NASA and the Space Program Change Florida

Documents and Media

Advancing Education in Florida (1957)

From: Florida State Department of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Thomas D. Bailey subject files, 1949-1965 (Series 1127, Box 14, File Folder Science Education)

During the panic over math and science education following the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik I in 1957, some education experts feared that math and science would be over-emphasized to the point of excluding the social sciences and other subjects. In this letter, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Thomas D. Bailey addresses this issue.

"The committee would at all times keep in mind that in Soviet Russia the chief purpose of their educational system is to train each student with a specific goal in view; while in America we must educate men on the basis that freedom of choice is essential to our civilization."

Thomas Bailey to Mr. Velma Keen, December 23, 1957
Transcript

Thomas D. Bailey
Superintendent

State of Florida
Department of Education
Tallahassee

December 23, 1957

Mr. Velma Keen
Attorney at Law
311 E. Park Avenue
Tallahassee, Florida

Dear Velma:
Pursuant to your request, I am furnishing you with a statement which would indicate to some degree, at least, what I conceive to be the purpose of your committee.

The committee would endeavor to create an atmosphere conducive to the motivation of high school students who possess the potentiality for pursuing advanced courses in science and mathematics. In this effort, the committee would at all times make known its interest in the contribution of all teachers in the various subject-matter areas to the development of American citizens who are interested in the maintenance, perpetuation, and the improvement of our American Way of Life.

The committee would at all times keep in mind that in Soviet Russia the chief purpose of their educational system is to train each student with a specific goal in view; while in America we must educate men on the basis that freedom of choice is essential to our civilization. The physical scientists may develop all types of missiles and space rockets, but the social scientists will determine when and how they are to be used. Let us never allow the means to an end make us vulnerable to adopt a foreign ideology in an effort to compete in the world of science with our potential enemy.

With kind personal regards, I am

Cordially yours,

Thomas D. Bailey

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