I can understand the need for a calculator in the advanced math my son [now 37] was taught how to do the problems on paper first then on the calc.He thought that was a waste of time his teacher said"And if your battery dies how will you ever get the answer" to pass my course and later keep your job? Its not just math. English seems to have taken a back seat on the bus as well ? Do they even TEACH the fundamentals any more.