In this article from The 74, senior writer Greg Toppo examines how outcomes based contracting is reshaping the way districts evaluate and purchase edtech. Drawing on findings from the recently released Digital Promise report, Toppo explores how the model drives higher implementation rates, greater instructional coherence, and a more deliberate approach to technology spending. Further, the Center’s own Brittany Miller explains how shared financial accountability shifts behavior across the entire ecosystem, and why districts using OBCs are ending up with fewer tools, better results, and students who are actually using what their districts paid for.
Schools Are Paying for Ed Tech That Students Never Use – Could A New Contract Model Change That?
Related Posts
-
August 10, 2026 | News
Proof Points: Paying Vendors for Student Results
New WestEd research finds early promise for outcomes based contracting, but can't yet separate contract effects from coaching support.
-
August 6, 2026 | News
Should Districts Pay Vendors Based on Student Outcomes? What the Research Says
New WestEd research on outcomes based contracting weighs the promise and the pitfalls of paying providers for student results.
-
August 6, 2026 | News
Accountability Works. Outcomes-Based Contracting Makes It Work Better
Former Newark superintendent Chris Cerf argues outcomes based contracting gives accountability a more durable path forward.