Mainstreaming has done more damage than that I think. It is like communism bringing everyone down to the lowest common denominator.
Definition of 'mainstreaming'
1. the act of placing a pupil with additional support needs into a class for those without additional support needs.
Everybody passes (participation trophy graduation) is the culprit. Keeping them back from going to the next grade (flunking students) solves "mainstreaming" problems.
JMO, YMMV