The committee's activity during 1976 revolved mostly around the review of petitions and interim reports relating to the Commissioner's authority to list recognized accrediting and state approval agencies. The committee reviewed 70 petitions and reports. As a result of its recommendations, one agency was added to the list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies and associations, recognition was continued for 27 agencies, and extension of scope of recognition was granted to seven agencies. Accepting the committee's recommendations, the commissioner also awarded eligibility status for federal funding programs to two institutions, and he determined that the Community College of the Air Force has met the criteria for awarding the Associate in Applied Sciences degree. The committee's usual review of policy matters was limited during this year, but it did review several developments in legislation, the current criteria for recognition, advisory committee functions, operating procedures and role, and relationships between the private accrediting and education community and the U.S. Office of Education. (MSE)