If you haven't already, get this book: the Deliberate Dumbing Down of America by Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt. It should be required reading for anyone of voting age. It's a real eye opener and shows how the gubmint has systematically dumbed down the population since the 1930's.
Here's a link to get a copy
http://www.deliberatedumbingdown.com/
Also include the work of The Frankfurt School's minions in public education, teaching schools and the NEA.