[Animal]

I think the same could be said in many countries, not just the US and it's a shame. I don't feel that children spend nearly as much time in school as they need, to get a good education and the time they do spend in school very little is learned with regard to world affairs, but I don't think any one group can be pinpointed as the culprit. Lack of funding, kids who don't want to learn, teachers who don't want to teach and parents who are not interested enough in their childs education all add up to bad news.
I find it necessary myself to supplement my daughters learning with extra activities and work at home in the hopes that she will learn to educate herself in time and not rely on a failing school system.