From the very beginning, GET has had a vision to streamline processes for educators, simplifying their lives and giving them more time to focus on their students.

Our History

In 2002 GET acquired Horizon Software Systems, followed shortly in 2003 by the acquisition of Tera Systems. Newly formed into one team, the groups began working together to provide the best possible case management and Medicaid reimbursement solutions on the market.

Today, all expectations have been surpassed—the combined EXCENT® product suite currently serves over 375,000 students with special needs. Over the past 19 years, EXCENT has been implemented in 25 states and is even used worldwide with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). The EXCENT line of products has advanced with the latest technology, now fully accessible online. More importantly, EXCENT products and services have always evolved according to the requests and needs of our primary users— educators.

By maintaining a close working relationship with our customers, GET is able to meet all of your case management needs. Because our team is composed of former education professionals, we are passionately committed to your success. We truly envision a world in which technology can and will improve the quality of education of all children, and we recognize that our company's success hinges on your daily realization of that dream.

Horizon Software Systems and Tera Systems, Inc. History

In spring of 1987, Carol Beck, a special education teacher in Anderson, South Carolina, prompted an end to hand-written IEPs. Frustrated with the tedious and painful process of 3-part carbon copy paper forms, Carol suggested to her husband Don that perhaps IEPs could be completed on the computer. As the district's Director of Computer Services, Don put his programming genius to work, and EXCENT was soon born. In 1992, he and Bob Read founded Horizon Software Systems, Inc.

Meanwhile, in Burlington, Vermont, Dan Herman began focusing his attention on creating cost-effective, people-oriented special education solutions. In 1986, Dan founded Tera Systems, Inc. An experienced software developer, Dan worked closely with the State of Vermont to develop MasterTrack Student Manager. By 1995, MasterTrack Student Master had received an exclusive endorsement from the National Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). As MasterTrack developed, it later became Tera Systems Student Manager.

A third party then arrived on the scene: Global Education Technologies (GET). GET, an education technology company founded in 2001 that specializes in delivering value to K-12 school districts, recognized the potential to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end special case management solution for schools and districts.

The start of GET

On the heels of the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), Scott Shickler and Michael Schaefer, both experienced businessmen in the worlds of education and technology, came together to form Global Education Technologies (GET). Their vision was to use technology to elevate the use of student data and transform the way schools connect to communities.

Recognizing the challenges of developing and launching technology products in the education space, Shickler and Schaefer began a search for established companies with solid foundations and customer bases in the education market. After a nine-month search they found what they were looking for – two organizations that together could provide an end-to-end document case management solution for schools, with a special focus on students with special needs.