[IPAC-List] Calculators

[Lance Seberhagen]

If you are talking about calculators used during exams, there should be 
a separate policy for each exam, rather than one policy covering all 
exams.  In any event, if calculators are allowed, the test administrator 
should provide them.  Test-takers should not be allowed to use their 
"smart phones," or any other personal electronic devices, because they 
may be used to photograph test materials, communicate with other 
individuals, or otherwise cheat or compromise test security.

The job analysis underlying each exam will tell whether calculators or 
computers are used for making calculations on the job.  But even then, 
one can make a good argument for requiring test-takers to make manual 
calculations for most, if not all, exams.  Calculators/computers may not 
always be available on the job (e.g., power goes out).  Full 
understanding of the math ability in question often requires the ability 
to make manual calculations.

Signature - Seberhagen & Associates

Lance Seberhagen, Ph.D.
Seberhagen & Associates
9021 Trailridge Ct
Vienna, VA 22182
Tel 703-790-0796
www.seberhagen.com *
*



****

On 1/16/2013 3:12 PM, Paul Pluta wrote:

> Here is the language we use on the cover of our test booklets.

>

> YOU MAY USE ONLY A HAND-HELD, BATTERY OPERATED, STANDARD ARITHMETIC NON-TAPE-PRODUCING CALCULATOR DURING THIS EXAMINATION.  USE OF MEMORY-STORAGE CALCULATORS, SCIENTIFIC/STATISTICAL CALCULATORS, CELL PHONES, AND PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS (PDAs) IS PROHIBITED.

>

> We provide our examinees with a cheap basic calculator and scratch paper and a pencil.  No other materials are allowed on the table/desk during the examination.

>

> -----Original Message-----

> From: ipac-list-bounces at ipacweb.org [mailto:ipac-list-bounces at ipacweb.org] On Behalf Of Demooy, Adele

> Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 11:48 AM

> To: IPAC-List at ipacweb.org

> Subject: [IPAC-List] Calculators

>

> We'd like to update our calculator policy.  Does anyone have a sample they can forward to me?

>

> Adele De Mooy

> Employment Manager

> Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

> (312) 751-5172

>

> _______________________________________________________

> IPAC-List

> IPAC-List at ipacweb.org

> http://www.ipacweb.org/mailman/listinfo/ipac-list

> _______________________________________________________

> IPAC-List

> IPAC-List at ipacweb.org

> http://www.ipacweb.org/mailman/listinfo/ipac-list

>