The School District of Lancaster declines to discuss what they describe as “possible PSSA testing protocol violations” on the basis “The results of any investigations are a personnel matter and cannot be shared with the public.” “Personnel matter” as we understand the term relates to the performance of employees in accordance with the policies and […]
Tag: News and Commentary
SD of L puts lid on Wickersham Investigation
On Wednesday, NewsLanc broke the story that the Pennsylvania Department of Education received complaints in early April about the School District of Lancaster’s administration of PSSA tests. According to Mike Race, Deputy Press Secretary of the Department of Education, “Test documents were not properly secured and the test was not administered within proper guidelines.” The […]
First view of Convention Center Interior
“Sidewalk superintendents” can catch their first view of the interior of the Convention Center at https://newslanc.com/images/100_5070.JPG . No hard hats required!
EDITORIAL: We prefer to praise SDL but…
Although NewsLanc was born of the Convention Center controversy and has been outspoken in its opposition to the project, our goal is to fill a news and commentary vacuum resulting from the virtual monopoly of the local press. Nevertheless, we find it far more rewarding to praise what is right than to criticize what is […]
SDL Declined Interview, Claims "Personnel" Exemption
Over the past two days, NewsLanc has been investigating alleged cheating at the Wickersham Elementary School on PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Achievement) tests which are required under the federal “No Child Left Behind law.” The tip stated that questions had been raised in the past over test scores for the school that seemed much […]
SDL’s Press Release re Cheating Scandal
From: Dr. Stephen A. Iovino, Ed. D. Acting Superintendent The School District of Lancaster follows Pennsylvania Department of Education testing requirements to investigate all incidents of possible PSSA testing protocol violations and to submit a comprehensive report to Pennsylvania Department of Education officials. Possible test protocol violations involving a small number of students were investigated […]
Wickersham Elementary at Center of PSSA Cheating Investigation
Two parents of children in the School District of Lancaster confirmed to NewsLanc that the Pennsylvania Department of Education sent investigators into Wickersham Elementary School because of the student test scores reported. Both parents, fearing retaliation against their students, asked not to be identified. “The AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) scores have been too far out […]
SDL members accused of cheating on PSSA Tests
Members of the School District of Lancaster have been accused of cheating on the PSSA tests, NewsLanc has learned. The PSSA tests are part of the “No Child Left Behind Program.” Information that NewsLanc has been trying to confirm with the SDL centered on the unusually high scores achieved over past years at the Wickersham […]
County Morgue Location Still Not Certain
It became clear during their Tuesday Work Session that the commissioners do not want to start a rezoning process on the property on Farmingdale Road until they are certain that they will be using that property. When the time came for comments from those in attendance, Bill Bonanno of Ralpho Township took the Commissioners to […]
Lancaster Drug Court: Something to feel proud about!
If ever there would be a Drug Court that would be successful, a visit last Tuesday to the Court of Judge David L. Ashworth convinced an activist in the field of drug policy reform and harm reduction that the program is located here in Lancaster. Judge David L. Ashworth has the clean cut look of […]
Controversial Conestoga Halfway House Set to Move
By George Sheldon Barnabas House, the faith-based halfway house in Conestoga, is planning to move. Just established within the past month, the transitional housing facility provides a temporary home for four men, three of whom are on Megan’s List. “We’ve already been offered another property that is on a bus route,” Tom Armstrong said. For […]
Lancaster Residents Respond to DA’s Appeal
As first reported on NewsLanc.com on Tuesday, May 20, Monica Mosely, Assistant District Attorney, told the Lancaster County Commissioners that there was a real need for three more Youth Aid Panels in the city and township, while the rest of the county was adequately covered. Mosely today told NewLanc that by noon on Thursday, May […]
Are Sex Offender Laws Counterproductive?*
“Human Rights Watch appreciates the sense of concern and urgency that has prompted these laws. They reflect a deep public yearning for safety in a world that seems increasingly threatening. Every child has the right to live free from violence and sexual abuse. Promoting public safety by holding offenders accountable and by instituting effective crime […]
Reporter George Sheldon joins NewsLanc.com
A lifelong Lancaster County native, Sheldon is well-known as a local writer, author, and photographer. Sheldon’s writing credits include the publication of over 1,000 articles. He has also published 31 books, with two more scheduled for publication later this year. www.GeorgeSheldon.com George is looking forward to meeting NewLanc.com’s readers when he is handing out newsletters […]