Postsecondary Readiness in RPS

High school graduation is not the end of our students' education; it is an important step in their transition to adulthood. Whether going on to more education or training beyond high school, or directly into a career or the military, students will be learning throughout their lives. The key to being prepared for the postsecondary journey is having a plan for what comes next, and putting that plan into action. We want students to be prepared for the pathway that they choose, and there is so much to learn about the many options. Additionally, we know that like our students, each path is unique, and discovering our strengths and interests is a lifelong process. That's why RPS is intentionally focused on Postsecondary Readiness starting in Kindergarten, and continuing through high school graduation.

Heather Hogen

Heather Hogen

Director of Postsecondary Readiness and School Counseling

Office of Equity and Engagement

Email Heather Hogen
507.328.5207

Every student will develop a plan for their next steps after high school, and has the confidence, necessary skills (academic and life), and has completed the required steps to put that plan into action.

 

RPS Postsecondary Readiness Platform

Xello

Xello is the postsecondary readiness platform that RPS students use from kindergarten through high school graduation to build their skills, knowledge, and plans for postsecondary readiness.

Students access Xello by clicking on the Xello button in their RPS Classlink page.

Xello

Xello Family Account Access

Caregivers of RPS students have access to front row seats as their students grow and develop their postsecondary plans. The Xello Family Account shows the work that students are doing in Xello, including career interests, high school course plans, saved colleges and majors, and many other elements of postsecondary readiness. If you are a caregiver who is not already "linked" to your student, please reach out to your student's school counselor.

Xello Family Accounts

Postsecondary Readiness Aspects and Resources

Students:

What is your vision for your postsecondary journey?

What are your strengths?

How are you preparing?

Who are your helpers?

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

How does Xello support my student?

Xello is one component of postsecondary readiness in RPS that empowers students and caregivers by providing the tools, knowledge, and resources to plan for life after K-12 education.

  • In elementary school, students learn about how their various school subjects are applicable for a variety of career options, and about how their budding interests and skills are valuable in making plans for the future.

  • As students enter middle and high school, their developing interests, strengths, and experiences lead to more specific career exploration, and a growing understanding of which postsecondary pathways and plans might lead to different career outcomes.

  • Students begin taking action steps toward their plans by choosing high school courses, discovering local workplaces, developing resumes, exploring college majors, tracking college applications, applying for scholarships, and adjusting their goals and plans to align with their growing understanding of themselves as young adults.

Question:

Why does RPS start postsecondary readiness in Kindergarten?

Exposure at an early age to the broad array of career options allows students to start developing ideas about what might make sense for them.

Question:

What role does my student's school counselor play?

RPS School Counselors proactively support all students as they explore their career options, develop academic plans and habits, and grow their social/emotional skillsets. This includes delivery of the Xello curriculum, in addition to small group and individual counseling services.