When it comes to exceeding “average,” school districts know it’s no easy feat. Improving student academic growth and achievement takes hard work, careful planning and a clear vision.

Leaders like Kim Buryanek – the superintendent for Iowa’s Denison Community School district – and Nick Bradley, assistant principal at Denison Middle School, are tackling this challenge head-on, rallying educators to create meaningful change.

But the path forward isn’t just about people – it’s about clarity. That’s where SAS EVAAS steps in, helping Buryanek and Bradley refine their strategies using a data-driven lens. With EVAAS, Denison is turning possibilities into practical plans to transform student outcomes.

As Bradley puts it, “I don't know what it is now, but I love looking at data. I love analyzing the data… There are a lot of things that I like about EVAAS. And it's the fact that you've compiled all the data in one place. And I can pull up a kid, and I can see that trend line. That's what I look at the most…You can get into the growth, and there are other great features in there.”

This is the second blog in a series about how schools are using EVAAS to improve academic success.

Meet the school district

The Denison Community School District grappled with a fundamental challenge: how to identify and address each student’s specific learning needs among a diverse student population. Do certain students need more support?

Do teachers have what they need to help students succeed? How does individual progress stack up against peers, grades and subject areas across the state? Two priorities emerged to address specific challenges with opportunities to improve student learning growth.

• When Buryanek held a narrative assessment among faculty early in her tenure, a critical question surfaced: were they challenging their top-performing students enough and creating opportunities to maximize their potential?
• With 68% of Denison’s students identifying as Hispanic and 35% identifying as English Language Learners, district leadership is working on tailored strategies to ensure this student population can grow academically and thrive.

How SAS EVAAS helped

• EVAAS reports showcased student growth, allowing educators to pinpoint areas for improvement and momentum and help them close proficiency gaps.
• EVAAS analyzed assessment data to support the evaluation of instructional practices, like the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), which supports English Language Learners. It also tracked how curriculum changes impact outcomes, like improved 6th-grade math proficiency after Denison introduced new curricula.
• EVAAS’ scatterplot report clearly compared educators' schools against peer institutions with similar demographics, sparking discussions about visiting higher-growth schools to observe and learn from their strategies.

What happened next

• EVAAS will help identify whether high-performing students are on track for advanced coursework, such as Algebra I in 8th grade. Hard data will be paired with teacher recommendations, grades and student motivation.
• The school aims to streamline access to student data, whether online or in print, so families can stay engaged and informed about their child’s progress.
• The district also plans to integrate EVAAS analysis into regular Professional Development sessions, with strategies for boosting middle-performing students, helping high-achievers grow and tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of every learner.

In the Denison Community School District, SAS EVAAS is more than just data software – it’s a catalyst for meaningful improvement. By equipping educators with clear insights, EVAAS helps leaders like Buryanek and Bradley address diverse student needs, from advancing English Language Learners to challenging top-performing students.

With EVAAS driving professional development and decision-making, these districts aren’t following progress – they’re paving the way forward.

Learn more about EVAAS