The development of high school accreditation in California and six recommendations for the accrediting process are considered. From 1884 until 1962, high school accreditation was conducted by the University of California. Since 1962, the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has been the accrediting agency. Currently, accreditation emphasizes the evaluation and improvement of the school as a whole. Recommendations are offered for: effecting changes in WASC's Accrediting Commission for Schools and its relationship with other WASC commissions; reshaping the accreditation procedures; assisting the Guidelines Review Committee; increasing the effectiveness of postsecondary members of visiting committees; improving the information on postsecondary education available to members of visiting committees; and expanding postsecondary responsibility for providing representatives for visiting committees. Eight accreditation criteria for a school's educational program and services are outlined: philosophy and objectives, organization, student personnel services, curricular program, cocurricular program, staff, school plant and physical facilities, and finance. Guidelines for self-study of the curriculum are also outlined. (SW)