Friday, April 19, 2019
Wisconsin students, grades 6-12, now have a new, more engaging Academic and Career Planning (ACP) electronic tool for career development called Xello. (The X sounds like Z.) It replaces Career Cruising.
“The new Xello version is much more engaging and easier to use, integrating lessons and reflections right into the explorations,” says Robin Kroyer-Kubicek, Education Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Over the last year, eight Wisconsin schools partnered with DPI’s selected vendor to test drive an upgraded version of Xello. Reviews have been positive. According to Kerry Johnson, DeForest Area School District College and Career Readiness Coordinator, “We absolutely love the Xello lessons for ACP implementation. They’re a very nice addition to the program.”
Xello also seems to lead to higher use. “Early use in pilot schools indicates that there are 300 percent more logins with Xello and there are 20 percent more logins outside of school hours,” says Kroyer-Kubicek.
Xello, the company, is the same as the previous company but has both a new name and a new software platform. While the name may have changed, the vendor is still committed to providing support to Wisconsin schools as they transition to the new program.The statewide transition plan began in February with previews. Each CESA will host low-cost ($15-$28), regional trainings for district ACP staff to preview the student portfolio side of the new program in preparation for the actual transition to Xello. Preregistration and a laptop/tablet will be required to participate.
In-depth training for staff management of Xello will begin in June through a variety of platforms: in-person, virtual, and on-demand. The actual transition will occur the latter part of July into early August. Every district’s Career Cruising Administrator will be contacted by Xello to prepare for the transition.
The move to Xello will be automatic and seamless so there’s almost nothing for district ACP staff to do. Other than updating the district’s or school’s website for single sign-on (SSO), the Xello team will do the rest.
Please see these webpages for more information on upcoming trainings and the transition to Xello:
- Xello welcomes Wisconsin for upcoming trainings and transition timeline
- Welcome to Xello Guide
- Resources webpage with links to Live Webinars, Getting Started with the Educator Account, Videos, Tutorials, and Parent Information
If you have more questions, contact the Xello team directly at help@xello.world or call at (800) 965-8541. Or contact Robin.Kroyer-Kubicek@dpi.wi.gov by email or phone: (608) 266-2022.