Taskstream was created in New York, NY, with a mission to help educators improve the assessment of student learning outcomes.
The Watermark story
We've spent the last 25 years helping thousands of colleges and universities spend less time collecting data and more time learning from it.
Today, as higher education evolves faster than ever, our mission remains the same — but our tools are smarter. At Watermark, we’ve extended that mission to applying responsibly infused AI into our core, because we believe AI done right can turn data into insight, and insight into action.
Our philosophy
Data without context is just noise. Our Educational Impact Suite (EIS) delivers purpose-built solutions for core academic and operational processes that work in concert with your LMS, SIS, and other campus systems. Together, they create a complete picture of institutional performance.
Now, we add another layer. Every time we build new functionality or refine an existing tool, we ask: “How can AI help remove friction and support better, faster decisions while preserving human judgement?”
Our AI is not about replacing people. It’s about empowering you to focus on what matters most to your institution. Our AI is woven into how we think about data and as a foundational dimension of how Watermark helps institutions evolve.
Our history
Watermark was formed in 2018 by bringing together trusted higher ed innovators like Taskstream, Tk20, LiveText, Digital Measures, EvaluationKIT, and SmartCatalog. In 2022, we welcomed Aviso Retention to strengthen our focus on student success and predictive analytics.
We united these leading solutions to give higher education leaders a connected, purpose-built technology environment that links outcomes assessment, accreditation, faculty activity, course evaluation, curriculum management, and student success. Today, we’re building on that foundation—preserving what works, innovating responsibly with AI, and empowering institutions to improve continuously and drive meaningful impact.
Tk20 was founded in Austin, TX, focusing on helping colleges better prepare teacher candidates and meet new standards through specialized software.
EvaluationKIT was founded in Denver, CO, to improve the inefficient, paper-based workflows used for collecting student feedback and course evaluations.
March 2017: The two leading providers merged to form the largest assessment management technology company in higher education.
September 2017: LiveText joined the Taskstream-Tk20 family, immediately expanding the company’s comprehensive suite of solutions for assessment, accreditation, and ePortfolios.
October 2017: The organization reached a major milestone, serving 1,000 higher education institutions—nearly a quarter of all institutions in America.
January 2018: The company rebranded itself as “Watermark,” a name representing an enduring commitment to high-quality technology and trustworthy data for customers.
June 2018: Watermark hosted its first annual user conference, Watermark Engage, in Austin, TX, with over 400 clients participating from the US and Canada.
June 2018: Digital Measures, the leading provider of solutions for managing faculty activity, became part of the Watermark family.
July 2018: EvaluationKIT, the established leader in course evaluation and institutional survey solutions, officially joined Watermark.
October 2018: SmartCatalog, the first provider of a complete academic content management system including curriculum and catalog management, joined Watermark.
Aviso Retention, a leader in student success solutions focused on improving retention and engagement, joined Watermark.
Watermark partnered with Lightcast to integrate real-time labor market data directly into the Planning & Self-Study product.
May 2024: Watermark partnered with GoReact to integrate its video feedback platform directly with the Student Learning & Licensure solution.
December 2024: Our Educational Impact Suite (EIS) won three major accolades, including the EdTech Breakthrough Enrollment Management Solution Provider of the Year, a Gold TITAN Business Award, and a Stevie American Business Award.
Watermark launched its first major AI enhancement: Instructor Insights for Course Evaluations & Surveys, designed to accelerate reflection and highlight key student feedback.
Our leadership team
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