An even better solution would be to focus on the stuff that matters. A given question in a typical mathematics or engineering type test generally falls into three categories of testing—

1. Ability to identify the right methodology;

2. Memorisation of all steps of that methodology;

3. Ability to execute the methodology correctly;

Parts 1 and 3 are important to demonstrate learning, whereas in the real world 2 is not. Denying books and notes only penalises children who have difficulty with 2, which is stupid.

So then you'd have to use a calculator you've never used before during a high stakes exam? Doesn't sound good to me.

Not necessarily, presumably students would own the same version and use it during the year, but would have to use the school-owned ones for exams.

Especially if you’re only comfortable with RPN.

If the calculators are cheap and standard, the tool is not much different from a pencil. If yours doesn't work you can ask for a replacement.

> This also would align with driving costs down since schools will not want to pay $100 per calculator for their student body.

Lol, I don't think I've seen that argument made before. They already pay near college prices for the text books.

When the quality of a school is rhetorically judged on its per-pupil spending, obviously administrators will want to pay more, not less, for whatever they happen to purchase.