Actually,the greater question has been when to start allowing them to use calculators. In our school, they are sometimes provided a basic calculator once they hit fifth grade level math. Even so, they still do most work at home and school without a calculator. However, once they reach pre-algebra they are required to use a graphing calculator for a significant portion of the curriculum. Obviously, they can and do many problems without a calculator when that makes more sense. Interestingly,my younger DS, due to constant access to a computer at school and at home for his algebra course this year,ended up using software like geogebra in place of a calculator for projects and certain assignments. However, the calculator is still a requirement for algebra and subsequent courses. I have no problem with it as my children have no issues with mental math.
