Why Outcomes, Not Features, Should Guide Every EdTech Decision

Marketing and Education

What would happen if EdTech stopped chasing features and aligned around two simple goals: postsecondary readiness and clear ROI for districts?

Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, joins Elana to unpack how EdTech can move beyond features and usage stats to what really matters: outcomes. He shares his path from finance to education, why accountability is essential for both vendors and leaders, and how outcome-based professional learning can drive real change. Together, they explore the Guskey framework, the need for resilient systems, and what it takes to partner with districts in a time of shrinking budgets and rising expectations.

Whether you’re a founder, a marketer, or a school leader, this conversation will push you to rethink how your work ties back to student outcomes.

What You’ll Learn

• Why EdTech isn’t really B2B, and how that changes the ways we successfully market and sell
• The two outcomes district leaders are truly held accountable for (and how vendors can support them)
• How to use the Guskey framework to evaluate professional learning and product impact
• Practical baby steps for moving toward outcomes-based measurement without a massive budget
• Why building system resiliency matters more than point solutions in times of uncertainty
• How to help district leaders become better storytellers of impact

Why It Matters

Districts are being asked to do more with less, while showing evidence of ROI and preparing every student for a postsecondary pathway. Vendors who only talk features or usage risk being cut. As Matt puts it, our industry has to simplify what matters and hold ourselves accountable to outcomes that truly move the system forward.

Show notes on our website.