Support future edtech OBC cohorts with readiness assessments, early planning, needs-assessment framing, and cross-cohort collaboration¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report offers role-specific recommendations for future OBC engagement: develop readiness assessments to prepare districts and providers; frame contract development as a needs assessment leveraging existing processes; begin exploring the OBC process well before traditional contract timelines; create an OBC brief template for districts to share experiences; push for pricing transparency and shared pricing norms; and encourage more engagement across cohorts so districts can collaborate together.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Districts need support shifting mindsets and developing new processes and infrastructure for outcomes selection, population targeting, and pricing

Constraints¶

• There will not be a one-size-fits-all approach to OBC

Target Learners¶

• District leaders, school teams, edtech providers, and OBC coaches in K-12 districts

Target Learning Goals¶

• Effective edtech procurement, implementation, and outcome measurement to improve learner outcomes

Related Strategies¶

• Districts should build community-shared visions, evaluation infrastructure, and policies for procuring and using AI edtech
• Structure OBC procurement around intentionality questions on learner goals, populations, outcomes, and stakeholders
• Plan mutual accountability for implementation, including rollout plans, educator supports, and early indicators for pivoting
• Use OBC RFP templates with market validators and ESSA evidence tiers as efficacy criteria
• Analyze & Inventory: use cross-departmental data analysis and an inventory of existing interventions before buying new edtech
• Better Planning, Better Process: bottom-up procurement planning through direct contact with teachers and administrators
• Ensure communication and co-development with school leaders throughout edtech process rollout

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Noakes, S., Shell, A., & Vollavanh, A. (2026, March). Instructional coherence and shared responsibilities: OBC's impact on EdTech procurement. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/288