[Veratyr]

> But, it would have been nice to use them in some contexts and not just deny their existence.

My high school classes in Victoria, Australia, had tests and exams both with and without TI CAS (graphic calculator that also does algebra and calculus with a pretty screen) and I agree that it's pretty nice. Interestingly, I think our curricula were based on the UK's originally.

I think it's similar to learning all the simpler math. You're taught to add large numbers on paper but in the end doing it with a calculator saves you a lot of time and effort. Learning to use a CAS or Mathematica or the like seems essential if you're going to be working in a field that uses calculus for practical things like engineering, medicine or finance.