Graphing Calculator...school supplies are killing me(rant)

[crisi]

Thanks for all of the replies!

I'm kind of scratching my head on all of the references about paying for college....of course we know that we will be paying much more in college tuition. Thats kind of a given.

What I didn't expect, especially coming from Michigan, where all three of my (subsidized wholely by my and DH's incomes) children were born and raised until 4 years ago, are the crazy amount of fees Illinois school districts are allowed to get away with charging, unless you have a free lunch/fee waiver in place. In Michigan, where I fully expected to raise my kids through adulthood, public schools do not do this. I get that it is my problem that we moved to Illinois, but it doesn't mean that I am happy about paying cadillac fees for a good old Buick education that was FREE for a similarly decent school district in MI.

My kids are slightly smarter than a box of rocks and will do well no matter what, but we are Midwesterners whose big aspirations are to send our kids to a Big 10 state college where they will get a perfectly fine degree in their chosen field. Ivy League will likely not be in the cards, so honestly, I still have to say that our "Public Prep School Tuition" as DH and I have now humorously dubbed it, still irks me.

Sorry...I just can't help but rant about this!! Thanks for the calculator advice everyone!

California just passed a law that limits the fees that can be charged....and apparently the ACLU has cases in the works on the topic. Public education should be free - or at least reasonably free. I don't think its unreasonable to pay for extracurriculars or reasonable supplies (including an expensive calculator) or even have a fee assigned to elective art or shop classes, but schools are going overboard as they lose state funding. Mandatory band but you provide the instrument - and we assign it? That's far too far in my mind.

 

[sherry7]

Thanks for all of the replies!

I'm kind of scratching my head on all of the references about paying for college....of course we know that we will be paying much more in college tuition. Thats kind of a given.

What I didn't expect, especially coming from Michigan, where all three of my (subsidized wholely by my and DH's incomes) children were born and raised until 4 years ago, are the crazy amount of fees Illinois school districts are allowed to get away with charging, unless you have a free lunch/fee waiver in place. In Michigan, where I fully expected to raise my kids through adulthood, public schools do not do this. I get that it is my problem that we moved to Illinois, but it doesn't mean that I am happy about paying cadillac fees for a good old Buick education that was FREE for a similarly decent school district in MI.

My kids are slightly smarter than a box of rocks and will do well no matter what, but we are Midwesterners whose big aspirations are to send our kids to a Big 10 state college where they will get a perfectly fine degree in their chosen field. Ivy League will likely not be in the cards, so honestly, I still have to say that our "Public Prep School Tuition" as DH and I have now humorously dubbed it, still irks me.

Sorry...I just can't help but rant about this!! Thanks for the calculator advice everyone!

My brothers live in in the Chicago suburban area, and I've always been floored when they talked about the registration fees, book fees, bus fees, etc for their children to attend public school. My son is grown up now, but I never paid a cent for his K-12 education, other than standard school supplies, the special calculator for high school math (which I should find and eBay), and $10 a year for a parking permit in high school. From my limited knowledge, it seems like Illinois is really pushing the definition of "free public education".

 

[Arkansan]

I buy my children a graphing calculator when they take Algebra I. My oldest DD has used hers for math classes and Physical Science, a unit in Biology, and will use it for Chemistry and Physics as well. They also will use them for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests. There is a $10 app for graphing calculator that is very good, but my kids' teachers won't let them use their phones for tests and, of course, they aren't allowed on the SAT tests, either. It works in a pinch for homework, though.

I price matched Target's $84.99 price last week at Staples and got it for less than $80 with their 110% price match guarantee. There was also a $15 rebate which should come shortly.

I have always asked my kids' math teachers if their calculator is ok and have been assured that it is perfect for their needs. I know it will take my DDs through college. My DS is talking about a Computer Science degree, so he may need something different in college.

Now ask me about my school's activity fees: $120 for the first, $80 for the second, and $60 for the third in a school year. No family max! This is for every school activity that doesn't get a grade--athletics, musical, student council, backstage crew, pit orchestra, etc. My DD was on yearbook and got hers for half-price last year. Yay--$30 instead of $60! But it was her second activity, so I had to pay the $80 plus $30 for the yearbook. Her $60 yearbook cost me $110. The no family max really kills me--I have two in HS this year.

 

[MomToOne]

Ok - I just gotta say it. I was a math major in college, and I never had or used a graphing calculator!!! Not in High School, not in any class in College - including those endless Calculus classes.

I understand times have changed, but I still don't get the need for kids to have calculators like this in high school Algebra and Geometry. The schools should be focused on teaching them on how to do the math themselves so they get the theory behind it - not on teaching them to plug things into a calculator. I understand using these types of calculators in advanced science classes and more advanced math classes that apply the concepts learned in these lower classes, but I just don't get the need for them in Algebra, Geometry and even Trig.

(Oh - and for those of you complaining about the cost of bussing, just know it could be worse. Our district provides NO bussing to middle and high schoolers. None. Zippo. Zilch. They are expected to take the standard city bus service, and of course they've cut back the routes in recent years due to budget cuts so that's easier said than done. My daughter is "lucky" in that she only has to make 1 transfer to get home. And the cost is ridiculous - even the discount student bus pass will end up running me nearly $400 for the year for the lovely privilege of having my daughter ride the city bus with all sorts of unsavory characters )

 

[descovy]

Admittedly I know nothing about Illinois or Michigan and how they fund schools.

