Assemblies require a written constitution and written minority involvement policy.
An assembly is a financially independent organization, and is responsible for living within the budget generated by its dues, conference registration fees, and other sources of revenue. Over time the AR developed additional goals such as the mission to support early career researchers in their development. None has any authority over the other, although the Standing Committee on Research may make a recommendation to the AR, usually filtered through the NCTE Executive Committee. Its membership is inclusive, being open to any individual who wishes to join, therefore allowing graduate students, teachers, and other aspiring researchers the opportunity to participate in a research organization and its activities. The AR sponsors a workshop at the NCTE fall conference and its own independent midwinter conference.