Established in 1974, the North Carolina Association for Research in Education works to improve the quality of education in North Carolina through research and evaluation.  NCARE members include graduate students, university faculty and staff, staff of the Department of Public Instruction, members of local education agencies, and researchers in the private sector.  NCARE activities are implemented through its elected officers and board of directors.

NCARE holds an annual meeting and conference each year focused on highlighting educational research and current issues in North Carolina.  Presentation formats include paper and poster sessions, roundtables and panels.  The 2019 Conference will be held on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.