TI-NSpire CalculatorIn 8th grade across North East ISD, students are using the Texas Instruments (TI) N-Spire (no CAS) that is a powerful graphing calculator.
It is not necessary that students purchase the TI-NSpire as it is costly. There is an app that can be purchased for the iPad that may be a good compromise for some families. The cost is about $30. Please see the link for more information regarding this App for iPad. However, if you do choose to purchase an actual handheld N-Spire, please make sure you do not purchase the CAS version as this is not allowed on many exams including ACT as well as the Texas STAAR exam your child will take through high school. Although the SAT exam (see link below) does allow students to use the CAS system with the N-Spire, it has been recommended by the math coordinator for the district for you to purchase a non-CAS version of the N-Spire if you choose to purchase one at all. |