Career education is one possible response to 11 criticisms of the present educational system centering on relationships and lifestyles of individuals. The response can be made through the use of the concept of work. "Work" is defined as conscious effort, other than that involved in activities whose primary purpose is either coping or relaxation, aimed at producing benefits for oneself and/or for oneself and others. Career education is defined as the totality of experiences through which one learns about and prepares to engage in work as part of her or his way of living. Based on the latter definition, 10 basic concept assumptions were formulated which represent a philosophical base for current career education efforts. Certain programmatic assumptions were arrived at, and suggestions for implementation of career education programs involved members of the educational and civic communities. Nine specific learner outcomes were determined which will involve basic educational policy changes. A 28-page appendix presents the results from a tabulation and analysis of responses to a study guide (especially prepared for eliciting responses from local, State, and national educators to specific statements in a draft document) to assess the degree of consensus on the concept of career education. (AG)