Rapidly changing social and economic conditions can impart significant challenges to high school career decisions. Recent career education initiatives have been structured to support this school-to-work and school-to-post-secondary education transition. The student needs assessment focus of study allows a unique insight into the availability, delivery, and effectiveness of high school career programs. This research provides data from a nineteen-item Comprehensive Career Needs Survey, administered to 888, Southern Alberta grade 12 students. The results profile the student responses to questions on career plans after high school the meaning of occupation and career, career choice, reasons for career choice the importance of career planning, factors of encouragement and discouragement in career plans, and what would be most helpful in career plans. Questions on career hlep included the availability, use, and helpfulness of high school services, curriculum and resources, the peple helpful to career, the confidence in career plans after high school and the preferred work location. The results of this study suggest grade 12 students value career plans and the resources both people and informational, to support transitions. These students voice the need to have passion for career, and report a wide range of occupational choices. The large majority who plan post-secondary education or training expressed the need for diverse but specific career development services to support success in career. High school career development resources are available but the efficacy data suggest their under utilization or reports of not being fully helpful to career plans. An important finding is that career resources are used in the school setting but not the community. The results of this study have implications for the delivery of high school career programs and the development of the public policy on career services. / x, 149 leaves ; 29 cm.

A Comprehensive Career Needs Survey was designed to assess the career needs of junior high and senior high school students. The survey consisted of questions regarding students, teachers, parents, counselors and administrators evaluation of career education and support needs in Southern Alberta. Due to the recent research that suggests that adolescent perceptions of their needs, often differ from teacher or parent perceptions, it was important to examine how adolescents perceive "career" and "occupation" and how this perception evolves overtime and through developmental stages. Quantitative results show that the themes of "occupation" and "career" do not differ significantly across grade level, nor are there any prevalent themes within grade levels. However, the results of the qualitative research suggest that the way in which individuals think about these themes does evolve throughout developmental stages. Based on this research, it is suggested the Career Education begin earlier, be more integrated and comprehensive. In addition, increased adolescent involvement in future needs assessments is also recommended. Implications for teachers and counselors will be discussed. / ix, 108 leaves ; 28 cm.