Case Study: Fox Chapel Area School District achieves 69% proficiency for learning‑disabled students and expanded growth for all with SAS EVAAS

Fox Chapel Area School District uses SAS to help both struggling and gifted students achieve more

Fox Chapel Area School District, a high-performing district outside Pittsburgh, sought a better way to serve students at both ends of the spectrum—those with learning disabilities who were years behind and gifted students who needed greater challenge—so every child would make adequate yearly progress. Despite strong overall performance, the district faced an achievement gap and needed a reliable method to track growth and close learning gaps over time.

The district adopted Pennsylvania’s PVAAS, powered by SAS® EVAAS® for K–12, a multiyear, predictive growth system that identifies students at risk, highlights those who could benefit from advanced coursework, and evaluates which interventions work. Using PVAAS to guide instruction and placement, Fox Chapel raised 11th-grade passing rates for students with Individualized Education Plans from 14% in math and 29% in reading to 69% in both subjects over a decade, while refining interventions and improving placement for gifted students.

Fox Chapel Area School District

Alicia Gismondi

Coordinator of Federal Programs and Student Achievement