The guide is intended as a resource for California school district personnel who need to revise or establish criteria for hiring and training bilingual-crosscultural teacher aides. An introductory chapter documents the need for bilingual teachers and bilingual-crosscultural aides, hiring and training needs and provisions, and regulations concerning the school district's role in this process. A chapter of legal background information outlines the legal definition of a bilingual-crosscultural aide, school district administrative responsibilities, the qualifications and responsibilities of the aides as defined in various state codes, and program and staffing requirements for kindergarten through grade 6 and for grades 7 through 12, including specific information for each type of group or individual learning program. A review of related literature looks at the role of the teacher aide, training programs, effectiveness in role performance, the need for a theoretical base, and recommendations for action. A chapter covering the selection, hiring, and training of aides outlines minimum entry-level and long-range target qualifications and the process of establishing district criteria, and contains a checklist and procedural recommendations. Suggested role functions of the aide and areas where aide training may be needed within the curriculum are charted in a subsequent section, and a concluding chapter presents information about the training and financial assistance available to candidates wishing to pursue career-ladder teacher training opportunities. (MSE)