Our culture clearly has a problem. We elevate sports and those who compete in them above all else (see Steubenville, Ohio; Allen, Texas; etc.). In order for our education system to improve from average we must have a change in our culture.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/27/best-education-in-the-wor_n_219...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/17/math-test-proficiency-naep-pisa...