Solution: Curriculum overhaul triggered by the Sputnik crisis - NYT Crossword

Today I learned that I can blame the Sputnik satellite for my inability to help my kids with their math homework. The launch of Sputnik by the Russians in 1957 shook Americans, who were largely leaning on their technological “superiority” in order to feel protected during the Cold War arms race. The U.S. educational system received an overhaul — including the introduction of what they called NEW MATH — courtesy of the National Defense Education Act, which helped more students to attend college.