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Board hears CTE strategic framework update; district adopts Xello career-exploration platform
Summary
Administrators told the board they are aligning CTE courses to high-demand credentials and will form a committee to decide how to meet state accreditation changes; the division demonstrated Xello (career platform) and confirmed it is licensed per student and will be monitored for contract usage.
Bedford County Public Schools presented an update on the district's strategic framework Nov. 13, focusing on career and technical education (CTE) alignment with new state accreditation criteria and a demonstration of the Xello career-exploration platform.
Dr. Trostberger told the board the Commonwealth's shift to the accreditation —3 E— model (employment, enrollment, enlistment) means CTE programs and work-based learning will account for a larger share of the accreditation score. He said the Virginia Office of Education Economics identified high-demand credentials and staff reviewed which credentials are available across the division. "Only 18 of the 43 base school CTE options actually had high demand options," presenters said, prompting the district to consider whether to pursue high-demand credentials everywhere or prioritize high-quality work-based learning for courses that lack high-demand credential options.
Trevor Haas demonstrated Xello (which replaced the district's previous Major Clarity platform) and described how the platform personalizes career suggestions and allows counselors to run reports and message students and parents. When the chair asked whether Xello is a flat licensing fee or per-student, Haas replied, "It is per student." Randy (finance) said the division typically estimates usage and adjusts future contracts if seats go unused.
Board members asked about AI literacy and the district's approach to generative AI. Presenters said staff have created guidelines and are vetting education-focused tools; they indicated a preference for platforms that meet FERPA and archival requirements.
Administrators noted Susie Gibson application deadlines (one day after the meeting) and said the division will pursue options such as dual enrollment credits with CVCC, expanded industry certifications at Susie Gibson, and exploration of EMT, firefighting and criminal-justice pathways as possible additions.
Next steps: form a committee to recommend credential vs. work-based learning priorities and return with recommendations on credential offerings and budget implications.
