Letter to Parents

Dear parents/guardians,

I am writing to explain a piece of the required materials list for this class. As a part of this class I am requiring students to own a graphing calculator. I understand the hesitation to purchase items such as this. In the past many parents have been concerned with the functionality of these devices and the cost. I understand these concerns, however the advantages of graphing calculators in the classroom outweigh the disadvantages.

Some of the disadvantages which former parents have had concerns about are the abilities for students to use them to cheat. This is a possibility for our students, especially at this age. However, despite these tendencies to cheat students are also able to use graphing calculators for learning. According to a study performed in 2003, when calculators are integrated into the classroom learning environment “improved student attitudes toward mathematics” occur. Now, with improved attitudes towards math students will not feel the need to cheat using their calculators. If they are interested in the material then they will want to learn these new concepts.

Parents also often times feel that using calculators is a cop out way of doing math. They fear that their kids will not be learning their basic computational math skills which we use in our day to day lives. In 1986 Hembree and Dessart conducted some research on this fact. They found that “using a calculator with traditional instruction improves students’ basic skills with paper and pencil.” So, research has been conducted and shows that using calculators in our daily instruction will actually improve your children's’ basic skills.

Through all of my research and experience I have come to the decision that graphing calculators in my classroom will be extremely beneficial for my students. I understand that they are a $100 purchase and that is a large expense in terms of school supplies. However, I am requiring them this year as they are beneficial not only to this math class but to all of the classes from here on out. Your children will use these for years to come and I appreciate your understanding.

Sincerely,

Courtney Fish

P.S.

If the financial cost is too much for your family please contact me and we may be able to find a way to minimize the financial burden.

Ronau, Robert N., Christopher R. Rakes, Sarah B. Bush, Shannon Driskell, Margaret L. Niess, and David Pugalee. "Using Calculators for Teaching and Learning Mathematics." National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2011): n. pag. 30 Sept. 2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.