OSSM

HISTORY/MISSION
Senate Bill I created Regional Centers for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics through legislative action during the 1997 session. Senate Bill I generated educational outreach programs for the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics by developing regional centers for students highly motivated in science and mathematics. In addition to Senate Bill I, House Bill 1510 provided funding for additional center(s) during the 1999-2000 school year.
The principle authors of Senate Bill I legislation were Senator Ted Fisher and Representatives Abe Deutschendorf, Mike Tyler, Dale Wells and Larry Ferguson. Support was also obtained from past Speaker of the House, Loyd Benson. Indian Capital Technology Regional Centers, governed by the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, exist for the following purposes:

To provide added advanced educational opportunities for rural high school students in math and science courses (who attend a school located within ICTC’s district).

To allow participating students to maintain their local high school affiliations and extra-curricular activities while living at home.

To utilize the existing Indian Capital Technology Centers' transportation system and facilities.

Admission to the OSSM Regional Center is a highly competitive process initiated by written application. In addition to the student’s high interest in science and mathematics, the Admission Committee examines multiple criteria including standardized test scores, previous grades and course work, academic recommendations, scientific interest and aptitude, self-discipline, personal maturity and, overall potential as an OSSM Regional Center student. *Students receive credit from their sending high school for participating in the program.

PHILOSOPHY
The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Indian Capital Technology Regional Centers are dedicated to the acquisition of academic excellence that will not only enhance preceding knowledge, but also develop knowledge for consequent studies. The knowledge provided through our Centers for the students in our local high school sending district will be an effort to help them learn how best to put their talents to work for themselves and for Oklahoma.

SETTING
The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Indian Capital Technology Regional Centers are housed in four separate locations. Classes are held on the Indian Capital Technology Center campuses located in Muskogee, Stilwell and Tahlequah.
Classroom settings consist of student lecture classrooms, laboratory facilities, along with computer labs.
H.323, distance learning technology learning labs are located on each of the four campuses for instruction, parent conferences, video conferencing and tutoring opportunities.
Students attend semester courses in the morning or afternoon session. Morning session times vary slightly according to the sending districts home high school time schedule. The morning session runs from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. each day. The afternoon session runs from approximately 12:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. each day. (Class schedules vary between campuses.) All classes are held Monday through Friday.

THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Students chosen to attend The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics-Indian Capital Technology Regional Centers have achieved an outstanding record of scholarship within their local high schools. The faculty members of OSSM are committed to providing academic excellence, which will enhance previous knowledge as well as prepare students for future studies. Our graduates will have experienced a well-defined curriculum based upon high academic principles that demonstrate both academic discipline and honesty.

CURRICULUM

Pre-Requisites: Algebra II and one laboratory science class.
*Additional higher-level mathematics courses are encouraged.

Advanced Placement Physics:
First semester is a general physics class based primarily on trigonometry and algebra. Second semester is a calculus-based physics course typical of what an engineering major would take in their first semester of collegiate level work. Emphasis will be on problem solving skills and concepts. It is our intention for the student to receive credit for Physics I –Mechanics.

Advance Placement Calculus (AB or BC):
The course will provide a multi-representational study of differential and integral calculus concepts using geometric, analytic, numeric, and verbal methods. It is our full intent for the student to receive credit for Calculus I and/or Calculus II.

COST
There is no tuition for students attending the OSSM regional centers. Transportation is provided by Indian Capital Technology Centers and the textbooks are provided by OSSM. Students are only responsible for costs associated with travel to and from school if they choose not to utilize the schools' existing transportation system, supplies, and occasional field trip incidentals