The Irony I see is the parents blaming the schools and everyone/thing else for their child's failing, when the parent doesn't see to it that the child does their school work-that's on them-don't get me wrong-certainly there are poor teachers, schools and other elements that can come into play, but if a child comes to school unprepared-whatever the reason-the chances of success can be severely compromised. That's without even talking about those students that out in school with the parents defending their kids inappropriate behavior and assaulting teachers because the parent felt the teacher gave to much homework or wouldn't allow the "student" to do whatever he/she wanted to. Just as the politicians pass the buck, so too do many parents of failing students. It's about taking responsibility for your actions or inactions-that goes for teachers, administrators, parents, students and so on.
Of course I don't expect politicians to take responsibility for anything they do that goes wrong-but IMHO-the major blame or praise for how a child performs is with the parent(s)-they have the most to gain and lose -it is their child's life-step up to the plate -read to your child (if you can), if not put your child in one of the many free help programs available-nuture them with an eye on education, not on doing your own thing while Rome burns, and then blaming the firefighters for being late to the fire. The first 4-5 years of life set the stage for the rest of your life-some can climb out of the abyss, but many do not.