The NCME Special Conference on Classroom Assessment is a bi-annual conference that brings together researchers, educators, test-designers, and other educational partners to share evidence-based ways to enact and improve classroom assessment practice and research. 

NCME is excited to announce that the 6th NCME Special Conference on Classroom Assessment will take place November 12–14, 2026, at the Radisson Blu, located in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. This year’s conference promises to be a dynamic and engaging event focused on advancing effective classroom assessment practices across educational contexts.

The 2026 conference is proudly hosted by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Minnesota Assessment Group, with additional support from the University of Iowa. Building on the success of previous NCME special conferences, our hosts are committed to fostering deep, evidence-based dialogue around classroom assessment design, implementation, and impact.

This gathering will unite a broad spectrum of voices—including researchers, K–12 educators, youth leaders, and Indigenous communities—to explore innovative approaches that center equity, relevance, and learner empowerment in assessment practices. Attendees can expect opportunities to collaborate, share best practices, and shape the future of classroom assessment through research, practical tools, and policy-relevant conversations.