I wouldn't say America has the dumbest kids. Unlucky, maybe. Beware private schools, btw-I go to a small, state-run school in SE London and our results beat the local private schools
Personally I intend to become a teacher myself (WHY?

). I hope this education thing gets sorted out. If there's education, there won't be another president who, on hitting his dog with a tennis ball, shrieks "I hitteded ma dog!"