About NCSA | Why Attend
About NCSA
If your work involves statewide assessments, accountability systems or education data, NCSA is designed for you.
Since 1971, NCSA has served as a trusted forum for assessment practitioners, providing a space to learn, reflect and collaborate on current and emerging trends in education and assessment. The conference is hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), and each year NCSA brings together dynamic and innovative education leaders, policymakers and practitioners from across the country.
Join nearly 1,000 education professionals in Austin for a deeply immersive experience where you can:
- Participate in discussions on cutting-edge technologies and practices.
- Explore innovative approaches in assessment and accountability.
- Share best practices, research findings and strategies with peers.
- Connect with colleagues from states, districts, universities, associations, assessment solution providers and more.
This year’s theme, Connecting the Dots: Building Coherent Systems to Support Student Success, reflects a shared commitment to ensure state and local systems of assessment and accountability are working in concert to ultimately improve student outcomes.
By making intentional connections between balanced assessment programs, accountability, data systems, and teaching and learning, education leaders can realize the promise of these systems to not only measure student achievement and school quality, but to inform instruction, target interventions and supports, and drive evidence-based improvement strategies at the state and local levels.
The conference also encourages participants to think about assessment and accountability within the broader landscape of teaching and learning. NCSA’s platform facilitates an exchange of best practices, strategies, research findings and valuable resources that support states in driving better outcomes for all students.
What You’ll Gain
Insight from National Leaders
Hear from experts and practitioners who are shaping the future of assessment and accountability across the country.
Innovative Practices
Learn about emerging technologies, research and state strategies designed to improve student outcomes.
Meaningful Collaboration
Connect with colleagues from across states, districts and organizations who are tackling similar challenges.
Actionable Strategies
Leave with practical ideas, tools and resources that can be applied in your own state, agency or organization.
Who Should Attend
NCSA brings together dynamic and innovative education leaders, policymakers and practitioners from across the country, including:
State Education Agencies
- Chiefs and deputy chiefs
- Assessment and accountability leaders
- Data, research and policy staff
District and Local Education Leaders (local education agencies, school districts and indepdendent school districts)
- Superintendents and district administrators
- Assessment, accountability and data leaders
- Instructional and program leaders
Higher Education and Research
- University faculty and researchers
- Psychometricians and assessment experts
- Education policy scholars
Education Organizations and Associations
- National and state education associations
- Policy and advocacy organizations
- Technical assistance providers
Assessment and Education Solution Providers
Organizations supporting state and local systems through assessment, research and data solutions.
What’s Included with Registration
Your conference registration includes:
- Access to all keynote and breakout sessions.
- Full access to the exhibit hall featuring leading assessment and education organizations.
- Opportunities to network with nearly 1,000 education professionals.
- Conference materials and resources.
- Meals and refreshments provided during the conference.
Join Us in Austin
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, the JW Marriott Austin provides the perfect setting for learning, collaboration and connection.
We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging and impactful conference experience.
Secure your spot and register today.