Should calculators be allowed for lower grade students ?

Yes, I believe in lower grades such as 2nd and 3rd where the math is very basic, calculators only serve to hinder the learning of important skills. Every child should have at least a basic knowledge of math. For higher grade levels I am all for calculators, being a person who isn't good at math, I can understand the value of a good calculator and how much it can help in and out of class. But I never had the opportunity to use on early on and I am glad for that. It really forced me to learn the basics so that I can use them today and I was able to build upon them in oder to understand higher level math.

I do not feel that a student needs a calculator until they are in junior high. Younger students need to learn to manipulate numbers and do quick mental math. Once they are proficient with basic math skills and are in higher level math, a calculator would be fine.

I agree they half to understand the math first.

Totally agree! My children relied on them at a young age and when they changed schools and could not use them, they had difficulties with some of the basic facts..

noooooooooooo

I have real mixed feelings about this. It is sad how many kids to do not know simple addition/subtraction/multiplication/division. But, I also understand that it is important to know how to use a calculator. I believe once a student shows that they know how to do the math on their own, they can use the calculator for harder computations.

Yes They Should

i am really not sure.