Lancaster New Era from Lancaster, Pennsylvania • 11

TUESDAY. COMMENTARY EDITORIALS Measure the effectiveness of schools against the cost Many of us become more conscious than usual of the cost of things during the holiday shopping season. Wetry to purchase good gifts for good people at a reasonable cost. That takes a little effort, but most of us manage to work it out. What if American public education were held to similar standards all year long? What if we required that educators provide a good education at a reasonable cost and then measured their level of success? Accomplishing that task would take considerably more effort than Christmas shopping (and more effort than some educators have been willing to expend on improving schools), but it would be possible.

Taxpayers, parents and educators themselves deserve some sort of measurement to determine how well the dollars spent on education are doing the job. Many educators have been reluctant to use standardized tests to measure the success of their students with or without the cost component because they do not like comparisons. They have all kinds of excuses for why school districts should not be compared. But it is as worthwhile to compare school districts as it is to compare anything else in life. Comparison is important to help us all decide which districts are doing a better job.

If we recognize our best schools, others could learn from them. DECEMBER 28, 1993 It's also important to be able to compare school districts because that way one learns whether the amount of money being spent is really worth the price. One theory suggests that the more money spent on education, the better the product. Lancaster County educators and various studies quoted in Monday's New Era story by Joe Byrne say the relationship is not so clear. There is no proof that spending more money on education turns out better students.

There is no proof that spending less money turns out inferior students. One of the reasons there is no proof either way is that there are no standard measurements of performance. Now would be the perfect time to develop standardized comprehensive testing at every grade level throughout the state. With outcomes-based education coming on line, instruction could be coordinated with testing on a statewide basis. If we don't test the value of our schools by comparing achievement to costs, how else can we justify the increasing tax burden most schools are forcing on their taxpayers? Some educators don't want to think about this question, but an overtaxed public increasingly seems in the mood to force some sort of measurement upon the schools.

Educators, for their own good, should get out in front and lead. Her standards were too high One of the reasons schools do not want standardized testing that might spotlight successes or failures among individual districts is because of the pervasive "democratization" of public education. What's the point of comparing individual students or schools if everyone is supposed to be equal? Wouldn't it harm the fragile self esteem of individual students or schools if some were found to be better than others? The relatively few educators who march to a less politically correct drumbeat sometimes face harassment, if not exclusion, for believing that individual effort should count for something. Perhaps the most dramatic example is Adele Jones of Georgetown, Del. The math teacher was fired last spring after 10 years of teaching algebra at Sussex Central High School.

She refused to "improve" grades in her class because she thought her students should be held to a higher standard. The school board fired Jones, on the principal's recommendation, because she flunked too many students. Many of the students she flunked, as well as those she passed, defended her style of grading. They said she required more from them and the successful ones gave it. But the school's principal, John McCarthy, did not see it that way.

In typical educational psychobabble, he said students should not be flunked. They should be kept in classrooms and off the streets. They should have "unanxious expectations" about school. There is something to be said for the possibility that Jones' teaching methods needed some adjustment. She regularly flunked half or more of her students.

She says she provided hours of additional, individualized instruction for these students. Perhaps that was not enough. But there is more to be said for the possibility that the school district's standards were too low. Some student transfers said Jones' class was was the only one that challenged them. Adele Jones' firing is now on appeal before the state's Sussex County Superior Court.

But what the courts determine in this case is not so important as what the public eventually determines about the kind of schools it wants. If schools are not going to measure student achievement with standardized tests and are not going to let teachers set high standards to improve that achievement, will citizens concerned about educational quality and costs find a way to impose measurements from outside? LANCASTER NEW ERA Founded 1877 Published every evening except Sunday at 8 West King Street, Lancaster Pa. 17603 by LANCASTER NEWSPAPERS, INC. A Steinman Enterprise Willis W. Shenk John M.

Buckwalter Chairman of the Board President Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Kozak Editor Harold E. Miller Jr. Dennis A. Getz Vice President, Marketing Vice President Secretary John F.

Steinman J. Hale Steinman Publisher 1928-1980 Co-publisher 1928-1962 Member of the Associated Press STAYS KAL TRiGone REPORT "I WAS ZIPPING ALONG NICELY ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY WHEN, POw, I HAD A MAJOR a a a a a a a a a a A-10 NEWERA Will 'patriots' attack the deficit? Editor, New Era: Whereas the size of the deficit is well known to be of imminent danger to the financial and social condition of these United States; Whereas this has been long known to our aristocracy in 1 Washington; Whereas the aforementioned aristocracy has consistently put their interests ahead of the country's; Whereas the aforementioned aristocracy has consistently lied to their subjects about cutting deficits; Whereas this aristocracy has refused to change despite the pleadings of the peasants; It is hereby pronounced that a persuasive force is in the process of being assembled. Therefore, 536 good men and true, well versed in the use of arms, are requested to volunteer for great service to their country, which may involve the supreme sacrifice. Patriots, arise! This letter, of course, is spoof. However, if urgent action is not take to eliminate the deficit, I can well imagine a "superpatriot" organization running out of patience with Congress and the president.

