A literature review examined the legislation to eliminate sex bias and stereotyping in education and the guidance and counseling curricula and programs that are integral components of the legislation. Six questions guided the preparation of the review: (1) How have legislative initiatives intended to reform education, affected the career development of adolescent females?; (2) Are adolescent females affected by sex stereotyping and bias in education?; (3) What career development competencies do adolescent females need in order to make a school-to-work transition?; (4) What is the status of guidance and counseling curriculum models and practices used to enhance the career development competencies of female adolescents?; (5) What partnerships exist to facilitate the career development of adolescent females?; and (6) What is the role of the school-to-work initiative in serving the needs of adolescent females? The review identified the following necessary elements of a comprehensive career development program for adolescent females: the role and responsibilities of the middle school; the physical and mental stages of adolescent females; learning styles; internal and external barriers and facilitators to education and career planning; and the effect of assessment tools. Based on the review, 10 questions for critical inquiry that should be addressed by educators were formulated. Examination by educators of these questions will strengthen local guidance programs, establish the role of guidance programs for the next century, and make a significant difference for adolescent females. The appendixes contain the following: National Career Development Guidelines for middle and junior high school student competencies and indicators for self-knowledge, educational and occupational exploration, and career planning; and 37 commercial products for testing and assessment in career exploration. (Contains 73 references.) (KC)