Academic & Career Planning (ACP)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why was the Request for Proposal (RFP) process initiated?

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) was required by the Department of Administration to initiate an RFP process because the original contract with Xello, along with two subsequent renewals, had been completed.

According to state procurement rules, DPI could not continue renewing the contract without conducting a new competitive RFP. This process ensured transparency, fairness, and allowed for a thorough evaluation of available ACP software options to best meet the current and future needs of Wisconsin educators and students.

 

2. Who was involved in the RFP evaluation and decision-making?

The process was led by the Wisconsin Department of Administration alongside a dedicated DPI staff team meeting biweekly. Additionally, a 19-member advisory team representing DPI, universities, independent colleges, economic development, school counselors, employers, and students provided input and guidance.

3. Were educators, counselors, students, or other stakeholders included?

Yes. Over 800 individuals from 205 school districts—including educators, counselors, and students—participated in a comprehensive survey that directly informed RFP requirements and evaluation priorities. Stakeholder input was central to the process.

4. What features and capabilities were prioritized?

Based on survey feedback, the evaluation rubric prioritized these essential features to meet Wisconsin educators’ and students’ needs:

Structured, varied learning: Nonrepetitive lessons and activities helping students explore interests, assess skills, and see connections to careers, with retakable assessments as interests evolve.

Personalized tools: Dashboards for organizing career and college information, ACP goal-setting, and portfolios that transfer between schools and districts.

Balanced career and education information: Broad pathways, college and training program details, military and apprenticeship options, all equally represented without premature job-pushing.

Educator resources: Tools to manage student groups and connect with local employers for career- and work-based learning, customizable by school.

Comprehensive support: User guides, live tech support, role-specific and on-demand training plus dedicated Wisconsin-based staff for ACP assistance and work-based learning coordination.

5. Which vendors submitted proposals and how many were considered?

Ten vendors submitted proposals. All were evaluated by a team of professionals and subject matter experts, with the top three scorers (in italics) invited to present in person.

Indigo Education Company

Jobready 360

Kuder, Inc.

MaiaLearning, Inc.

Pathful, Inc.

NS4ed, LLC dba Pathway2Careers

PowerSchool Group, LLC

SchooLinks, Inc.

Xello, Inc.

YouScience, LLC

6. Which vendor was selected to provide ACP software in Wisconsin?

Xello was selected as the ACP software for Wisconsin as they had the highest score from the evaluation rubric, balancing features prioritized by educators and cost.

7. When will the new contract start and when will it end?

The new contract with Xello will begin on July 1, 2026, and will have an initial term of five years. Additionally, there are two optional two-year renewal periods. If both renewals are exercised, Wisconsin schools will have access to Xello through June 30, 2035.

8. When will the current contract end? Will there be a gap?

The current contract with Xello will end on June 30, 2026, with no substantive changes. Therefore, schools will not have a gap in access. Planning for the requirements of the new contract are underway and will be communicated with school districts in early 2026.

9. What makes Xello stand out compared to other vendors?

Xello scored very highly across key areas that support educators, students, and administrators throughout the Academic and Career Planning process. It offers tailored professional development and technical assistance for roles such as school counselors, teachers, and administrators, delivered through varied formats, including workshops, on-demand training modules, mentoring, and user guides. It provides DPI with detailed performance reports to track service delivery.

For grades 6-12, Xello offers a clear sequence of lessons aligned with Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards, plus a student dashboard and portfolio to organize career and college info that easily transfers between schools. The intuitive interface encourages engagement among students, educators, families, and community partners.

Educator tools simplify data input and workflows, while administrators have strong security and password controls. Together, these features make Xello a user-friendly, comprehensive ACP solution for Wisconsin.

10. As compared to the existing contract, what features and services will stay the same? What will be new or different to meet the needs of Wisconsin educators and students?

Wisconsin schools will continue to enjoy Xello’s valued features like engaging career exploration tools, a personalized student dashboard, an electronic portfolio that transfers with students, and lessons aligned with the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards.

Improvements include statewide work-based learning tools and coordination that facilitate direct connections with employers, high school career pathway profiles, and two dedicated Wisconsin-based support roles to build on implementation and engagement.

This new contract combines trusted features with fresh tools and support to better serve Wisconsin’s educators and students.

11. What are the expectations for schools and educators in using the ACP tool going forward?

With this renewed commitment, DPI hopes educators will deeply explore all the features Xello offers—beyond just assessments and lessons—to fully leverage the tool’s potential in supporting the ACP process. Educators are encouraged to integrate Xello’s work-based learning tools and high school career pathway profiles into their planning and instruction.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that Xello is just one tool within the broader ACP process. Successful ACP depends on strong relationships between students, ACP advisors, and employer and community partners, extending well beyond software use to personalize guidance and real-world experiences.

12. Will there be opportunities for educators to provide input or feedback on improvements?

Yes. DPI and Xello are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for students, educators, counselors, and other stakeholders to share their input and feedback on the software and related services. While the specific process for gathering this input is still being developed, the goal is to ensure that user voices continue to shape the evolution of Xello and support for Wisconsin schools.

13. What if my district wants to use a different ACP software platform?

State statute only allows us to use allocated funding for ACP software that is available to all school districts. Therefore, if a district wishes to use a different ACP software platform, they must use local funding sources.

Do you have a question that was not addressed? Let us know using this form!  Submitted questions and responses will be added to the FAQ above on a regular basis.

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