Whereas the three components previously described serve students directly, the system support component describes services and management activities that indirectly benefit students. The services include:

• consultation with teachers;
• support for the parent education program and community relations efforts;
• participation in the campus-based school improvement plans and goals;
• implementation of the state and local standardized testing program;
• cooperation with relevant research projects; and
• provision of input from the students' perspective to policy-makers and instructional/ curriculum planners.

Management activities are required to assure the delivery of a high quality guidance program. These activities include:

• program development and management;
• counselor staff development;
• community outreach; and
• development of appropriate written policies, procedures and guidelines.