Which is the perfect segue for my next question which is why? Why do we citizens continue to allow that to be the case? Are we some how prevented from correcting it?
Most citizens don't know any better. After being mis-educated by government schools, they continue their ignorance by getting their adult education from the entertainment world.
The root of the problem is the local school boards. Most people don't know that they exist to represent the taxpayers. Because of this ignorance they tend to vote for professional educators to fill this role. That's like putting the fox in charge of guarding the henhouse. It's all downhill from there decade after decade.
To real solution is for us (you and me) to educate every friend, neighbor, and relative of the proper role of the school board. Once that happens we will see a turnaround, but it will take decades.
Decide and act.