Your question is legitimate, and I don't take it as a jab. I guess it's a part of small town life to accept some things because the dynamics involved in trying to change them is not worth the trouble. If you have never lived in a very small town, so small that the school system IS the community, then you may not understand it.
My children will not be affected by this, at least not permanently. Selfish attitude, I know; they are bright kids and will do well whatever the environment. Unfortunately, it's the borderline kids who may never recover from this foolishness. In fact, it's the very kids that this garbage was created to help who will be most damaged by it.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I taught in a small town public school, so I understand your problem from the other side of the fence.