I do know here in TX, schools are funded primarily through Property Taxes. A School District can charge as much as 2% property tax on every home (whether you have a student or not) Add in county, municipal or utility taxes and a homeowner can pay 3-4% (or more!) appraised value every.single.year on the value of their home.

I imagine there are people in my community who do not have children in the school system that *wish* their property taxes were not in excess of $10k/yr to pay for schools they do not use. They'd love for me (mom of 3) to pay for the cost of public school instead of them (non parents)

While I do not pay fees (other than some activity fees for extracurriculars) *everyone* in my area pays high taxes to support the school district.

I imagine we all pay the price one way or the other... no matter where we live. Some states have income tax, school levies, property tax. Some of those rates are high, some are low. I've lived in a state where I paid $400/yr for auto tags. I pay only $59 in TX.

Seems like they get you coming or going...

 

[descovy]

On the calculator... my kids' school allows technology (smart phones, iPod touch, etc...)

We are an upcoming 9th grader (geometry), and for now am sending her with a $1.99 graphing calculator app for her smartphone.

The school is recommending a Ti-Inspire. I have no idea if that equates to a Ti-84 or not. So until I figure it out, a $1.99 app it is!

 

[crisi]

Ok - I just gotta say it. I was a math major in college, and I never had or used a graphing calculator!!! Not in High School, not in any class in College - including those endless Calculus classes.

I understand times have changed, but I still don't get the need for kids to have calculators like this in high school Algebra and Geometry. The schools should be focused on teaching them on how to do the math themselves so they get the theory behind it - not on teaching them to plug things into a calculator. I understand using these types of calculators in advanced science classes and more advanced math classes that apply the concepts learned in these lower classes, but I just don't get the need for them in Algebra, Geometry and even Trig.

Those skills are great for people who want to do theoretical math or even teach math - but they are honestly pretty useless skills for the majority of people who will have access to calculators and computers their whole lives. I say this as someone who made a living for a few years doing statistical analysis - I have no need to be able to learn and do the formula for a P value on a 2 sample T by hand - I can plug that into a TI-84 and get an answer.

Plus, with the emphasis on testing - the important thing is to get the right answer on a multiple choice test

 

[MOpGrad2013]

TI-inspire is usually the teacher's version around here. It does not have all the same features as the TI-84. It graphs the same and can add/subtract, but it is different when you are talking about software etc.

Bought DD16 a new TI-84C this year. Last day of school someone swiped her TI-84 so this is a replacement. She is using hers for Chemistry AP, Statistics AP and both ACT & SAT this year. Be sure the version you purchase is accepted on the tests!

We paid $127 after tax for the colored version. Color was not a necessity, but we wanted her to have that upgrade for college. Her major is Chemistry and math.

DS19 had a TI83 that lasted him from 8th grade through graduation & College Algebra and has now been passed on to his girlfriend. So, that's 6 years for that one.

We are fortunate that our costs have been brought down. Fees will be $77 plus the mandatory PSAT (we don't qualify for the waiver), $95 each for the 5 AP exams...$567. Fees don't have to be paid until May. Payments accepted. DD's high school doesn't have school wide fundraisers...Only special groups (band, choir, JROTC...) looking to go to competitions.

 

[NinaBella]

You can get calculators on a smart phone that has the same capabilities. Just saying...

My oldest two are 22 and 20, youngest two are 12, and 11 so I feel your pain. There is no such thing as a "free public school" as there are always fees. I think you may not be well informed on what is required for a state college. You may be surprised on how competitive it is to get into a state college. Of course standards vary state to state.

In Florida a valedictorian had a 10.2 GPA (4.0 scale). Their valedictorian and salutatorian are both going to state colleges (Florida State University and University of Florida). http://tbo.com/plant-city/plant-cit...record-with-her-grade-point-average-20140528/

My daughter is entering sixth grade and the classes we picked this year are setting her up for dual-enrollment into college classes while she is still in high school. Many high school students are graduating with associate degrees from dual-enrollment programs. http://tbo.com/pinellas-county/florida-schools-coping-with-college-dual-enrollment-costs-20130702/

http://www.fldoe.org/articulation/pdf/DualEnrollmentFAQ.pdf

 

[Tink-aholic]

I agree about the property tax point a pp made. OP, are your taxes the same where you are now as they were in MI?

I know my sister was forever complaining about lots of fees for her kids for school -- and crowed even louder when I told her I didn't have any for mine -- until she found out she paid roughly 15% of what I pay for property tax...

 

[Tink-aholic]

Wow--I homeschool my 8th grader for less than that, and I get full curriculum, all books and workbooks, science supplies, and some art supplies. We had planned on putting her back in public school when we leave the dingleberry of Massachusetts, but wow! K-12 is starting to sound good for high school...it is free and they provide everything!

