This special report examines the increasing use of paraprofessionals and has chapters on the following topics: 1) "How It All Began," with the introduction of more adults into the classroom and the development of a nationwide 'Career Opportunities Program' (COP); 2) "Paraprofessionals on the Job," including profiles of an inner-city and a suburban aide, and a description of the duties of the instructional aide, the suburban aide, the community aide, and others; 3) "Recruiting and Hiring the Paraprofessional"; 4) "How and Where To Assign Aides"; 5) "Supervising the Aide," with questions which help to pinpoint duties and suggestions for becoming a more successful aide; 6) "Training the Paraprofessional," with additional suggestions for teacher training and team training, and information on programs in Arizona, Georgia, West Virginia, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, and Delaware; 7) "Evaluation of Aides and Aide Programs"; 8) "Planning, Administration, and Funds"; 9) "How the States Stand on Aides"; 10) "Teacher Associations Eye the Aides"; 11) "Pros and Cons"; 12) "Teachers Losing Fear of Aides"; and 13) "Sample Programs" in Minneapolis, New York City, Dade County Florida and multiunit schools in 27 states. (MBM)