Career Development and Workforce Preparation: Educational Policy Versus School Practice

A multistate survey of public high schools revealed general unfamiliarity among principals and counselors with national workforce preparation policies as represented by the SCANS Report (Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills, 1991) and the National Career Development Guidelines (National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee, 1989); a lack of commitment to career development program outcomes for all student groups, particularly those at risk of dropping out; uneven delivery of services, with least attention to cultural diversity outcomes; and underutilization of counselors. The article concludes with an examination of the historical and cultural forces operating for and against sustained efforts in workforce preparation programs.