Graphing Calculators are an absolute necessity in this course.  There are lessons in this course that can only be done on the calculator.  It is imperative that every student enrolled in Algebra have access to a graphing calculator for both classwork and homework.  The calculator will be used throughout every students' high school and college career. 

The recommended calculator is the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator:

The 83+ has the capability to enhance or impede the learning that occurs in the classroom.  Because of the misuse of many applications that are available for this calculator, the  following consequences will be issued for a student who is using the calculator at an inappropriate time or for calculator use on anything other than an assigned task:

• 1st offense:  Calculator taken, cleared, returned at the end of class.
• 2nd offense:  Calculator taken, cleared, parent called, calculator returned after speaking with parent.
• 3rd offense:  Calculator taken, cleared, parent must pick up calculator.