Includes bibliographical references (pages 343-374) and index.

The flat world, educational inequality, and America's future -- The anatomy of inequality : how the opportunity gap is constructed -- New standards and old inequalities : how testing narrows and expands the opportunity gap -- Inequality on trial : does money make a difference? -- A tale of three states : what happens when states invest strategically (or don't) -- Steady work : how countries build successful systems -- Doing what matters most : developing competent teaching -- Organizing for success : from inequality to quality -- Policy for quality and equality : toward genuine school reform.

Argues that the education system in America needs to make drastic changes in order to build a system of high-achieving and equitable schools that protects every child's right to learn.