Career education is based on the idea that all educational experiences, curriculum, instruction, and counseling should be geared to preparing each individual for a life of economic independence, personal fulfillment, and an appreciation for the dignity of work. It is a lifelong systematic way of acquainting students with the world of work in their elementary and junior high school years and preparing them in high school and college to enter into and advance in a career field of their own choosing. For adults it is a way to re-enter formal or informal educational programs at any time to upgrade skills or to enter a new career field. Career education consists of five educational levels, beginning in the elementary years with an emphasis on awareness, and proceeding through exploration in the intermediate years, specialized job training and occupational preparation in the secondary and post-secondary years, and continuing personal development and enrichment in the adult years. Currently four models are being utilized by high schools, colleges, employers, and others to adapt the career education concept to their particular needs. These include the school-based, employer-based, rural-residential, and home-community models. (SB)