focus future on the

Xello and YouScience assist students with their individual plans of study.

reporting by ren park & greta waller

XeLLo - Provides lessons about college, careers and adult life. Students are matched with careers and can build resumes on the site.

yoUSCienCe - Allows students to take aptitude tests called “brain games” about their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Tests results match with possible careers.

IPS - Your Individualized Plan of Study is a roadmap to your future. An IPS as seen on Xello or Youscience points students in the direction of education and career paths that might be a good fit for them according to their individual skills and interests.

of students must complete their IPS Programs by the end of the school year.

“I know Xello is kind of a bad word for people. However, the lessons are more than just lessons. All the parts put together make up an Individual Plan of Study (IPS), which can be good down the road because it helps plan for your future.”

- Tracy Johnston, Real World/Career Advisor

MVA - A Market Value Asset a is learning experience or certification that prepares students for success after high school. It is helpful for a college application or resume. MVAs include internships, professional mentorships, college credit through AP or dual-enrollment programs, and entrepreneurial experience through DECA or business partnerships.

“Understanding your strengths and skills with YouScience gives you ideas for careers, which allows you to make sure your college has the programs you need.”

- Lucy Coopman, College Advisor

“The first two lessons on Xello are great, especially matchmaker and determining what kind of learner you are. But YouScience is just these 12-minute long quizzes that nobody really tries on. I just press “enter” every time. It’s not useful for real life.”

- Eve Snyder, junior

“I don’t understand why we need to look at pictures of jobs and match them to graduate high school. It’s unnecessary.”

- Bella Macpherson, senior

“If people took the programs more seriously it would be helpful, because it’s good to see what career paths are out there.

“Don’t just list your involvements on a resume or college application, connect them to how they have shaped your character and will benefit you in the future. Discuss why a specific job or college is appealing to you!”

“It’s hard to ask a 17-18 year old what to do with the rest of their lives, because for the most part, adults don’t have it figured out either.”

“If you’re bored or not passionate about what you’re actively learning, go and try something else! Around 75% of students change their major in college anyway. I did!” linking up with link crew

Other tools: BigFuture, from Collegeboard, allows you to search for colleges and filter them based on location, major, and type of college.

MyMajors Assessment is a 15-minute questionnaire that can “match” you with different majors.

A Q&A with junior and Link Crew Leader Mark Ziegler.

Q: How much of your job is trying to have kids do Xello and YouScience?

A: Mr. [Jon] Duncan, my advisory teacher, usually reminds people they need to do [their Xello]. Being a Link Crew Leader is more about promoting a happy atmosphere for the freshmen.

Q: Why do you think there are a lot of people who don’t want to do it?

A: There are a lot of segments, so it might be overwhelming. People could just be lazy and not want to do it, and others might think it is unnecessary and not do it out of protest.

Q: Have you personally found the programs helpful?

A: They have helped me realize how to act in certain situations and see what strengths and weaknesses I have.