An effective program to aid the student in making the transition from school to the world of work requires a coordinated guidance effort, including the administrator, counselor, and teacher. The K-12 guide will assist educators in coordinating aspects of career guidance, counseling, and placement in the student's career development and preparation for life. The goals and objectives of career guidance are self awareness--self identity, education awareness--educational identity, career awareness--career identity, economic awareness--economic understanding, decision making--career decisions, beginning competency--employment skills, employability skills--career placement, attitudes and appreciation--self/social fulfillment. The process of career guidance relates to self awareness, decision making skills, environmental understanding, and relating to the world of work. The six major components of a career guidance program are: individual data system, information system, career assessment and planning process, dissemination system, facilitation of community experiences, and placement and follow-through. Guidance counselors, teachers (including special education teachers), administrators, parents, students, employers, and other community members all have roles and responsibilities in career guidance. Evaluation must involve both career education programs and also the school's ability to meet the needs of the students. A bibliography is included. (Author/EC)