To assess the possibility of another round of curriculum reform in mathematics, the origin of U.S. curriculum reform in the 1950s, including the new math programs, are examined. It is not likely that new crash programs aimed at curriculum reform in mathematics education will be implemented nationwide in the 1980s. (RM)

The life cycle of "new math" is fertile ground for the study of the diffusion of an innovation. New math arrived in 1958 to save the day for America after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first successful space flight in 1957. In a period of 16 years an entire diffusion cycle was completed throughout the entire educational system…