Common Goals Systems, Inc.

Mike Xakellis, founder of Common Goal Systems, Inc., couldn't figure out why his coaching colleagues suddenly stopped preparing for wrestling practice and returning messages. These coaches were typically well prepared and on the ball but every six weeks something changed. Finally, Xakellis, a veteran of the late '90s Internet bubble, asked his colleagues what was going on. As teachers, his coaching colleagues were preoccupied with the paperwork that comes periodically during the school year, calculating grades, filling out report cards and more.

Xakellis recalls being amazed that teachers had to occupy themselves with paper work when so much of it could be computerized. In 2001, a year after he began coaching, Xakellis founded Common Goal Systems, Inc. He explains that the purpose of this company is to make the lives of teachers easier. Rather than focusing on things that can be completed with technology, he wants teachers to be able to spend their time interacting with and teaching students. The company provides services such as gradebook automation, curriculum mapping, standards alignment, and lesson plan hosting. When teachers use these services they can easily communicate with students, parents, and even colleagues.

As I was interviewing Xakellis I wondered why a separate company had to exist to provide these services that could certainly be provided by multiple other Web 2.0 tools. But then I recognized, most teachers don't use Web 2.0. Most have no idea how to use wikis or collaborative databases. Common Goals Systems makes this easy. They have to. For, business continuity depends upon subscription renewal. More importantly, their success promotes quality instruction. I predict that the company will have a bright future.

Take a closer look at this company, here.