The functions of support provided to five committees of teachers engaged in planning and implementation of innovations are described as part of a longitudinal study of external assistance in school change. The five schools participated in projects developed collaboratively with Research for Better Schools. Sources of support included school and district administration offices, external assistance agencies, and state departments of education. Three elementary schools were involved in basic skills projects to help teachers use the results of educational research. Two secondary schools were developing career education programs. The support provided to participants in the projects served four basic functions: (1) process facilitation, by having training and planning occur during school hours; (2) knowledge transfer, providing teachers with much of the knowledge, skills, and other resources needed for planning; (3) barrier removal, removing or reducing obstacles to project planning and implementation; and (4) morale maintenance. (Author/MLF)