This document, which was developed with input from 14 Illinois middle schools, is a comprehensive guide to planning and implementing career development activities in middle schools. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) background information (the rationale for and importance of career development; young adolescents' interests and concerns; and key components of middle school career development programs); (2) transition and implementation (the current status of career development; career development goals and ways of reaching them; common barriers and ways to overcome them; evaluating outcomes; school improvement plans; and three examples of districtwide and schoolwide implementation of career components); (3) suggested activities, ideas, and individual career portfolios; and (4) parent and community involvement (job shadowing for educators and three teachers' job shadowing stories). A glossary is included. The reference list and bibliography list 148 references, videos, World Wide Web sites, and contacts. The following are among the items appended: guidelines for planning a curriculum enhancer; sample letters and sign-up sheets; comprehensive career development systems action plan; lists of career development's characteristics and benefits to stakeholders; career development competencies and indicators; Appendix D to the Illinois Learning Standards; and Illinois Learning Standards and career development competency charts. (MN)