I can agree with all points except the last one. Excellent teachers claim that ...well, teachers are excellent. And some are, but TOO FEW.
I have to disagree with a blanket statement on that.
However, i don't agree that teachers are the main problem, not at all. It's that cursed NEA and top heavy admin. grrrrr
You forgot to include those kids who are out of control. This kids can disrupt a class and the teacher gets no support from the principal or the kids family.
We need to bring back reform schools for these troublemakers or some other method to expell kids.
The Rocky Mountain News did an article on the steps needed to expell a kid. It was ridiculous, long and hard process.