A descriptive study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of career pathways and the extent of their alignment within the high school curriculum and the Missouri A+ Schools Program, which builds on other reform efforts such as tech prep and school-to-work to provide all students with a quality education focused on careers and an academic foundation for lifelong learning. Questionnaires were sent to A+ coordinators and school counselors in the 57 Missouri high schools involved in the A+ Schools Program in 1996-97 and to students in the 57 school districts and students attending an area vocational-technical school with A+ Schools funds. Of the 158 individuals who returned questionnaires (70% of the target population), 54% were students, 36% were A+ coordinators, 3% were administrators, and 7% were counselors. Sixty-seven percent of the students had chosen a career pathway upon entering high school, and 91% of students believed that all high school course curricula were linked to a career pathway. When asked whether their school's dropout rate declined after application of A+ concepts, 76% of the school personnel said yes. When asked to suggest ways of improving the career path concept, the responses of students and school personnel focused on the following themes: selection of pathways, enhancing high school curriculum, and student involvement. (Contains 52 references.) (MN)