Frontiers of Science Foundation: Transforming math and science curricula in Oklahoma secondary schools, 1957-1964

Abstract

One of the most iconic events in curriculum history was the launching of the satellite Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957, and the curriculum reform movement that followed in the United States. This study shows how Oklahoma responded to the perception of the failure of the educational system, how leaders in Oklahoma had formed the Frontiers of Science Foundation, and the impact that group had on math and science curriculum in Oklahoma for the seven years following that historic event.

Because this study depended upon the use of historical documents and governmental publications, as well as examining events in two different societies, I used two related methodologies, historical methodology and historical-comparative methodology to show the findings. I also used the Systemic Change Process as my conceptual framework because it called for six elements, all of which fit as a tool to determine if the systemic change had been achieved in curriculum in the seven years studied. At the conclusion of this study, my recommendations for future study and action include studying the relationship between educators and business leaders to see if the process used by the FOSF would work today, and how would social media and the internet impact this process. Based on this study, I believe there is a need for a group like the FOSF today in Oklahoma to advocate for a better math and science curriculum for our students.