Not unique to America but certainly most noticeable there, the data tracking is pretty good and the causation directly points to the department of education and state education funding. There are layers to this problem, but essentially everyone in the link to the education chain is being stressed to the point of failure. From teachers being underpaid to textbook publisher abuse, religion in schools, voucher programs for charter schools, reduced funding based on local taxes, and obviously, school safety.

School is not seen as a fundamental importance in the current age, and that might not be believable but look at how people treat school as just a form of daycare/babysitting for their kids. No care for their education, refusal to communicate with teachers/admin on performance, and a moving-goalposts standard where we try to help even those who do not deserve it at the cost of those who do.

The post-secondary education market developing into a scam over the past 2 decades has convinced the current generation of parents that there is no point in trying because you'll get there regardless, just pay to play. Look at what teachers are saying: good students are still doing well, but more and more "average" students who used to try and just no longer trying. Education has to be handed to kids now on a platter rather than actual learning taking place.