Accommodations: Specific Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans might specify calculator access as an accommodation, potentially overriding general rules for certain students, particularly in lower grades for Math CAT.

Variable Explanation Table:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Subject	The academic domain of the assessment.	Category (Math, ELA)	Math, ELA
Assessment Type	Format of the assessment.	Category (CAT, PT)	Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), Performance Task (PT)
Grade Level	Student’s current grade in school.	Integer	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Calculator Availability	General availability of a calculator tool during the assessment.	Category (Standard, None, Scripted)	Standard, None, Scripted
Specific Accommodations	Documented needs for a student that may alter standard testing conditions.	Category (None, Extended Time, etc.)	None, Extended Time, Assistive Tech, Calculator for PT/CAT

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Middle School Math CAT

• Student: Alex, 7th Grade
• Assessment Type: Math CAT
• Grade Level: 7
• Calculator Availability: Standard (built-in)
• Specific Accommodations: None

Policy Determination: For a 7th-grade Math CAT, Alex will encounter two parts. Part 1 will NOT allow a calculator. Part 2 WILL allow the use of the standard on-screen calculator provided within the testing platform. The Smarter Balanced Calculator Policy Checker confirms this: ‘Calculator Allowed on Part 2 of Math CAT’.

Example 2: Elementary ELA Performance Task

• Student: Ben, 4th Grade
• Assessment Type: ELA Performance Task
• Grade Level: 4
• Calculator Availability: Standard (built-in)
• Specific Accommodations: None

Policy Determination: Calculators are NOT permitted on any ELA assessments, regardless of grade level or assessment type (CAT or PT). Ben will NOT be able to use a calculator during the ELA Performance Task. The calculator checker result is: ‘No Calculator Allowed for ELA Assessments’.

Example 3: High School Math Performance Task with Accommodation

• Student: Chloe, 10th Grade
• Assessment Type: Math Performance Task
• Grade Level: 10
• Calculator Availability: Standard (built-in)
• Specific Accommodations: Calculator for PT (though typically allowed anyway)

Policy Determination: Math Performance Tasks generally allow calculators for all grades. Chloe will have access to the standard on-screen calculator. Her accommodation confirms this allowance. The calculator checker result is: ‘Standard Calculator Allowed for Math Performance Task’.

How to Use This Smarter Balanced Calculator Policy Checker

Using this calculator is straightforward and designed to give you immediate clarity on calculator permissions for Smarter Balanced tests.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select Assessment Type: Choose the specific Smarter Balanced assessment you are taking from the dropdown menu (e.g., Math CAT, ELA Performance Task).
2. Enter Grade Level: Input your current grade level. The tool accepts integers from 3 to 11.
3. Indicate Calculator Availability: Select the general availability status of calculators for your test type (Standard, None, Scripted). This often aligns with the assessment type but can be a clarifying point.
4. Note Specific Accommodations: If you have an IEP or 504 plan with specific provisions related to calculator use, select the relevant option. Choose ‘None’ if you don’t have such accommodations.
5. Click “Check Policy”: Press the button to generate the results.

How to Read Results:

• Primary Result (Main Highlighted Result): This clearly states whether a calculator is allowed, not allowed, or allowed only on specific parts of the assessment.
• Key Intermediate Values: These reinforce the inputs that most heavily influenced the outcome: the assessment type, grade level, and any specific accommodations noted.
• Formula Explanation: Provides a brief, plain-language summary of the policy rules that led to the determined outcome.

Decision-Making Guidance:

Use the results to guide your preparation. If calculators are not allowed, focus on mental math and estimation strategies. If they are allowed, understand which parts of the test permit their use and practice using the specific on-screen calculator provided by Smarter Balanced to become proficient with its functions.

Key Factors That Affect Smarter Balanced Calculator Results

Several crucial factors determine whether a calculator is permitted on a Smarter Balanced assessment. Understanding these nuances is key to accurate policy interpretation:

1. Subject Matter (Math vs. ELA): This is the most fundamental distinction. Mathematics assessments are designed around the use of computational tools, hence calculator policies are more permissive. English Language Arts assessments, however, focus on reading, writing, and language skills where mathematical computation is not relevant, leading to a strict prohibition on calculators.
2. Assessment Format (CAT vs. Performance Task): The structure of the test influences calculator access. Computer Adaptive Tests (CAT) often have distinct parts, with calculator access potentially varying between them (as seen in Math CAT for grades 6-11). Performance Tasks (PT) are typically designed with the assumption that students will have access to a calculator to tackle complex problems.
3. Grade Level: Smarter Balanced policies often differentiate based on grade level, particularly in mathematics. Younger students (grades 3-5) may have broader calculator access in Math CAT to align with their developing computational skills, whereas older students (grades 6-11) face a more structured approach with calculator-prohibited and calculator-allowed sections.
4. Specific Accommodations (IEP/504 Plans): Individual student needs are paramount. For students with documented disabilities, their IEP or 504 plan may mandate specific accommodations, including calculator use, even if it deviates from the general policy for their grade and assessment type. This ensures equitable access to demonstrate learning.
5. Test Administration Guidelines: While the Smarter Balanced consortium sets the overarching policies, specific state or district testing administrations might provide further clarifications or administer approved “scripted” calculators. Adhering to the official guidelines provided by the test proctor is essential.
6. Purpose of the Assessment: Smarter Balanced aims to measure critical thinking and problem-solving. For Math CAT, the non-calculator portion assesses foundational computational fluency, while the calculator portion assesses the ability to apply mathematical concepts to more complex problems. For ELA, the focus is purely on language and literacy skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a calculator allowed on the Smarter Balanced Math test?+

It depends on the grade level and the specific test format. For Math CAT in grades 3-5, a calculator is generally allowed. In grades 6-11, a calculator is typically allowed only on the second part of the Math CAT. Math Performance Tasks generally allow a calculator for all grades (3-11).

Can I use my own calculator on Smarter Balanced?+

Typically, no. Smarter Balanced assessments provide an on-screen calculator within the testing platform. Personal calculators are usually not permitted, unless explicitly stated as part of a specific accommodation and approved by the testing authority.

Are calculators allowed on Smarter Balanced ELA tests?+

No, calculators are not permitted on any Smarter Balanced English Language Arts (ELA) assessments, whether they are CAT or Performance Tasks, for any grade level.

What kind of calculator is used on Smarter Balanced Math CAT (grades 6-11, Part 2)?+

It’s a standard, on-screen calculator provided within the Smarter Balanced testing interface. It includes basic arithmetic functions, square roots, and sometimes basic scientific functions, but it’s not a high-level scientific or graphing calculator.

What if I have an IEP or 504 plan regarding calculator use?+

If your Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan specifies calculator use as an accommodation, you should be provided with the necessary access, potentially even on assessments where calculators are generally prohibited or restricted, according to your documented needs.

Does calculator policy differ between states for Smarter Balanced?+

The core Smarter Balanced policies are standardized across member states. However, state-specific guidance or specific testing regulations might offer minor variations or clarifications, especially regarding approved personal devices (which are rare) or the exact functionality of the on-screen calculator.

Why are calculators not allowed on ELA tests?+

ELA assessments are designed to evaluate reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing skills, and analytical thinking related to text. Mathematical calculation is outside the scope of these skills, so calculators are not relevant and are therefore prohibited to maintain the focus of the assessment.

How can I practice using the Smarter Balanced on-screen calculator?+

The Smarter Balanced website often provides practice tests or resources that include the on-screen calculator. Your school or district’s testing coordinator may also have access to practice environments. Familiarizing yourself with its layout and functions before the test is highly recommended.