I have discussed this with plenty of teachers and have learned:
1. Teachers are only educating student to the point of passing the tests, in order to get the funding the school needs. "Teach to the test."
2. Students are learning quickly that they can behave poorly and not do any work and still pass, as long as they pass the required tests for NCLB.
3. Schools/Teachers are "modifying" the students to give such students easier tests so they can pass. In Texas, we use ARD. "Lowering achievement goals."
4. Good teachers are being blamed for a child's low tests scores.
The simple fact is, you can not teach a student anything he/she does not want to learn. They must WANT to learn. So stop passing them if they goof off and educate their PARENTS on the need of a good education!