The federal government is prohibited by the constitution from intruding into educational matters; state governments also have been reluctant to do so. The government has had to depend on voluntary accrediting organizations as evaluators of educational quality. These organizations assess educational quality and encourage its improvement.…

Historical perspectives concerning accreditation in postsecondary education, the structure of accreditation, and possible future roles for the process are examined. It is suggested that the interplay of four groups provides a basis to consider the possible future in the field of accreditation. These groups are: state government responsibilities…