I truly hate getting into this argument again.. but here we go! I believe that a greater emphasis needs to placed on parent involvement! The family unit has disappeared! Do you know how many students I know that have only one parent at home! That parent is usually work 2 to 3 jobs to support their families. They have little time to sit down with their children to help with there studies. America is a latch key society ( one reason or another).
I know of the nincompoops on this site that blame just the teachers, it's not the whole story. Don't forget America's average sucks, not all the students are doing badly!
What would you do if your boss told you " I need you to work 300 hours more a year without getting paid"! I know of the tea her haters are going to say..me I'd work those hours without getting paid ! Yeah right!