To understand more about "OBE", one need look back at the student assessment systems which have been adopted, bashed, then replaced.  Supporters of public education, under pressure to see students excel, began looking for ways to more authentically assess what students were learning in the classroom, which might not ordinarily be realized.  For example, if a science student uses a balance to measure mass, one might more effectively test the child in the use of the balance, instead of a traditional multiple choice test.  Add some business leaders involved in public education; on committees or education boards, etc. seeking to shift policy attention from traditional comparisons of inputs (per-pupil expenditures, class size, teacher salaries, age of building and equipment) to a focus on outputs-- the product (the graduate), and their skills.
        Meanwhile, people largely satisfied with traditional methodologies (textbooks, rote memorization is better than hands-on/application) joined forces with public education detractors, viewing such changes as a "dumbing down" of educational standards.  (Historical perspective, 1989-'96:  The Scholastic Aptitude Test was "re-centered," a statistical process.  The communist bloc falls.  President  Bush gives a speech about a "New World Order."  The United Nations starts passing resolutions in concert with the United States (against Iraq).  In 1994,  President Clinton announced Goals 2000 (national) education reforms while militia groups claimed that the US government is getting too intrusive in local matters and aligning itself for imminent takeover by the UN.  How are these all related?  Stick with me.
        Without communism as the anti-religious entity to bash, certain religious media personalities need a cause to keep the donations flowing.  Public schools fill the "communist" void, since they: 1) allow everyone to attend, 2) are publicly funded, 3) have unions, and 4) refuse to adopt one national religion. Add to that  certain objectives (outcomes) which the public has opted for inclusion in the science-- (origins of the universe and man) and history-- (interpretations of the U.S. Constitution) which undermine their goal of a theocracy.  Almost there...   Detractors contend that if a student does not memorize these objectives he/she will be failed by public school educators until they give the "right" outcome.
        Is OBE about how and what schools are teaching?  Is OBE about how schools spend money most effectively?  Is OBE about fear, and the future of the United States?  Is it a religious and political battle over hearts and minds?
       Obviously, it depends on your point of view.  But knowing my opposition's fears and gut-level values has helped me to become a more vocal supporter of public education.  Donít take my word for it.  If you want more information on OBE, try:
http://edexcellence.net/issuespl/subject/obe/obemanno.html  (a balanced explanation)
http://www.vvm.com/~ctomlin/A35.htm  (take a hard right turn here)
http://www.summit96.ibm.com/Scripts/net.Thread/net.Thread.pl/message/2/47