If this did happen, what would be the verdict of historians in centuries to come? Would it be condemned as the end of democracy or hailed as the salvation of the country? John C. Bates LETTERS Lancaster Unusual health 'problems' Editor, New Era: I must have missed something. The Lancaster County Business Group on Health finds a problem with the Lancaster General Hospital Campus development because: 1. It will be so nice, people will want to come out there. 2.

It will be so nice out there, and the marketing will be so good, that people will just run to get their X-rays, laboratory tests and surgical procedures. 3. The cost of operating the campus will cause the Lancaster General Hospital's cost to rise up to the other health care providers so that the other health care providers now will be competitive with the Lancaster General Hospital in cost. Dr. G.

Gary Kirchner Lancaster Maintain Christian values Editor, New Era: Our forefathers must be rolling over in their graves. I am appalled at all the controversy over the nativity scene being displayed publicly in the Lititz Square. A little hint of Christianty in today's society can only help matters from where I manger controversy. After reading all Lancaster Criminals are getting the breaks Editor, New Era: even used a successful formula imA few days ago, we read about the ported from another city. All for Pennsylvania Superior Court negating naught.

(Oops, wrong judge.) a good turnpike drug bust by freeing And this undoing good police work the felons because the court said the goes on and on in the name of protectpolice involved used improper suspi- ing the criminals' rights. It's obvious cions. (Kind of like saying your af- that in these cases there is an agenda tershave was wrong for the occasion.) that overlooks the idea of reducing or In New York City, a felon has been solving crime. It's an agenda that is diawarded millions he was in- ametrically opposed to the goals of because jured during his apprehension. The crime prevention or law enforcement victim? No big deal, just another vic- in defenseof rights.

tim, suffering through his loss like victims are expected to do. It seems to me that those who choose Sunday, Mike Royko writes about to live on the other side of the law have the druggie who swallows a bag of relinquished the rights many lawyers coke so the cops won't find it on him. and jurists so dutifully choose to proHe is saved from certain death by well tect. Heck, these criminals end up meaning medics (at taxpayers' ex- with more rights than the victims. pense for sure) and is now suing the I think the medics for millions be- these examples indicate a cops cause and his health has been fundamental weakness impaired.

in the justice It's his contention his impending arrest system. (no teamwork.) If we're seriforced him to eat the dope; otherwise ous about battling crime, this kind of he'd be o.k. (Good chance he'll win and junk has got to go and good police work go free to boot.) must be rewarded with court support. Not too long ago in Lancaster, good In these cases it seems clear the jurpolice work resulted in the arrest of ists involved are too deep in the forrest involved in prostitution, only to to see the trees. many come up empty because of some ultra- Arthur Force liberal jurist.

The local constabulary Ronks the news reports and letters to the editor and seeing all the television interviews, I have one question. How does removal of the manger from public property infringe on anyone's rights to practice their religion? I enjoy celebrating Christmas. I can put up a manger or not. I can take part in any type or as many Christmas services and celebrations as I care to. Whether a municipality puts up any sort of display, I am free to celebrate as I want.

I am free to practice my religious beliefs. As for the "threats" that everyone in Lititz should put up a manger next year, I think that's a great idea. I for one would enjoy seeing beautiful mangers everywhere in place of the many tacky and gaudy displays which currently abound. For those who wish to "Put the Christ back in Christmas," I agree. Just "Keep the Christ out of Sandra F.

Anjard The last of the Conestogas: Who is descended from Lancaster's Indians? LANI LANI SI Ma have and terfe mal mear but suad bal ir hara: lawe Ne recei QU As can Eart. Ke Met: ble. going do, it As Book to pre or de He Rich Hom catal De stand. Too many people today want to do away with Christian values, because they feel guilty when they don't live up to certain standards. They want to take the easy way out.

This separation of church and state has gone too far. Didn't we all grow up saying the pledge of allegiance to the flag in school first thing in the morning? Didn't a portion of that pledge read, "And to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all?" Today's society would have it read, One nation without God, unless you choose to include God, but don't do it on public land unless you want a lawsuit, divisible, with liberty and justice to those who scream the loudest." Wake up! Get back to the Christian values. They really work! Let the nativity scene remain as a sign that there are still people out there who care enough about each other to stand up for what they believe in. After all, what is Christmas without Christ? Cynthia L. Schnee Manheim 'Keep Christ out of gov't' Editor, New Era: I am writing concerning the Lititz heard about a contemporary resident who has a Conestoga ancestor.

