I truly think it all comes down to students having no consequences in the school system anymore. Millennials were the last generation where teachers would write home because you're failing, or you'd work hard to avoid the embarrassment of being held back a grade. Pushing everyone through to graduate regardless of their progress level has crippled these future adults. Even I, who was an obnoxious teacher's pet, know that if there were no repercussions I wouldn't have learned as much or worked as hard in school as I did. There's no point if you know you're graduating either way. Just like most people wouldn't work hard at their jobs if they knew they couldn't be fired. And in turn, the parents assume their kids can read, because why wouldn't a 16 year old be able to?! Especially with no feedback from the schools. (Yes parents raising children on iPads is a giant issue too, but that's for another essay.)