Reforms of curricula and school textbooks inspired by the so-called new math half a century ago

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to outline the reforms of mathematics education in the spirit of “New Math” in USA, France and to document their features in Poland. Activities and achievements of Zofia Krygowska are listed. Particular attention is paid to two radical reforms: the 1967 textbook on geometry based on set-theory for grade IX and far-reaching changes in primary math education in the 1970s. Excerpts from articles, curricula and textbooks are included.