This paper suggests that educators must move from controlling, custodial teaching methods to flexible, humanistic methods if they are to successfully meet the individual needs of today's youth. The counseling staff is suggested as a natural change agent team to facilitate and influence humanistic changes with teachers, as well as serving as initiators and supporters of alternate programs for young people. Some suggestions would have counselors: (1) serving as consultants to administrators; (2) urging administrators to provide paraprofessional help; (3) working in crisis intervention; and (4) providing assistance in supportive programs designed to improve a young person's skill in basic areas so that he can succeed in the school environment. The authors further suggest that counselors actively involve themselves in broad system programmatic changes which include providing homebound services for emotionally ill young people, staff in-service activities to encourage humanism, and communicating information through the media of the community, i.e., newspaper, radio, PTA, and other groups. Specific recommendations for how these ideas can be implemented are provided. (Author)