In order (1) to determine how auxiliaries (lay readers and instructional, clerical, and housekeeping aides) were used in secondary English departments, (2) to determine the reasons for English departments discontinuing the use of auxiliaries, and (3) to evaluate the way auxiliaries were used, questionnaires were sent to two groups: schools using auxiliaries and schools that discontinued their use. Returns from the first group were used as the basis for a questionnaire sent to members of the National Conference on Research in English (NCRE). Some of the findings from the schools rating their auxiliary programs as successful showed that most schools hired lay readers and clerical aides, and that training was rarely provided, with department heads responsible for selection, assignment, and supervision. Schools which discontinued auxiliary use listed the primary reasons as teacher dissatisfaction with auxiliaries and shortage of funds. A majority of the NCRE members found inadequacies in teacher and auxiliary training, work policies, and the provision of handbooks for auxiliaries; while the following situations were rated as adequate: auxiliary use at all levels, educational requirements for lay readers, recruitment, and staff participation in supervision. (Author/JMC)