Eight Arkansas School Districts Join Statewide Cohort to Advance Outcomes Based Contracts for Instructional Interventions

The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting to help districts design, implement, and evaluate agreements that connect provider payments to measurable student outcomes

DENVER, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nonprofit organization the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting, in partnership with Forward Arkansas, announced eight school districts across Arkansas are joining a new cohort to design and implement outcomes based contracts (OBCs) for instructional interventions, such as high-impact tutoring, for the 2027-2028 school year.

Outcomes based contracting (OBC) is a procurement model that supports collaborative and mutually accountable partnerships between school districts and providers. Grounded in the Center's Standards of Excellence for Outcomes Based Contracting™, OBC establishes clear learning goals, identifies the students to be served, defines how success is measured, and ties at least 40% of a contract's value to agreed-upon outcomes, rather than just the delivery of services. New research finds learning interventions implemented under OBCs can improve student outcomes, strengthen partnerships between school districts and service providers, and build district capacity.

"Arkansas has been a trailblazer in outcomes based contracting, showing how states can align investments with meaningful student outcomes," said Brittany Miller, the Center's executive director. "We're excited to build on this momentum and help more districts put this innovative approach into practice."

Districts participating in Forward's Instructional Intervention OBC Cohort will form a 3-5 person leadership team and receive expert coaching, implementation tools, evaluation support, and opportunities to learn alongside peers at no cost. They will also participate in workshops, site visits, a statewide convening, and continuous improvement cycles as they put their contracts into practice.

The districts include:

Districts began their workshops at Forward's OBC Fall 2026 Institute at the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock this week.

The new cohort builds on Arkansas's strong commitment to OBC. Arkansas was the first state to partner with the Center to launch a state-based cohort. In 2025-2026, five school districts participated, implementing eight OBCs with seven providers. According to preliminary data, 92% of contracted outcomes were achieved.

In addition, the Arkansas Department of Education began prioritizing districts embracing the model when awarding grants for high-impact tutoring for the 2026-27 school year.

"Outcomes based contracting helps ensure districts' dollars support what matters most: real progress for our state's students," said Edie Stewart, Forward's CEO, in a recent announcement. "We're excited to invest in this proven approach to help even more districts strengthen their instructional interventions, transform their partnerships with providers, and improve student outcomes statewide."

About the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting
The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting (the Center) is a nonprofit and the leading authority in advancing outcomes based contracting (OBC) in K–12 education. The Center works with states, school districts, education service providers, and intermediaries to strengthen the connection between education investments and measurable student achievement. Through technical assistance, research, and practical resources, the Center supports the adoption and implementation of high-quality OBC nationwide. Its Standards of Excellence for Outcomes Based Contracting™ establish a consistent framework for contract design, implementation, and continuous improvement, advancing shared accountability for student outcomes. For more information, visit centerforobc.org.

About Forward Arkansas
Established in 2015 by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and Walton Family Foundation, Forward Arkansas is strengthening the state's education system from Pre-K-12 by partnering with great teachers and leaders to elevate best practices that enhance learning and prepare students for college, career and life success. For more information, visit forwardarkansas.org.

SOURCE The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting