One thing the public education system fails to understand is that there are, in fact, a whole bunch of different things that different kids should be taught. I think basic education is a very valuable thing, but after middle school kids really need to be split into trade schools and further general education. There's a lot of kids (mostly the ones you guys are alluding to) who'd probably be better off doing a trade.
I like Japan's method of having kids always take tests to determine what school they'll go to next.