A needs sensing project was conducted to identify the general needs of the field of career and technical education (CTE), dissemination activities, and major forces in the environment judged likely to influence education in the foreseeable future. The need sensing took place with networks developed in regions assigned to the five primary partner institutions of the National Centers for Career and Technical Education, the National Centers' advisory council, and key state leaders. Discussions on the CAREERTECH listserv were monitored, and pertinent literature was reviewed. At the secondary level, the main concerns of CTE were the push toward broader programs with higher standards and expectations for academic and technical skills and CTE's image problem, which was attributed to the public's lack of knowledge about current programs. At the postsecondary level, major concerns included accountability, articulation, professional development, and competition. The major recommendation regarding dissemination was to ask associations and organizations involved in CTE to inform their members about CTE-related publications. (Contains 46 references. Appended are a list of states assigned to consortium institutions; summaries of the focus groups with key state occupational education leaders; sample topics discussed on the CAREERTECH listserv; and a list of need sensing participants.) (MN)