The Implications of Teacher Perceptions of Career Guidance Programs and the Impact on Student Career Decisions.

his action research study (ARS) describes teacher perceptions of various career guidance instruments in one high school and their impact on high school students in career decisionmaking. The paper also discusses the teacher ranking of the career guidance methods and ways in which counselors and teachers can work together to assist students to make more realistic career choices. very young adult will eventually need a job or a career. Some young adults will begin work as soon as they graduate from high school; others will postpone entering the job market while they obtain further education or training. Unfortunately, many of these students will leave high school with little if any knowledge of the vast array of jobs available. Perhaps even more unfortunate is the fact that some will possess little knowledge of their interests, abilities, and values and how these impact their enjoyment and sense of fulfillment in their work. It was the concern of this researcher that students, parents and some teachers did not fully appreciate the need for a career plan for all high school students. Because of this concern this action research study (ARS) sought to determine teacher perceptions of career guidance programs and their impact on student career decisions. Results are useful in planning a more comprehensive career guidance program. The research questions considered in preparing the survey dealt with teacher perceptions of career exploration activities in helping students, the importance of a career plan in a student’s decision to stay in school and teacher willingness to assist students in class with career exploration. Therefore, the outcome of this ARS was a starting point for career guidance planning and initiating dialogue between counselors and teachers. The ARS was conducted in a North Georgia middle class urban high school of approximately 1550 students and 113 teachers. Importance of Career Education The American School Counselor Association (ASCA, 2005) outlines standards for student competencies in academic, career and personalsocial development. National standards call for students to develop an awareness of their skills and abilities and learn how to set goals. Ultimately, with standards in place, students will learn strategies to help them achieve career goals and understand the relationship between education, planning, and career success. According to McIntosh (2000), one’s life work should not be left to chance. Increasingly in America life work is closely related to personal identity. For this reason it is important that youth be provided with meaningful career planning information while in high school. While career planning is a lengthy process involving the evaluation