Several years ago, John J. Snyder consulting architectural historical researcher of Washington Boro, wrote to the Scribbler to suggest this: "Since I have been a resident of Manor Township, I have heard the longstanding tradition that an ancestress of an old family of Manor Township was a Conestoga. I was almost ready to name this family, but then another thought came to me. "Perhaps if an inquiry on this matter would appear in the New Era, there might be more information forthcoming. If some of this information should be essentially the same that I have heard, it would tend to strengthen the tradition." The Scribbler has waited until now to share Groff's discovery and Snyder's letter because he felt something more was needed to provide sufficient material to raise the question.

Hopkins' finding is that something more. The Scribbler welcomes all information, historical or genealogical, related to Conestoga Indians who lived after the massacres of December 1763. Full docu- LETTERS POLICY The New Era welcomes letters on issues of public concern. All letters must be signed. Name and municipality of residence will be printed.

Complete address and daytime telenumber must be given for verification. Unsigned letters and copies of letters to parties will not be published. Letters should be to the point and not over 300 words. The New Era will condense long letters. Address The Editor, Lancaster New P.O.

Box 1328, Lancaster, 17608-1328. mentation must be provided. Corrections on railroad facts John W.W. Loose, president emeritus of the Lancaster County Historical Society, points out a couple of errors in the Scribbler's Dec. 14 column.

The railroad that disturbed the Conestogas' graves in 1834 was the Philadelphia and Columbia, not the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Pennsylvania Railroad purchased the Philadelphia and Columbia line in 1846. 1926 is not the correct date for the Sunday News article which discussed the filling in of that old railroad cut. That rail line was not abandoned until 1929 and the cut was not filled in for many years after that. (There is no date on the newspaper clipping that the Scribbler cited.

An accompanying clip is dated 1926 and the Scribbler transferred the date. If anyone knows precisely when that railroad cut was filled, please correspond.) BB( Poi 11 Witt Buy ADVE AI JACK BRUBAKER The Scribbler Are there any contemporary Lancastrians of Conestoga Indian descent? When the Scribbler wrote about the massacre of the Conestogas two weeks ago, he said the tribe was wiped out in December of 1763. The tribe was wiped out, but some individuals survived. There are several reports of these people. One or more Conestoga Indians did remain in the area after 1763.

One was named Sohaes. He obviously was not among those killed at Indian Town 14, 1763, or at the Lancaster Jail on Dec. 27, 1763. Several years ago, Lancaster genealogist Clyde Groff discovered a Revolutionary War-era deed related to Conestoga descendants of Sohaes. In this deed, the Penn family paid "the surviving relations of Sohaes" $300 for the 500 acres of Conestoga Manor (including Indian Town).

In a related deed involving significantly more land, the Penns paid the Indians of the Six Nations 200 pounds for a large chunk of Pennsylvania. The Conestoga deed is signed by Connawausshay of Connaudasago, identified as a Cayuga chief, on behalf of himself and Ayenent and Awewen-wandaw; Tohondo of Cheoquacy, on behalf of himself and Avendedry, John Hudson and Sowau or Willey George of the Cayuga Tribe; and Connestawyendocko of Connawdasago. "Till I read the deeds." Groff told the Scribbler at the time, "I thought the Paxtang gang had killed all of the Conestoga Indians which the sheriff had put in the Lancaster Jail in order to protect Leroy Hopkins, a Millersville University German professor and president of the Lancaster County Historical Society, last week communicated a similar discovery to the Scribbler. Among documents in the Lancaster County archives, Hopkins has found legal papers showing that six descendants of Conestoga Indians in 1845 employed Peter Doxtater of Oneida, N.Y., as their attorney to obtain money for land that originally belonged to the Conestogas in Manor Township. These six Indians, at that time living with Oneida Indians in New York, were Chris John Beachtree, Jacob Powlis, David Johnson, Peter Powlis, Chris John and James Chris John.

In 1868, Peter Doxtater turned over all legal negotiations on the Conestogas' behalf to Christian Shenk of Lancaster. officially massacred before the Revolutionary War," writes Hopkins, "it seems the Conestogas were trying to assert their right to land just before the Civil War. I have done nothing beyond the discovery of the papers; perhaps there is more to the story." Perhaps. Practically anyone who has lived in Manor Township for a number of years and has kept his or her ears open has.