The demand for career education is real and it is strong, concludes the author, who encourages educators to debate the concept after reviewing its basic components, current status and implications. (Editor)

Examines some disturbing tendencies in curriculum content and descion-making. Argues that a rigorous, neoconservative back-to-basics program, coupled with use of corporate school management models, is not the answer. Excessive standardization could increase the dropout rate and cause the deskilling of teachers. Societal influences need to be…