It is important to emphasize that career guidance is an essential component of career education at all levels. A literature review suggests that: (1) the needs of women, minority, and low-income students are being met only partially; (2) it is not really known whether school placement services promote accountability and effective relationships with the business community; (3) the cost-effectiveness of computers and other media has not yet been ascertained; (4) it seems that counselors should be educated in practical career guidance and counseling; and, (5) employment of paraprofessionals is inhibited by conditions other than credentialling requirements. There is a major need for rigorous program development; a number of continuing, and some newer, specific guidance development initiatives have been undertaken by the National Center for Adult, Vocational, Technical and Manpower Education. A new National Guidance Handbook has been developed as a tool for interrelating vocational instructional programs with classifications of other materials. Career choices take place on a continuing, lifelong basis; freedom of choice rests on understanding one's self and one's options. (Author/AJ)