The Need for Career Education.

Despite efforts to make education more relevant, the record is still not very encouraging either in terms of human resources or financial investment. Examples of the poor record are: (1) There is increasing segregation between students and the world of work based on the idea that a technological society has no room for individuals, (2) One-third of all high school students enroll in a general education curriculum which leaves them unprepared for either a job or college, (3) Vocational education is still viewed by many as low status education, (4) The value of a college degree is overrated, (5) The present educational system is inflexible in that students are often caught up in premature tracking, and (6) Many students have little or no formal contact with, or preparation for, the world of work during their elementary and secondary years. Career education can help remedy the above situation through career awareness in the early grades and career preparation in the upper grades. Also, it should be noted that career education is for persons of all ages and of all ethnic groups. (JS)