Ogden School District (Utah) National Defense Education Act files, 1959-1964.

This series contains files dealing with the National Defense Education Act of 1958. This act came into being after the USSR successfully launched Sputnik, the first Earth orbiting satellite. This made Congress realize how far behind the USA was in not only the space race, but also in education, as during this same time there was also a shortage of mathematicians in the country. Because several previous education bills failed to gain support in the House, According to the Congressional Record, Senator Listor Hill (D) of Alabama called it the National Defense Education Act, knowing that it would pass without problem as a defense bill. These files outline the districts responsibilities to be in compliance with the law, as well as funding received and distributed to each school, and how the funds are to be used. The documents contain such information as total funding for each school district in Utah, total given to each school within the district, rules and regulations regarding use of funds, film strips and other tools available, purchase orders and requisition forms, and reports of program success or where further help is needed.