In this essay, we discuss issues related to the integration of career exploration in our nation's middle schools. We discuss the theoretical and empirical basis for career exploration at the middle school level and identify selected barriers to its effective implementation, namely with regards to career advising and parent involvement. We also…

This Special Report outlines state-level policy components that help ensure work-based learning opportunities for high school students are well-coordinated, broadly accessible, aligned to state or regional workforce demands, and of high quality.

Work-based learning faces significant changes in delivery in the face of a global pandemic that has severely limited physical access to schools and businesses. These changes have forced school leaders and employers to acknowledge pre-existing inequities that perpetuate historical barriers and racial discrimination and keep marginalized learner…

Far too often, today's college students find themselves wandering through their academic experiences, choosing from a dizzying array of majors, courses, and out-of-classroom learning experiences. And while this smorgasbord of options is often portrayed as beneficial to the student experience, more than a decade of research suggests that too many…

This newsletter of best practices describes steps that schools have taken to establish a guidance and advisement system that helps students plan for and succeed in students high school, further study and careers. Articles in this issue include: (1) Advisory Program Boosts Achievement and Career Planning; (2) District-Wide Guidance Program Assists…

The specific objectives of the project were to (1) computerize previously developed occupational information for on-line delivery capabilities as well as for development of computer output microfiche, (2) develop manual pinsorts to aid secondary and postsecondary students in exploring occupational information, (3) develop special materials for…

The major purpose of this project was to develop a computerized vocational counseling program consisting of an interactive computer package and a filmstrip series for use by unemployed/underemployed adults, handicapped persons, and prison inmates. Specific project objectives were to (1) determine clients' vocational counseling needs, (2) develop…

This report describes activities and presents products of a three-year project to develop a guidance and placement program in Blount County, Tennessee. Sections 1 and 2 review objectives and personnel of this project to develop vocational awareness programs for elementary students, develop occupational exploratory courses for Grade 9, develop…