This history of the development of the Comprehensive Career Education (School Based) Model (CCEM), includes historical antecedents of the project, early organizational activities, major conceptual focuses, and current efforts. In June 1971 the Center for Vocational and Technical Education (CVTE) at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio was awarded a $2 million grant by the U.S. Office of Education (USOE) for the developmental phase of this career development program, which utilizes a comprehensive systems approach for Kindergarten through post-secondary education. Supplemented by a $1.7 million grant in October 1971, the USOE selected six Local Education Agencies from 53 candidates, providing each with a CVTE resident project team to offer technical assistance, on-site consultation and a direct liaison with CVTE, which is accountable to the USOE for the entire program and funds expended. The CCEM project identified: (1) eight conceptual elements, (2) eight student learning objectives, and (3) a matrix, or developmental model, with 32 themes and 1,477 sequential goals extending across all grade levels. Operational and evaluation procedures for CCEM are delineated, and program developments are specified. (AG)