It is the purpose of the book to argue and demonstrate that career education can make a vital contribution to the needs of middle school and junior high school youth. Academic subject matter and skills gained in the classroom must have relevance to the students' future work and careers. Among the key concepts involved are: (1) the primary goal of education is to prepare students for life; (2) knowledge, and the ability to apply it, is the schools' essential product; (3) all subject matter in the curriculum has career relevance; and (4) pointing up the career relevance of subject matter aids in motivating the student and reinforcing his understanding of the material. The volume is organized as follows: (1) the nature of career development and related research; (2) career development practices in ongoing programs and as reported in professional journals; (3) integrating career education into five basic academic areas; (4) applying career education concepts in the fine and practical arts; (5) work, simulated work, and work observation; (6) organizing career education--a summary of views; and (7) reform initiatives and current innovations in career education. (MW)