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

Audiobook How Schools Really Matter: Why Our Assumption about Schools and Inequality Is Mostly Wrong by Douglas B. Downey
Download from App Store

Book Description

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.

User Reviews

Fast Draw
 avatar
Fast Draw

This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery – a win-win! Seamless audiobook integration – this app's design is a true delight. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.

Marbles
 avatar
Marbles

🚶‍♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. Finally, an audiobook player that supports all formats! No more converting files.

Racy Babe
 avatar
Racy Babe

ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience.

Midas
 avatar
Midas

I've fallen in love with genres I never thought I'd explore, all thanks to this app. 🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.

Senior Smurf
 avatar
Senior Smurf

📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥 Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!

Landfill Max
 avatar
Landfill Max

With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's pure bliss. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use.

Why Choose MP3 Audiobook Player?

Wide Format Support

Plays MP3, MP4, OPUS, OGG, FLAC, AWB, M4B, M4A, WMA, AAC formats

All iOS Devices

Optimized for iPhone, iPad, and iPod with seamless integration

Speed Control

Adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 3.0x for your listening preference

Multiple Download Methods

Import audiobooks via iTunes, cloud services, or direct downloads

How It Works

1. Download Audiobooks

Get your favorite audiobooks in supported formats from various sources

2. Add to App

Import audiobooks to MP3 Audiobook Player using multiple methods

3. Listen & Enjoy

Control playback from your device, headphones, Apple Watch, or CarPlay

Advanced Features

For Fiction Listening

  • Edit metadata and covers
  • Equalizer and sound enhancement
  • Adjustable playback speed
  • Dark mode and themes
  • Auto-bookmarks and AirPlay support

For Audio Lectures

  • Unlimited bookmarks
  • Custom covers and organization
  • Sleep timer and auto-rewind
  • Noise reduction and voice enhancement
  • Lock screen and Control Center controls

Start Listening to How Schools Really Matter: Why Our Assumption about Schools and Inequality Is Mostly Wrong Today

Join thousands of users who enjoy audiobooks with MP3 Audiobook Player daily

Download Now