Education vs non-education

For quite some time, I've been thinking and looking into the education of the children that will someday be running this country.
Today's education system is almost unrecognizable from the education that I was subjected to.
I went to public school before the age of computers, the age of political correctness, the age of coddling, the age of irresponsibility, etc.
When I went to school, you were responsible to your parents for your grades.   It wasn't blamed on the school, the teachers, the child's limitations, language barriers, cultural differences, etc.
Sure some came from one parent homes, some came to school without breakfast, some didn't speak English that well..........so what ?   They just tried a little harder and succeeded anyway.   We also helped each other to do well in school because we knew the penalty for not doing well.
In order to move on to the next grade, one had to show some degree of efficiency for the subjects taught in their present grade...not promoted regardless.
Upon reaching high school, everyone could read, write, do math, knew some history and science as well as observing the school's rules.   Those that were unable to meet the criteria of being scholars were moved to trade schools where they learned a trade.   Most children in those days never thought about college and still went on to be successful in their lives to one degree or another.
Today, the schools have taken on the role of the parents.   The teachers become responsible for meals, conduct problems, lowering the passing grades for those that aren't even trying and are not allowed to use any form of discipline to correct antisocial behavior.
Most subjects are being taught in such a complicated way that even the student's parents don't understand what their children are supposed to learn.
I see schools where cursive writing is no longer taught because "you don't need it, you have a computer".   Math, an extremely important subject, is taught in a fashion that is counterproductive to the ease of learning math, English and grammar are no longer considered relevant, history is taught from a political point of view and not the reality of what really happened, science has been simplified so that the typical student will pass the class easily.  
All in all, I am observing the dumbing down of America.
More and more parents are using the schools as a place to stash their kids and "babysit" them.
I asked school age children all of the time; "When was the last time your parents asked to see your homework."   The predominant answer is "NEVER".
In order to solve any problems with the education of our children, the government either throws money at the problem or subsidizes charter schools or for-profit schools.   None of these "solutions" have worked.
The real problems are:
Parents are not taking responsibility for their children.
Teachers (the good ones) are poorly compensated and limited by their superiors.
Rather than keeping the students challenged, passing scores are lowered so everyone can "pass".
Political correctness has not only restricted what and how our children are taught, but has stifled any creativity in the teachers and the children.
Students are no longer taught a subject, they are taught how to pass the test for that subject.
Ah...you ask what can be done about this ?   That's so easy that no one has either thought of it or is gutsy enough to say it.   The solution is to step back 50 years and see why every student could read, write, do math, understood basic science, knew the history of the world and the United States, and
felt great about their achievements.
There are hardly any dedicated teachers left in our public school system.   Most teachers last 5 years or less before they quite and find another career.  Why does everyone have to go to college ?   Why can't many students learn a skill or trade and learn how to run a business ?   Why is one of the largest debts in America that of student loans (most of which are from students that never completed their college education or received a degree).    Because the system has gotten out of control.
Just look at your property taxes; the largest item on there is the amount that goes to your school district.   And yet, the quality of education keeps dropping.
College too, has deteriorated with sports being the big money maker rather than advancement in other areas.   Other than doctors, lawyers, accountants and educators; who do you know that is
For the most part, school is a place you go to socialize or learn about things that you can't make a living with until you finally decide on getting a real job.   How many people do you know (other than doctors, lawyers, accountants and educators) that are working at what they received a diploma for ?
Let's get back to teaching our kids and let all of their other problems be the responsibility of their parents and the community.