About NCSA | Why Attend
About NCSA
If your work involves statewide assessments, accountability systems or education data, the National Conference on Student Assessment (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 education leaders, policymakers and practitioners from across the country to examine the evolving role of assessment, accountability and data in supporting student success.
Join nearly 1,000 education professionals in San Diego 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.
The 2027 NCSA theme, Charting the Course: Aligning Assessment, Accountability and Data Systems to Drive Student Success, reflects a shared commitment to building more coherent systems aligned to a unified vision for student learning.
Charting this course requires assessment, accountability, data systems and other structures supporting student success to work together as complementary tools that promote a shared understanding of the student experience. When these systems are aligned, state and local leaders are better positioned to target supports and build systems that are responsive to the needs of every learner.
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 independent 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 San Diego
Experience NCSA 2027 in San Diego, California, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Set along the waterfront in the heart of downtown, the hotel offers an ideal setting to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of student assessment.
We look forward to bringing the assessment community together in San Diego for an engaging and inspiring NCSA experience.
Registration will open in February 2027.