It's simple: get the government and the unions out of the classroom. Allow teachers to teach; support the concept that students must study and not just prepare for government mandated tests.
To young to remember when an honest grade allowed parents to judge how their children were actually doing in school? Well we need to get back to honest grading, supported by strict and honest parenting and stop "educators" from indoctrinating our children with the latest fad in social engineering and political correctness.
Not everyone needs a college degree or be deemed a failure. A good mechanic, plumber or electrician is just as important to society as any politician or a lawyer.
The cost of such a fix?
A huge refund of taxpayer dollars resulting with proud, industrious and well educated students.
How about classes on common sense.