Designed for school board members, superintendents, administrators, counselors, and teachers, the paper outlines steps toward the systematic development of a guidance program. Following a rationale and introduction, the paper recommends a specific process for program development: (1) the identification of student needs through formal needs assessment; (2) the generation of public support for the guidance program; (3) the determination of clear program objectives; (4) the determination of personnel and resources needed to accomplish stated goals; and (5) the implementation of the program. The final section emphasizes the importance of the evaluation stage as a vehicle for further program modifications. (LH)