Comment So many things that contribute to this (Score 5, Insightful) 215
No Child Left Behind - teach test taking, rather than subject matter or how to think.
Continually being told "all you have to do is believe" - and similar fake encouragements.
If you look attractive, you'll get into hollywood - why study anything?
If you are strong, you'll be in professional sports - why study anything?
Teachers' hands being tied in how they customize their lesson plans for the students they have.
Attention spans are __gone__.
I'm probably missing half a dozen.