It is true that American students have been shown to struggle with math skills in comparison to other countries. However, it's important to note that this issue is complex and can't be attributed solely to the use or lack of use of calculators.

There are many factors that can contribute to the decline in math skills, such as inadequate funding for education, lack of emphasis on math in curriculum, and inadequate teacher training. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that the overreliance on calculators in the classroom may have contributed to the problem.

That being said, it's important to recognize that calculators can be a useful tool when used appropriately, particularly for more advanced math concepts. The decision to ban calculators or ChatGPT should be made with careful consideration of the educational goals and needs of the students, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of their use.