OBC Cohorts

The OBC Cohort is a game-changer

Watch the video about how states and districts find success in accountability through coaching, resources, and experience in an OBC Cohort.

Watch The Video

• What level of commitment is required from participating districts?

  Participating districts are expected to dedicate time and resources to actively engage in virtual workshops, coaching sessions, and implementation activities throughout the cohort. While the exact time commitment may vary over the duration of the cohort experience, districts should allocate on average ~5 hours per month to the cohort. Cohort districts should also plan to participate in a 2-3 day site visit to engage with OBC in action (at no additional cost to the district).

• What support is available to districts beyond the cohort period?

  Beyond the cohort period, districts have access to ongoing support and resources to sustain and scale their outcomes based contracting initiatives. This includes continued access to national experts, peer networks, and additional training opportunities to further enhance implementation and ensure long-term success, including OBC’s Annual Fall Convening.

• How are districts selected to participate in the OBC Cohort?

  Districts are selected based on a combination of factors, including readiness to adopt outcomes based contracting practices and capacity to actively engage in cohort activities.

  Interested state and district leaders should use the calendar below to schedule a meeting to learn more or apply. All media, vendor, or other business inquiries, please use our contact form.

• Can districts with varying levels of experience in outcomes based contracting participate in the cohort?

  Yes, districts with varying levels of experience in outcomes based contracting are encouraged to participate in the cohort. Whether you are new to OBC or have some experience, the cohort provides a supportive environment for learning, collaboration, and growth. National experts and peer networks will tailor support to meet the needs of each participating district.

• How does OBC promote financial sustainability within districts?

  OBC promotes financial sustainability within districts by tying contract payments directly to educational achievements ensures that every dollar invested goes toward driving tangible student progress. By tying payments to outcomes, outcomes based contracts ensure that all stakeholders share a common goal: student success.

• What are some examples of successful OBC initiatives in various school districts?

  Ector County ISD used Outcomes Based Contracts for a total of $4.7 million in contracts with tutoring providers, delivering high-impact math and literacy tutoring to 5,000 3rd-8th grade students who scored “did not meet” on the Spring 2021 STAAR assessment. This resulted in 50% of the students achieving targeted growth outcomes and prompting the district to expand the OBC model into additional areas of instructional services.

  In Colorado Springs District 11, district leaders planned an outcomes based tutoring intervention for 4th-8th grade students scoring below grade level in math on the Renaissance Star district benchmark assessment. In spring 2023, ~200 students received tutoring and met 46% of targeted growth and proficiency outcomes. Based on this success, the district renewed and expanded its tutoring OBC for SY 2023-24. At one school, approximately 50% of participating students were exited from tutoring at the mid-year mark because they had met the proficiency targets.

  Learn more about the impact to date of outcomes based contracting in our January 2024 impact report.