A study recruited students, parents, guidance counselors, and school administrators to participate in eight focus group discussions regarding implementation of new approaches to career guidance and counseling designed to support Wisconsin's School-to-Work Transition Initiative. Participants voiced strong support for fundamentally changing the school system. They expressed strong support for the function of student guidance and counseling but were concerned that an insufficient number of counselors were available. They identified no system organized to help students make essential connections with the world of work and the world after high school. Students, parents, and counselors supported the idea that students ought to develop an individualized career plan. Participants expressed strong support for a community-based career information center that provided for direct business participation. Counselors viewed the proposed changes as appropriate to assist the continued implementation of the Wisconsin Developmental Guidance Model (WDGM). These elements of a guidance and counseling model were recommended: career awareness activities; preparation of a career plan; use of a community-based career center; learning opportunities delivered through practical, hands-on experiences; guidance and counseling services fully integrated with the school curriculum; and career counseling that supports WDGM's holistic vision. (YLB)

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