School enrollment is expected to increase over the next decade, and with this increase, schools in the United States have seen an increase in the number of paraprofessionals employed to provide services for special education students. Paraprofessionals are key to providing services and assistance to students with special needs toward their academic success. Paraprofessionals have increasing responsibilities and work with the most challenging students, yet paraprofessionals typically have less education and training than other school staff. This project examined the education, training, and ongoing professional development for paraprofessionals and a resulting component for the project was the development of an appropriate training resource for paraprofessionals. Qualitative data were collected through interviews of school staff from various districts in Orange County and Los Angeles County, California. In addition, a review of literature was conducted and revealed the following: (a) paraprofessionals work with the most challenging students and (b) inadequate training and supervision of paraprofessionals is a common problem for school districts. The "School-Based Training for Paraprofessionals: A Guide for Paraprofessionals" will assist practicing paraprofessionals and provide them with necessary information needed for daily duties. The handbook was reviewed by expert reviewers who supervise and/or work closely with paraprofessionals. The handbook was field tested with practicing paraprofessionals who provided feedback on various aspects of the handbook, including usability, effectiveness, and quality. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]