Massachusetts is consistently ranked the top in the nation for public schools.

http://247wallst.com/special-report/2014/01/14/states-with-the-best-and-worst-schools-2/3/

http://www.usnews.com/education/bes...ompare-in-the-2014-best-high-schools-rankings

http://www.edweek.org/ew/qc/2014/state_report_cards.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/04/wallethub-education-rankings_n_5648067.html

 

[Arkansan]

You can get calculators on a smart phone that has the same capabilities. Just saying... ]

But many schools will not allow phones to be used during tests and, they DEFINITELY cannot be used during PSAT, SAT, or ACT tests.

 

[havaneselover]

I've read somewhere else on here about il's crazy fees. I just paid fees for the first time. $106 for middle school but this included a gym uniform, yearbook, and laptop insurance. I would love to pay nothing but we have exceptional schools and very reasonable property taxes so I'm not going to complain too much.

 

[aprilchem]

Wow. I just paid school fees for 2 of my kids, and they came to $18 total. And $5 of that was optional (a PTA membership).

And just so everyone knows, many colleges do not allow graphing calculators because they can be used to cheat. I am a college professor and I don't allow them in any of my (chemistry) courses.

 

[leebee]

Wow. I just paid school fees for 2 of my kids, and they came to $18 total. And $5 of that was optional (a PTA membership).

And just so everyone knows, many colleges do not allow graphing calculators because they can be used to cheat. I am a college professor and I don't allow them in any of my (chemistry) courses.

DH doesn't allow them in his classes- he teaches college chemistry (in a variety of flavors)- and no phones or laptops, either. Too many kids try to cheat, so it ruins it for everyone.

We never paid fees for DD throughout high school. She needed a graphing calculator for AP stats, but the school provided this. They also provided laptops. I'm not sure what hers was at the time, but the kids now get MacBook Airs… nicer than anything I own!

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Texas-Instr...1215248911?pt=Calculators&hash=item43cdc80e0f

 

[crisi]

Wow. I just paid school fees for 2 of my kids, and they came to $18 total. And $5 of that was optional (a PTA membership).

And just so everyone knows, many colleges do not allow graphing calculators because they can be used to cheat. I am a college professor and I don't allow them in any of my (chemistry) courses.

Though when you can't use a graphing calculator generally a fairly simple inexpensive calculator will do (unless you get a prof who wants you to multiply in your head). Its unlikely they will have to buy another expensive calculator - unless they major in something that requires a specialty calculator (like Finance, and Finance calculators aren't as expensive as the TI-84s)

ETA: Of course, you'll buy another one if this one gets lost or stolen - and the expense of these makes them good targets - write your kid's name across it in Sharpie in such a way that if its being used by another kid in the school it might get noticed.)

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Wow. I just paid school fees for 2 of my kids, and they came to $18 total. And $5 of that was optional (a PTA membership).

And just so everyone knows, many colleges do not allow graphing calculators because they can be used to cheat. I am a college professor and I don't allow them in any of my (chemistry) courses.

It varies on the course... it was a requirement for my statistics courses.

 

[crisi]

It varies on the course... it was a requirement for my statistics courses.

That's why we have three in my house - my kids needed them for school - I needed one for college Algebra and college Statistics. I'm not such a geek that I would own - at almost 50 - my very own graphing calculator for fun.

 

[Aliceacc]

Ok - I just gotta say it. I was a math major in college, and I never had or used a graphing calculator!!! Not in High School, not in any class in College - including those endless Calculus classes.

I understand times have changed, but I still don't get the need for kids to have calculators like this in high school Algebra and Geometry. The schools should be focused on teaching them on how to do the math themselves so they get the theory behind it - not on teaching them to plug things into a calculator. I understand using these types of calculators in advanced science classes and more advanced math classes that apply the concepts learned in these lower classes, but I just don't get the need for them in Algebra, Geometry and even Trig.

As a high school math teacher, here's the policy in my school:

Our Juniors need a graphing calculator for SAT class. The feeling is that they'll need it for Senior year-- Calc anc Precalc, and for college. So we teach them in SAT class, so as not to take the time from the other math classes.

Up until now, the policy in my (Catholic, college prep) school has been no calculators for Algebra, and none until they hit the Trig chapter in Geometry. At that point, they pretty much need the calcuator. Trig tables, and the interpolation they used, have gone the way of approximating square roots by hand. At that point, they've used a $10 scientific calculator.

But this year our freshmen will be using Ipads, so they'll have calculator access. To keep things a bit more even, our Geometry kids will be using those standard scientific calculators from day 1 instead of waiting for the Trig chapter. (Of course, that means I can give them problems that don't work out as nicely as I have in the past... an angle of a triangle can now measure 28 degrees 35 minutes, as opposed to 29 degrees.)

I agree absolutely with what you're saying. Knowing how to push the keys on a calculator to graph a parabola is a very different matter from understanding why it does what it does.

ETA: Of course, you'll buy another one if this one gets lost or stolen - and the expense of these makes them good targets - write your kid's name across it in Sharpie in such a way that if its being used by another kid in the school it might get noticed.)

Hint: WHite-out is a pretty easy way to do it on a dark colored calculator. Make sure the name is not only on the cover, but on the calculator itself.