All mathematics students at Brighton High School are REQUIRED to have a graphing calculator. This technology is used in all mathematics courses. Numeric, graphic, and programming capabilities such as those found on graphing calculators are assumed and appropriately used throughout the curriculum. This use of technology permits the curriculum and instruction to emphasize multiple representations (verbal, numeric, graphic, and symbolic) and to focus on goals in which mathematical thinking and problem solving are central.

The graphing calculator is an investigative and instructional tool. This technology allows students to quickly explore the parameters of a given mathematical problem to draw conclusions about important mathematical ideas. Students, therefore, use graphing calculators in class everyday and to complete all assignments. Students will be unable to complete their class work and assignments without access to a graphing calculator. Scientific calculators do not have the capabilities needed to complete most class work and assignments. In addition, graphing calculators are REQUIRED on all mathematics Regents exams, SAT/ACT exams, and AP exams. Therefore, it is in a student’s best interest to become comfortable with this technology well in advance of taking any of these exams.

For Algebra 1 and Geometry, the Brighton High School Mathematics Department prefers that students purchase one of the following models: TI-Nspire CX (NOT CAS, as this is not allowed on the Regents, SAT, or ACT Exams).

Benefits of TI-Nspire

For Algebra 2 and any course following Algebra 2, the Brighton High School Mathematics Department prefers that students purchase one of the following models: TI-83, TI-83+, TI- 84, or TI-84+.

Please see the Access to Complex Problems and Development of Problem Solving and Reasoning Skills for more information on the graphing calculator as an investigative and instructional tool.