"The decline is the result of myriad bad decisions. Some were national, some statewide and some the responsibility of local school districts." What gary fails to grasp is that every one of these cases stems from trying to "rebuild our education system." So long as the state school board is dominated by 100% political correct liberals this problem is partisan, and will continue until they are removed. Furthermore, when we have educators like gary who are mightily confused by simple 8th grade science when it comes to "organics" it is educators like gary who are the problem. They are incapable of educating, and great at liberal indoctrination.