The Accrediting of Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

Very much to the fore in higher-educa tion discussions is the topic of accredita tion. The formation of the so-called Gustavson Committee, the cooperative movement among regional accreditation agencies to form a federation, the strengthening of the regional associations— these are some of the outer evidences of the present deep concern over accredita tion in general. A major movement is under way in teacher education to im prove and strengthen accrediting stand ards and procedures. This article is therefore most timely.

An eminent scholar in the field of high er education, the author of this article knows the subject of accreditation thor oughly, in history and in practice. Mr. Russell is Director, Division of Higher Education, United States Office of Educa tion, Federal Security Agency.