Listen to How Schools Really Matter: Why Our Assumption about Schools and Inequality Is Mostly Wrong by Douglas B. Downey
Enjoy this audiobook with MP3 Audiobook Player - the ultimate iOS audiobook experience
Most of us assume that public schools in America are unequal—that the quality of the education varies with the location of the school and that as a result, children learn more in the schools that serve mostly rich, white kids than in the schools serving mostly poor, black kids. But it turns out that this common assumption is misplaced. As Douglas B. Downey shows in How Schools Really Matter, achievement gaps have very little to do with what goes on in our schools. Not only do schools not exacerbate inequality in skills, they actually help to level the playing field. The real sources of achievement gaps are elsewhere. A close look at the testing data in seasonal patterns bears this out. It turns out that achievement gaps in reading skills between high- and low-income children are nearly entirely formed prior to kindergarten, and schools do more to reduce them than increase them. And when gaps do increase, they tend to do so during summers, not during school periods. So why do both liberal and conservative politicians strongly advocate for school reform, arguing that the poor quality of schools serving disadvantaged children is an important contributor to inequality? It’s because discussing the broader social and economic reforms necessary for really reducing inequality has become too challenging and polarizing—it’s just easier to talk about fixing schools. Of course, there are differences that schools can make, and Downey outlines the kinds of reforms that make sense given what we know about inequality outside of schools, including more school exposure, increased standardization, and better and fairer school and teacher measurements. How Schools Really Matter offers a firm rebuke to those who find nothing but fault in our schools, which are doing a much better than job than we give them credit for. It should also be a call to arms for educators and policymakers: the bottom line is that if we are serious about reducing inequality, we are going to have to fight some battles that are bigger than school reform—battles against the social inequality that is reflected within, rather than generated by—our public school system.
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
Audiobooks have become my preferred way to unwind – and this app is my partner in crime. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. 📚 Embracing reading in the digital age – this app makes accessing books a seamless and enjoyable experience. 📱🎉 ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
The ability to adjust playback speed is a game-changer for faster or more immersive listening. 🔥 Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears – audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. 🎵📖 Savoring audiobooks without complications – this app's design is commendable. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to introduce them to captivating stories.
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literature. 🌟 Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories – thank you, this app! 👚📖 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app!
Plays MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats
Optimized for iPhone, iPad, and iPod with seamless integration
Adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 3.0x for your listening preference
Import audiobooks via iTunes, cloud services, or direct downloads
Get your favorite audiobooks in supported formats from various sources
Import audiobooks to MP3 Audiobook Player using multiple methods
Control playback from your device, headphones, Apple Watch, or CarPlay
Join thousands of users who enjoy audiobooks with MP3 Audiobook Player daily
Download Now