Hello,

I actually recently had a certification request rejected for this issue, and I wanted to explain my reasoning:

For subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even Calculus, I don't think it is appropriate to only allow tabs for Desmos/the Khan Academy test. My reasoning is as follows:

The other way to certify for these subjects is to submit an AP/IB score. When you take the respective AP or IB exams for these subjects, you are provided a formula sheet (or for IB, a "Data Booklet") and other reference materials during testing, such as a periodic table or diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, when I certified through recording video submissions, my submission was flagged because I used an online periodic table and a College Board official formula sheet for the subject I was certifying in. This means that the criteria for judging AP score certifications, versus video certifications, is not the same; those who submitted an AP score were provided more reference materials.

Additionally, memorizing formulas and constants is not realistic to real life application of these subjects. Having reference materials for formulas and the periodic table does not diminish a student's understanding of the subject, nor their ability to tutor it. Conversely, memorizing formulas or other reference materials does not imply a greater understanding of the subject. Not being allowed to use reference sheets for formulas implies that mastery of the subject is only demonstrated when the a person memorizes the formulas used to perform calculations. In real life, most professionals frequently reference online materials to confirm the formulas that they are using.

Proposed solution: Extend the rules for subjects like the ones mentioned above to include the use of an official College Board formula sheet / IB data booklet, or have a Schoolhouse-approved data sheet where tutors can reference formulas/diagrams. Whoever reviews certifications can clearly see what tabs the student is navigating to, and can ascertain that said formula sheet is being used responsibly.