Classroom Context: Calculator Use

As part of the 2009 mathematics assessment, fourth-, eighth-, and twelfth-graders were asked about the frequency with which they use calculators while taking tests or quizzes. The full text of the question, the corresponding percentages, and scale scores of students who responded within each category are shown below.

When you take a math test or quiz, how often do you use a calculator?

A. Never
B. Sometimes
C. Always

Grade 4

Grade 8

Grade 12

Average Scores

Percentage of Students

Fourth-graders who reported never using a calculator during tests or quizzes (242) scored higher than those who reported always (208) or sometimes (237) doing so.

scale scores, grade 4, frequency of using a calculator during math tests

NOTE: The NAEP Mathematics scale ranges from 0 to 500. Some apparent differences between estimates may not be statistically significant. See complete data.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2009 Mathematics Assessment.

Browse questionnaires for the NAEP assessments.