WOW. I knew it was bad, but not this bad. However, the sampling of the populus for stats is kind of etchy. They dont state where and age groups, etc etc... But in general i agree that our educational system has gone to shit. In one year they have almost doubled the titution at our local community college.
Anyway, i think its because we whine too much and are lazy. Most of the kids i graduated in high school are working at department stores or "living" life to the fullest. I wish i could do that, but i cant because i dont have desposable income.
As an example to how much we whine, a while back in my math class the teacher scheduled an exam. 90% of the class whined saying thats insane because they have exams the day before, after, or some shit like that and reschedule for next week. I understand it'll be hard, but thats fucking tough. Its friggin college. I took all 4 mid terms in one day. Its not all that bad though, because where else can you live in the world where you go to jail or release a sex tape and make tons of money.