The Nashville Grade-Fixing Allegations | Dr. Howard Jones | Episode 72
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 domshow@aol.com.More episodes: oldschoolnewschool.com
8 Oct 2026
School Fraud, Four-Day Weeks & the New School-Choice Tax Credit | Episode 71
Dom Giordano examines a week of education controversies and what they mean for parents, students, and school choice.
1 Oct 2026
Who’s Dumbing Down America? Grade Inflation and the Diploma Problem
Dom examines grade inflation, graduation standards, teachers’ unions, and school-choice funding—and highlights South Carolina’s response to minimum-grade policies.
Who has been a guest on Old School, New School, Next School with Dom Giordano
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Rich Valdes
Kevin Kiley
Steve Miller
Stacy Garrity
Ryan N Boyer
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