The use of paraprofessionals (lay readers, instructional aides, clerical aides, and homekeeping aides) in secondary English departments in a three-state area (Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan) is determined and evaluated. Chapter One reviews related literature, and Chapter Two surveys paraprofessionals in the English departments. Questionnaires were sent to schools using paraprofessionals and to schools that had discontinued using them. Findings relate to the following conclusions reached: (1) Larger schools (1,500 or more students) were more likely to use paraprofessionals and less likely to discontinue that use; (2) Schools seemed willing to hire lay readers but not instructional aides; (3) Paraprofessionals were paid near adequate salaries; (4) The involvement of English department heads with the selection of paraprofessionals seemed inadequate; (5) Preschool and inservice training for both paraprofessionals and teachers who used paraprofessionals was unsatisfactory; (6) The evaluation policy was inadequate; and (7) The ratings of paraprofessional programs as successful by approximately 86% of the schools could be considered adequate. Recommendations for more effective use of paraprofessionals are made. Twenty-three tables and a bibliography are included. Appendix A is a Questionnaire Sent to Schools Using Paraprofessionals during the 1968-69 School Year; Appendix B is a Questionnaire Sent to Schools That Had Discontinued Paraprofessional Use. (Author/LS)