Bouck, E. C., & Bouck, M. K. (2008). Does it add up? Calculators as accommodations for sixth grade students with disabilities . Journal of Special Education Technology , 23 (2), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/016264340802300202

The potential effect of the four-function calculator accommodation was examined for test scores from two groups of students.

The test scores of grade 6 students with and without disabilities in six classrooms in three schools, across two districts, in the Midwest (U.S.) were examined. Students with disabilities (n=22) had learning disabilities (LD), emotional impairment, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

A pre-/posttest design with a mathematics assessment aligned to state standards was used, with problem-solving items consistent with the number and operation strand from the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Principles and the NCTM Standards for School Mathematics (2000). Students also completed surveys about their experiences of using calculators during the assessment.

The results suggest that both students with disabilities and students without disabilities benefited from access to a calculator. The findings raise implications for calculators as a valid accommodation on assessments and suggest directions for future research.