MATHEMATICS EDUCATION TRUST

Enhancing Student Mathematics

Learning through the Use of Tools
and Technology Grant (PK–12)
Name of Applicant: Sandra Curd

District/School: Walker County Schools/ LaFayette High School

Date: 04.09.2023

Project Cost: $4,230.00

Title of Project: Graphing in the New Age

I. Proposal

A. Plan

The purpose of this grant proposal is to gain access to new graphing calculators, TI-84
Plus CE Graphing Calculators, for students who are enrolled in my Algebra 2 classroom.
The students currently have access to TI-83 calculators but they are very outdated and
not environmentally friendly. “The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Standards states that at the high school level, graphing calculators must be available to
all students at all times.” (Simonsen et al., 1997) This standard is currently being met in
my classroom, however, the students need access to the newer version of the graphing
calculators. The goals for this grant would be for the calculators to be more beneficial
for the students through visualization, rechargeable batteries which are more
environmentally friendly than the current calculators, and closing the gap in the digital
divide.

Simonsen et al. (1997) stated that major trends of using a graphing calculator in the
classroom include less distraction with computational detail, immediate feedback, and
enhancement of visualization. (Simonsen et al., 1997) For this proposal I would like to
focus on the enhancement of visualization. This allows students to be able to visualize
the mathematical concepts rather than thinking theoretically or simply looking at a
demonstration on the board. By having individual access to the calculator it will allow
students to take ownership of their learning and learn how to use technology resources
in the classroom.
 The calculators included in this grant proposal allow the students the use of updated
technology which also includes a modified screen. The modified screen is a light up
screen and it allows for the use of color on the calculator. In Algebra 2 this would allow
for comparison of graphical representations and provide more real-world applications
for the students. According to McNamara (2007), the TI-84 Plus is an improved version
of the TI-83 Plus. (McNamara, 2007)

Another advantage to the updated or improved version of the calculator is that it has
rechargeable batteries. Parsons (2017) states that rechargeable batteries are better for
the environment than disposable batteries. (Parsons, 2017) Currently, we are using
disposable batteries and a major portion of our mathematics budget is being used to
purchase said batteries. The newer version of the calculators would allow the
calculators to be recharged which would in turn make them more environmentally
friendly.

Idris (2006) states that it is important for us to embrace emerging technology,

otherwise, we are putting our students at a disadvantage to our ever changing world.
(Idris, 2006) This is why it is important that we provide the professional development
that would be necessary in implementing the use of the new and improved calculators.
Professional development would be provided by myself to the co-teachers in my
classroom. I would provide them with all of the materials and support necessary to
successfully implement the use of the TI-84 Plus CE in our classroom.

According to Valadez et al. (2007) the digital divide could mean that lower income level
students are often given low-level drills and practice when it comes to application. The
digital divide often “addresses inequalities in technology and learning”. (Valadez et al.,
2007) This is one of the goals of this grant proposal; to close the digital divide between
the students at my school and our surrounding schools that have more updated
resources than we do.

In order to evaluate the materials, TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculators, I would create
both a pre-survey and post-survey for both the students and the teachers. The survey
would include questions such as do you think the calculator is easy to use, do you think
it is better that the calculators can be charged, do you think the battery life is sufficient,
have the new calculators helped you to visualize the Algebra 2 content, etc. The
students will also be given a pre-assessment and a post-assessment pertaining to the
use of the calculator.

B. Outcomes

The anticipated impact on teachers' learning is that the teachers will understand and be
adequately trained on how to implement the TI-84 Plus CE in the classroom. Teachers
will be able to utilize the calculators to relate Algebra 2 concepts to the students. This
 can be done through the use of visualization features of the new calculators. Also
teachers will be able to apply real-world concepts into the Algebra 2 curriculum through
the use of the calculators.

The anticipated impact on students’ learning is that the students will be able to use the
calculators efficiently and effectively in the classroom. The students will be able to use
the calculator technology for real-world mathematical concepts. The students will also
show improvement in Algebra 2 due to the use of newer technology. The pre-assessment
and the post-assessment will be used to gauge the impact on the students' learning.

II. Budget

TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculators

Item: Cost: Total Number of Items: Total Cost:

TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator $117.50 36 $4,230.00

The grant's maximum funding is $3,000.00 and with the class sizes taken into account at
LaFayette High School there is a need for 36 calculators. The grant funds would cover
approximately 25 calculators and LaFayette High School would purchase the remaining
11 calculators.

III. Background and Experience

● Formal education:

▪ Tennessee Wesleyan University, Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Interdisciplinary

Studies, May 2010
▪ Tennessee Wesleyan University, Masters of Science Degree, Curriculum Leadership,
December 2013
▪ Kennesaw State University, Educational Specialist, Instructional Technology,
Currently Enrolled, Graduation Date July 2023

● Professional experience related to this proposal:

▪ McMinn County High School, July 2010 - May 2018, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry,
Bridge Math, SAILS, and Pre-Calculus
▪ LaFayette High School, July 2021 - Present, Algebra 2

▪ Mu Alpha Theta, July 2010 - May 2018, McMcminn County High School
 ▪ Kennesaw State University, Educational Specialist, Instructional Technology,
Currently Enrolled

IV: Grant Resources

● NCTM Grants: https://www.nctm.org/grants/

● Proposed Grant: https://www.nctm.org/Grants-and-Awards/Grants/Enhancing-Student-
Mathematics-Learning-through-the-Use-of-Tools-and-Technology-Grants-(Pre-K-12)/

V: References

Idris, N. (2006). Exploring the effects of TI-84 plus on achievement and anxiety in mathematics.
Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 2(3), 66-78.

McNamara, T. J. (2007). Key concepts in mathematics: Strengthening standards practice in

grades 6-12. Corwin Press.

Parsons, D. (2007). The environmental impact of disposable versus re-chargeable batteries for
consumer use. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 12, 197-203.

Simonsen, L. M., & Dick, T. P. (1997). Teachers’ perceptions of the impact of graphing
calculators in the mathematics classroom. Journal of computers in Mathematics and Science
Teaching, 16(2), 239-368.

Valadez, J. R., & Duran, R. (2007). Redefining the digital divide: Beyond access to computers and
the Internet. the high school journal, 90(3), 31-44.