Every student should have access to the basic supplies needed to learn higher-level math. That means paper, pencils, binders, whiteboards, etc. And, in the 21st century, it also means graphing calculators.
If there is one thing my students have going for them, it is their unflagging optimism.
Never mind the poverty many of them live in; never mind that over half are not proficient English speakers; never mind that about a third have been in America for fewer than three years. In our large, public high school, my students have found a place where ethnic and language minorities CAN succeed. They CAN go to college. They just need to figure out what it takes to get there and motivate themselves to do it.
My Project
Right now, my students must work 2 or 3 to a calculator during class. That often means that without careful attention, only one student is really learning how to use the technology -- the others are along for the ride. Having one calculator per student would mean that I can hold each student accountable and get them involved in assignments requiring the calculator.
As for the binders: My job is to teach these students Algebra II and Trig. But I know that learning what it means to be highly organized will make a bigger difference in the lives of these students than quadratic functions or exponential growth or sine curves. No matter what these students go on to do, if they understand the benefits of a solid organizational system, they'll be ready to attack any task.
In this new century, it's a shame to deny some students access to a basic resource that more affluent students first use as early as the sixth grade.
My juniors and seniors should have the same shot at mastering the use of these powerful calculators. Time after time, my kids have been told -- either directly or indirectly -- that they are hopeless and not worth investing in. Tell them that's not true. Help stock my classroom with the supplies we need to make big things happen!
Half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
This project will reach 200 students.
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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 Mr. P. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.