We need TI-83 graphing calculators to allow underprivileged students to use graphing calculators without paying for them. This will allow students who want to continue past Algebra II but cannot afford the calculator.
My students are sophomore-junior level teens taking Writing class at our High School, just outside of Green Bay, WI. My Writing class is a team-taught course that includes general education, special education, and English Language Learner (ELL) students. I am so proud of how they all came together this semester despite their different education and personal backgrounds. The students who proposed these projects did so as our last assignment of the semester. The Writing Team at my school developed this assignment as a way to engage students in real-life writing and teach them the value of giving back. My students created grant proposals centered around an area of our district they feel passionate about improving and set forth to do so by researching the benefits of their proposed ideas. Below is exactly what my students wrote for their grant proposals. Thank you for your consideration!
Through this grant proposal projects, my students learned how to write for a real audience with real-world applications. This project has taught them the value of working together and equally distributing work to reach a common goal. My students experienced the challenge of writing clearly and articulately while simultaneously trying to inspire and motivate.
In Their Own Words
Without calculators during math class would be pretty difficult. We think having these calculators for students will enhance their learning ability and help them succeed with challenging problems, homework, and other assignments. Also makes working more efficient and “studies indicates technology such as calculators can help kids who already have a strong foundation in basic skills”. Or if a student struggles in a particular unit in their math class, calculators can help whatever they are stuck on. For example “students who did not know many multiplication facts, generating the answers on their own, without a calculator, was important and helped their performance”(Math Teacher Responds to Slate Article That Criticized Tech and Calculators in the Classroom) on tests or quizzes.
We know many students in High School reach Algebra II or farther, and one of the most helpful and important tools is the graphing calculator. Students who can’t afford this tool are at a disadvantage to the students that can afford them. We see this need and want to help out our peers.
Thorough our research, we learned that at our High School 15.2% of students receive free lunch and 4.2% receive reduced lunch due to the income of their parents being below or at the poverty line. 21% of students are in Algebra II, in classes Algebra II and above a graphing calculator is included in the course syllabus and is necessary in order for a passing grade in those classes. Many students in High School reach algebra II or farther, and one of the most helpful and important tools is the graphing calculator. Students who can’t afford this tool are at a disadvantage to the students that can afford them. The graphing students will help them be able to follow along with classroom lessons easier. And when they aren't in school and need help with homework this tool will allow them to finish their homework more easily.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Cramer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.