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Apparently, you didn't read the REST of my posting, so I will repeat it here to help you.

I posted: What is that old saying, “Just because you hear doesn’t mean you were listening!” That is the same situation here; just because I teach doesn’t mean you were learning. In both situations, it takes ACTIVE participation of BOTH parties!

I did not state that it was ALL the kids fault, but they are just as guilty as the teachers. I have sat on many school and PTA boards, volunteered many hours in doing teacher reviews and audits. From my experience, I will state that MOST kids today simply do NOT want to learn. PERIOD!

That is a sad fact, but most are simply not interested because their parent's aren't interested. Most kids will show the most interest in the same things in which their parents or mentors show interest - basic fact. Because of this basic fact, you get a systematic programming made up of GIGO (garbage in, garbage out).

You stated: They NEVER STARTED teaching the kids to read. They never STARTED correcting mis-spoken language. The NEVER corrected wrong spelling. The NEVER taught proper punctuation.

I say that they MAY have attempted to do so, but most parents complained that their children were being mistreated, misunderstood or some other lame excuse for their kids failure to comprehend and comply with proper reading, speaking, spelling and punctuation. If the parents do not support and enforce the teachers efforts, then no matter who or what is up there teaching, the kids are not going to acquire that knowledge.

All the proper knowledge that was attempted to be imparted to the students in a short ninety minute session each (or every other day) can not undo all of the improper knowledge with which the kids were deluged the other 22.5 hours of the day.

As I started my original post, anything bad that happens to a teacher's union is still too good for them, but this particular lawsuit is simply ignorant and pretty much without merit.

I believe I am still right. However you were right BEFORE I was. The key to the failure lies with the parents.
It is the basic job of parents to TEACH their children. Be it manners, behavior, religious tenets, compassion, or numbers and colors, the parents MUST be the first teachers.
It is tragic that in the poorest ASIAN communities, the children excel in the same schools that fail “others”, but the close knit family discipline of Asian families is world known.
Ask about parent/teacher conferences. When my oldest was in the 5th grade I went to “teachers conference” 30 minutes early, so I’d get in and out at the head of the line. The teacher walked in to ONLY 3 parents. She sadly shook her head and sighed, “Always, the parents who don’t have to come are the ONLY ones waiting for me. You three, your children are the reasons I still love my profession.”
The three of us left together, and there was only one parent waiting. There is the key.