EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the National Computer Systems, Inc. Supplemental Deferred
Compensation  Plan of National  Computer  Systems,  Inc. and subsidiaries of our
report  dated  March  2,  1998,  with  respect  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements of National Computer Systems,  Inc. and subsidiaries  incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 19, 1999