Inequality for All

Inequality for All makes an important contribution to current debates about economic inequalities and the growing achievement gap, particularly in mathematics and science education. The authors argue that the greatest source of variation in opportunity to learn is not between local communities, or even schools, but between classrooms. They zero in on one of the core elements of schooling—coverage of subject-matter content—and examine how such opportunities are distributed across the millions of school children in the United States. Drawing on data from the third TIMMS international study of curriculum and achievement, as well as a 61-district study in the United States, they point to Common Core State Standards as being a key step in creating a more level playing field for all students.

William H. Schmidt is University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University and co-director of the Education Policy Center. Curtis C. McKnight is emeritus professor of mathematics at the University of Oklahoma.

“If you have any reservations on why the U.S. needs Common Core Standards you need to read this excellent book.”
—Barbara Schneider, Hannah Chair, Michigan State University

“I applaud the authors for making a strong case for the Common Core Mathematics Standards from the perspective of leveling the field of learning for all children. Let us hope that they will also bring their formidable scholarship to bear on the next step: how to ensure a basic uniformity in teacher quality.” —Hung-Hsi Wu, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, University of California at Berkeley

“This book presents an engaging and compelling argument about the dismal state of mathematics education in the United States, illuminating how the nuts and bolts of kids’ opportunities to learn in school —curriculum content coverage—have implications for democratic principles of liberty and justice. It provides important insights on improving U.S. mathematics lessons.”
—James P. Spillane, Spencer T. & Ann W. Olin Professor in Learning & Organizational Change, Northwestern University

“Inequality for All points out how difficult educating our next generation of leaders is becoming and how much we have to do to correct the situation. Dr. Schmidt’s call for coherence in curriculum and classrooms everywhere is brilliant and worthy.” —James Taylor, Vice-Chairman, Harrison Group

2012 American School Board Journal Notable Book in Education