Next-generation math tool also accepted on Praxis teacher certification tests

DALLAS, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- International Baccalaureate (IB) students now can use TI's latest mathematics tool, the TI-Nspire(TM) learning handheld, to inspire critical thinking in class and on exams. With its acceptance on IB exams, the TI-Nspire handheld learning tool allows for the assessment of a student's ability to solve advanced mathematical concepts in realistic applications.

More than 663,000 students at 2,418 schools in approximately 131 countries are enrolled in IB courses, including more than 900 schools in the United States. By using a familiar tool with interactive, easy-to-use computer-like features, students can tackle the mathematics in more ways and with greater confidence.

"Globalization is becoming more pervasive in the classroom, and the IB program continues to gain participation in the United States and abroad," said Lisa Brady Gill, Executive Director, Office of Education, Policy and Practices, Texas Instruments Education Technology. "IB offers a challenging mathematics curriculum, and the TI-Nspire handheld helps students gain a deeper understanding of concepts by enabling investigation, exploration and critical thinking through its interactive features and student-friendly user interface."

TI-Nspire handheld technology allows students to explore math in multiple forms and manipulate equations to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying main concepts behind the mathematics. Students can demonstrate their mathematical knowledge more effectively by making connections among concepts they have learned in the classroom. Students taking 2009 IB math examinations may use the TI-Nspire handheld, version 1.3 or higher, in testing mode, which temporarily disables certain functions during the exam.

Research suggests that using handheld graphing technology during a mathematics class helps students to be more successful. Studies indicate that effective teaching with graphing calculators can help students develop a better understand of mathematical concepts, use higher-level approaches to solve math problems and score higher on performance measures. For more information about how graphing calculator use improves students' math skills and their attitudes toward math, visit www.education.ti.com/research.

"By the time students reach this advanced level of testing, they are well beyond basic skills. The use of the TI-Nspire handheld in testing environments puts the focus on concepts, reasoning and making sense of mathematics," said Prof. Gail Burrill, of the University of Michigan's Math Education program, a past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and a math advisor for TI. "From the perspective of future employers in nearly every field, it's more important to assess working knowledge rather than the ability to memorize."

In addition to IB testing, the TI-Nspire handheld is approved for use on many widely recognized teacher certification exams, including the Educational Testing Service's Praxis Series(TM), a pre-professional teaching program skills assessment test used by more than three dozen states to help license and certify teachers.

The TI-Nspire handheld also can be used on a growing list of standardized state examinations, including Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin, the latest states to confirm acceptance of TI-Nspire on their respective state exams. The list also includes Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Additional states allow the use of the TI-Nspire handheld with the snap-in TI-84 Plus keypad, which comes included.

The TI-Nspire handheld already is approved for student use during the SAT*, ACT, and AP* exams. To find a complete list of tests that permit the use of TI-Nspire handheld technology or to find individual state guidelines for graphing calculator use on examinations, visit www.TI-Nspire.com.

About TI-Nspire Handheld Technology

The TI-Nspire handheld includes a large screen, computer-like controls and spreadsheet and text entry capabilities similar to a laptop. The TI-Nspire handheld features drop down menus and a built-in cursor that help students interact with math concepts and explore problem-solving strategies. Thanks to the TI-Nspire handheld's built-in 20MB of storage capacity, students can create, save and edit their work in electronic documents. These features are intuitive for today's students and help them visualize and interact with math in real time to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts presented. Teachers can track individual progress by viewing step-by-step the student's problem-solving techniques. Unlike laptops, TI-Nspire handhelds are allowed on many standardized tests. The TI-Nspire handheld allows students to learn anytime and anywhere.

The TI-Nspire handheld includes two interchangeable keypads. This allows students to use the TI-Nspire handheld technology, which includes graphing calculator features, or to use a keypad that mimics the TI-84 Plus and TI-83 Plus graphing calculators, the leading graphing calculator used in U.S. schools. The TI-Nspire handheld is available at most major retailers or online for about $150.

About Texas Instruments Education Technology

Education Technology, a business of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of advanced tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications and enabling students and teachers to explore math and science interactively. Designed with leading educators and researchers, Texas Instruments educational technology and services are tested against recognized third-party research on effective instruction and improved student learning. Such research shows that use of graphing calculators and wireless networks in the classroom helps teachers implement instructional strategies that lead to student collaboration, and higher student interest, engagement and achievement in math. For more than 20 years, TI has worked closely with educators and administrators to develop student-focused curricular and supplemental classroom materials, and TI supports the world's largest professional development organization for the appropriate use of educational technology. For more information, visit www.education.ti.com.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com.

Trademarks

International Baccalaureate is a registered trademark the International Baccalaureate Organization. Praxis Series is a trademark of the Educational Testing Service.*SAT & AP are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board, which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this product. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this product. Policies are subject to change. Visit www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org for more information.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated