This study is a historical analysis of the significant events that led to the creation and evolution of the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS), from 1987 through 1992, and a description of the key individuals contributing to the development of the program. Included is a historical review of early college entrance and acceleration practices in the American educational system. In addition, the development of residential programs for mathematically and scientifically precocious high school-aged youths is offered. On June 23, 1987, the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science was established by the 70th Texas Legislature. Though fourth in a line of special programs created for mathematically and scientifically able high school-aged youths, the TAMS model significantly deviated from its predecessors. Only the accelerative TAMS model would offer a college curriculum taught by college faculty and the opportunity to concurrently complete the last two years of high school and the first two years of college. From the inception of the program in 1987 through 1992, changes would occur. From 1987 through the summer of 1988, the development of the curriculum, student life program, and admissions process took place. From 1988 through 1989 the inaugural class was introduced to the program, and legislative funding was approved in the 71st Texas Legislative Session. From 1989 through 1992, the program further expanded to an enrollment of 335 students who were assisted by more than thirty full and part-time staff members. The academic, admissions, and student life components further evolved to better identify, recruit, and nurture the intellectual and emotional development of these gifted adolescents. In 1992 the TAMS program was selected for the "Texas Excellence in Higher Education Award," for outstanding contributions to higher education within the state of Texas. In addition, one nationally acclaimed authority on programs for gifted youth, Julian Stanley, hailed the TAMS model superior in approach to all other similar existing schools. From 1987 through 1992, the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science metamorphisized to become an award winning, nationally acclaimed accelerative model for mathematically and scientifically gifted high school-aged youth.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc279092 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Stride, Cindy F. (Cindy Flanagan) |
| Contributors | Miller, William A., Engels, Dennis W., Smith, Howard Wellington, Miller, James R., Ramsay, Annetta |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | vi, 294 leaves, Text |
| Coverage | United States - Texas, 1987-1992 |
| Rights | Public, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved., Stride, Cindy F. (Cindy Flanagan) |
Page generated in 0.0019 seconds