These 21 articles about the current status of school volunteer programs were originally packaged as background reading for participants in the National School Volunteer Program's November 1978 conference on the role of volunteers in meeting critical national needs. The material, including excerpts from speeches given at the program's February 1978 annual meeting, addresses the volunteer's potential as a paraprofessional in education rather than as a member of an advisory group or decision-making body. The volunteer is considered as a humanizing element in the school and also as a resource, providing tutoring in academic subjects as well as offering first-hand practical knowledge. The opportunities to use both young people and older adults are discussed. Financial aspects of planning volunteer programs are explored. State and local programs are analyzed briefly to provide an idea of the current situation and possibilities for future development. An annotated bibliography of 25 items in the field is included. (PGD)