Old School, New School, Next School with Dom Giordano

Dom Giordano examines a notable new voice in the school-choice debate: Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida. Drawing on Moskowitz's argument for the new federal tax-credit scholarship program, Dom discusses antisemitism in schools, the safety concerns facing Jewish families and why parents need meaningful education options. Dom also looks at pressure on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to decide whether the state will participate in the federal program, makes the case for open enrollment across public-school districts and asks why Philadelphia and other large cities have not followed the evidence behind the Mississippi Miracle. Later, Dom responds to neuropsychologist Katie Davis's warning that some families and private schools are turning learning-disability diagnoses and test accommodations into a competitive advantage. He argues that genuine disabilities deserve support—but that gaming the system lowers standards for everyone. Referenced reporting and commentary: Wall Street Journal, "A Democrat Convert to School Choice," by Jared Moskowitz (discussed in Commonwealth Partners' October 20 News & Brews): https://thecommonwealthpartners.com/2026/10/21/news-brews-october-20-2026/ Chalkbeat Philadelphia, "Shapiro faces mounting pressure to opt Pennsylvania into federal education tax credits": https://www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia/2026/10/15/shapiro-facing-pressure-to-opt-in-to-trump-education-tax-credit-program/ Reason Foundation, "How to improve public schools and give tens of millions of families school choice": https://reason.org/commentary/how-to-improve-public-schools-and-give-tens-of-millions-of-families-school-choice/ The Free Press, "No, Your Kid Probably Doesn't Need Extra Time on Their Tests": https://www.thefp.com/p/neuropsychologist-test-accomodations-kids Send questions and observations to [email protected]. More episodes: https://oldschoolnewschool.com

What does a diploma mean if a student has not mastered the work? Dom Giordano talks with Dr. Howard Jones, a former assistant principal and grading principal at Nashville’s Stratford High School, about his allegations of grade manipulation, questionable credit-recovery practices, and pressure to improve graduation rates. Jones describes what he says he found while auditing grades, including an eight-minute math assessment, and discusses retaliation, accountability, and why he chose to speak out. Dom compares the concerns with graduation pathways in Philadelphia and asks what parents, teachers, and school boards should demand. Also in this episode: Dom’s commentary on federal tax-credit scholarships, state participation in school choice, New York, the Texas debate, and charter schools. The Nashville allegations were covered in WSMV4’s “Making the Grade” investigation. In a subsequent message to families reported by WSMV4, Stratford principal Michael Pratt said he was committed to academic integrity and grades that accurately reflect student performance. Referenced reporting: WSMV4 investigation · Principal’s response Send questions and observations to [email protected]. More episodes: oldschoolnewschool.com

Dom Giordano examines a week of education controversies and what they mean for parents, students, and school choice. Episode 71 covers allegations involving Philadelphia enrollment figures and truancy rolls; WSMV4’s investigation into alleged grade manipulation at Nashville’s Stratford High School; Upper Darby’s proposed four-day school week; Newark school spending; and newly released details about the federal tax-credit scholarship program scheduled to begin in 2027. Dom also previews next week’s planned interview with Dr. Howard Jones, the former Stratford High School assistant principal featured in WSMV4’s reporting. Send tips and responses to [email protected]. Referenced reporting: WSMV4 Investigates, “Former asst. principal says fake classes were created at Nashville high school to help students graduate”.

What does a high school diploma mean if students leave without the skills it is supposed to represent? In Episode 70, Dom Giordano takes on grade inflation, alternative graduation pathways, and the policies he argues are accelerating the dumbing down of America. He discusses teachers’ unions and classroom activism, Philadelphia’s graduation standards, New York’s move away from Regents exams, California students’ college math readiness, and governors’ decisions on school-choice funding. Dom also highlights South Carolina’s response to minimum-grade policies and makes the case for stronger standards, parental rights, and school choice. Old School, New School, Next School with Dom Giordano · Episode 70 Share your education stories and listener tips: [email protected].

Dom examines Nikole Hannah-Jones’s account of her daughter’s experience in a struggling New York City public school, contrasts PS 307 with nearby Community Roots Charter School, and argues that school choice—not more spending—is the lesson. He also looks at New York’s move away from Regents exams and why Mississippi may need a “Moonshot” after its early literacy gains.