The initiation of the educational records and reports study by the Office of Education in 1951 marked a turning point in the Federal State teamwork approach toward providing a basis for complete, accurate, and comparable educational information. In cooperation with State education agencies and professional groups, three major handbooks of standard terms and definitions have thus far been produced. A second major turning point toward providing adequate and reliable educational information to meet local, State, and national needs came with the passage of the National Defense Education Act in 1958. The activities underway in the several States under the program provisions of approved State plans indicate clearly that the State education agencies, utilizing the financial resources afforded under this Act, are responding with enthusiasm in making improvements which will serve as a firm basis for continued progress in statistical services. This compilation of summaries of State plan provisions and program activities during the first two years of the Act was undertaken in order that all those interested in the improvement of statistical services might have the benefit of noting the major program areas and the scope and depth of program activities. Amendments of State plans are also reviewed, since they reflect changes and expansions conditioned by the experiences gained in actual program operations. Appended are: (1) Section 1009, Title X, National Defense Education Act of 1958, Public Law 85-864; and (2) Regulations for the Administration of Section 1009, Title X, Public Law 85-864. Individual sections contain footnotes. (Contains 5 tables and 4 charts.) [Best copy available has been provided.]