The American education system has become the scapegoat for poor parenting and work ethic for a long time. No teacher decided to teach because the wanted to cash in on the big payday
At one point, they were all idealistic, and either remain so or have been broken at some point along the way.
We compare our test scores to other countries who don't have inclusive school systems. The end effect is that we are comparing 100% of our kids to the top 40% of theirs.
The public seems to think that their children whould learn everything at school. This is rediculous. I learned how to read AT HOME. My mother read to me every night as a child and helped me with my school work as well. I don;t think this happens as much as it used to anymore.
The public school system isn't broken, but out society is slowly breaking apart as we constantly devalue the importance of the family in a child's education and development.