To assess the impact of the North Carolina Career Development Plan (CDP) on student achievement, results of the California Achievement Tests, administered annually in North Carolina public schools, were analyzed. The focus was on the performance of children in grades 3, 6, and 8 in the school years from 1985-86 through 1988-89 in 16 CDP units. Performance data were also analyzed for students in 15 matched units not participating in the CDP in order to isolate patterns in performance data that could not be attributed to chance or other reform efforts. When student achievement in CDP units was examined, the general tendency was toward improvement. Fewer CDP units in grades 3 and 8 scored below the national median in 1989 than in 1986. In the group of matched units, the same trend was apparent only for grade 3. Improvement was more likely for CDP units than for non-CDP units. In grade 3, 13 CDP and six non-CDP units improved; in grade 6, 12 CDP units improved or showed no change and eight non-CDP units improved; and in grade 8, 13 CDP and eight non-CDP units improved. Some of this improvement can be attributed to the CDP, although it is not clear how much gain in achievement can be allotted to CDP participation. Sixteen tables present achievement data. An 18-item list of references is included. (SLD)