This report describes the background, development, validation, and major components of the Standardized Assessment System (SAS). (The SAS is a multi-component system designed for use in evaluating a wide variety of experimental and demonstration youth programs initiated the Youth Employment and Demonstration Projects Act--YEDPA--of 1977.) Following a brief brief description of the workings of the system, the major components of the system (including instruments to measure participant characteristics and a psychometric battery designed to assess career decision making, awareness, and capability; self-image; work attitudes; job search capacity; and occupational sex stereotyping) and their rationale are discussed. The validation of SAS instruments under current demonstration projects is examined. Outlined next is the application of the measures, followed by an explanation of the basic analysis plan. Appended to the report are the following SAS instruments: the Individual Participant Profile; the Vocational Attitude Scale; a series of measures to assess job knowledge, job holding skills, job seeking skills, sex stereotypes of adult occupations, and self-esteem; the Work Relevant Attitudes Inventory; a program completion survey; and a program followup survey. Instructions for administering the instruments are included. (Related youth knowledge and development reports are available separately through ERIC--see note.) (MN)