Guidance Curriculum, or what and how counselors teach students. Guidance activities can take place in large classroom groups or in smaller groups of designated students. Topics can include self-confidence development, motivation to achieve, interpersonal effectiveness, communication skills, and responsible behavior.

Individual Planning, or how counselors help students plan for their future. Counselors help students find their strengths and barriers to learning. Information can be educational, career oriented, or personal and social.

Support Systems, or how counselors support the school and the community. Counselors can help schools by providing parent education, consultation, staff development, community outreach, public relations, and professional growth and development.