The job description for paraprofessionals is no longer limited to clerical responsibilities (e.g., recordkeeping, copying, cafeteria and bus duty). Paraprofessionals now support instruction and work under the direction and supervision of certified teachers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paraprofessionals provide instructional and other support for classroom teachers, allowing the teachers more time for collaboration with their educational teams, lesson planning and direct teaching. States, and even local districts, have their own job titles for paraprofessionals. immediate pressure to employ "highly qualified" paraprofessionals, even though these states may not have any certification requirements for paraprofessionals. Whether states decide they want to institute certification requirements for paraprofessionals is yet to be seen because most of these individuals are employed in schools impacted by NCLB. The real problem that needs to be faced, and sooner if teachers are to continue to have support from paraprofessionals, is that there are increasing educational requirements for most paraprofessionals in the schools, but weak financial incentives for meeting them. In many cases, paraprofessionals do not even receive regular increases to their already low salaries. Nevertheless, requirements must be met. Community colleges are the sensible source for meeting new requirements, not only because they are convenient and economical, but also because they have valuable experience in providing community services off-site and through distance education. Community colleges also can customize existing associate degree and certificate programs, develop assessment preparation courses, and in states where it is applicable, administer any state-adopted assessments. A list of resources is included.