A resolution is presented that was approved in the 1978-79 school year by six California professional associations in education, and which has been referred to the state education department and relevant accreditation associations. The issue is the accreditation and quality control of external degree programs. It is resolved that: (1) administrators, teachers, and students pursuing external degree programs select them from accredited institutions; (2) teachers' associations, administrators' associations, and higher education institutions urge the appropriate agencies to apply rigorous reviews in their approval procedures; (3) the authorities give special attention to procedures and standards to guarantee the quality of emerging institutions; (4) all groups join forces in the development of state legislation for control of offerings of private brokers and out-of-state institutions in California; and (5) all California school districts be urged to adopt clearly understood guidelines for professional growth increments resulting from external programs. The background leading to the resolution, and an explanation of proposed solutions, are provided. (MSE)