Four rural counties in Texas--Jones, Haskell, Stonewall, and Fisher--were selected for the study because they represent every type of problem which needed to be examined to develop a comprehensive career education model. Since 1950, the population in each of these counties has declined, and the population characteristics have changed. Even with a revitalization of agriculture, future economic decline was predicted unless fundamental changes take place, such as industrial development. The ability of these communities to survive rests more with the high school youths than with their parents. In discussing the role of the public school, the report pointed out that lack of intelligent school consolidation is badly hurting the image of the area and dooming the future of those smaller towns with inadequate school systems. In order to save these communities, the schools must become community leaders, especially in providing career education. This will provide a strong attraction for industry to enter the area. A series of strategies for career education were discussed, with only a modest step forward suggested at this time, since the more basic and fundamental problems faced by the area must be resolved before any full-scope career education program can be considered. The document also noted that, although the study only covered 4 counties in Texas, its findings and conclusions were germane to similar counties in rural America. (KM)