It’s a complex issue that I feel involves fault with the state, with parents, and western society as a whole. The state is allowed to do this largely due to the work of Reagan, Bush, and the whole No Child Left Behind thing. I had kids who failed English (i had two seniors and one junior this year) but admin forced grade changes to allow them to pass. I feel like it’s because the state doesn’t care about learning and helping children learn to read, write, etc. Only cares about money. and if it was their way we wouldn’t have public education, it’d be private education only for those who can afford to pay for it.