Re: PSAT and SAT math section

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Re: PSAT and SAT math section

What follows is a message posted to comp.sys.hp48 on 9/30/96 by Mark
Wilson concerning the use of IR calcs, mainly on the ACT tests, but
mentions their use on the SAT's as well. Double check this info, if this
applies to you, due to the age of this post. Another piece of info
concerning the IR device in the HP48; while it can transmit up to a
couple of feet (makes for a really expensive TV remote), the receiver
was intentionally disabled by HP (due to concerns of teachers and school
officials) to have a working range of about three inches. This makes it
pretty obvious when transferring from one to another.


"Mark P. Wilson" <mwilson@afit.af.mil> wrote:

I am forwarding a message from the ACT organization.  As some may
remember, a few weeks ago, I wrote ACT after a few folks here complained
that they wouldn't allow the Hp-48.  I found out that the reason why was
the IR port, which I pointed out the SAT allowed if taped over.  Since
then, ACT apparently was written by others with the same complaint and
solution.  They actually kept their word (unheard of for a beauracracy!
Hats off to ACT!!), and reviewed their policy, which the summary of is
in this message.  The gist of this message is that the Hp-48 WILL be
allowed, if the IR port is taped over.  Alas, the Ti-92 is not allowed
(qwerty, duh!!).  just to be double sure, check the written rules, but I
think they are o.k. with the Hp-48.


Message from ACT:

Noble@act.org wrote:
.>
.> This notice is in response to questions ACT has received about
.>acceptable
.>   calculators.  Please pass this clarification on to others.
.>
.>   Effective fall 1996, examinees may use calculators on the ACT
.>Assessment
.>   and PLAN Mathematics Tests.  Students taking the ACT Assessment
.>should
.>   review page 3 of Registering for the ACT Assessment.  Students
.>taking
.>   PLAN should review page 4 of the Planning Guide for Students and
.>Parents.
.>   All makes and models of calculators are acceptable -- including
.>   programmable calculators and hinged calculators with mathematical
.>   formulas printed by the manufacturer on the inside flap -- provided
.>the
.>   calculator does not have any of the unacceptable features specified
.> in
.>   the ACT publications noted above and further clarified below.
.>Examinees
.>   using unacceptable calculators will be dismissed from testing.
.>
.>   The following information is provided to help students select an
.>   acceptable calculator if they choose to use one on the ACT
.>Assessment or
.>   PLAN Mathematics Test.
.>
.>   POCKET ORGANIZERS, HANDHELD OR LAPTOP COMPUTERS.  All such devices
.>are
.>   prohibited.
.>
.>   ELECTRONIC WRITING PADS/PEN INPUT DEVICES.  Such models are readily
.>   recognizable due to the pen or stylus used to input data.  All such
.>   devices are prohibited.
.>
.>   "QWERTY" KEYPAD.The term QWERTY derives from the first six letter
.>keys
.>   (left to right) of the top row of typewriters, personal computers,
.>most
.>   handheld and laptop computers, pocket organizers, and specialized
.>   calculators. All models with QWERTY keyboards are prohibited.
.>
.>   PAPER TAPE.  If a calculator has a feature that provides paper
.>output,
.>   the paper must be removed to make the calculator acceptable.
.>
.>   NOISE.  Calculators that have a "talking" or audio feature are
.>acceptable
.>   in a group testing situation only if the sound feature has been
.>turned
.>   off.
.>
.>   WIRELESS COMMUNICATION.  Calculators that can communicate (transfer
.>data
.>   or information) wirelessly with other calculators can be recognized
.>by
.>  the "window" or infrared data port on the top edge of the
calculator,
.>   similar to one on a television remote control.  Such calculators
are
.>   acceptable only if the wireless transfer capability is disabled by
.>   placing opaque material (such as masking tape) over the infrared
.>data
.>   port.
.>
.>   POWER CORD.  If a calculator can run on either battery or
electrical
.>   cord, the electrical cord must be removed to make the calculator
.>   acceptable.
.>
.>   Thank you for your interest in these issues and for your patience
.during
.>   our review of them.
.>
.>   Candace Noble
.>   Director, Elementary and Secondary School Programs
.>   ACT..

--
Mark Wilson

"You see me now a veteran
of a thousand psychic wars..."



================================================================
Christian Lalor
clalor@utah-inter.net

Happiness is not around the next curve,
                        happiness is the curve. - BMW ad
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