Why Are Georgia's Student's Still Struggling With Math and Reading?

Did you know that only 6 states require middle school students to take state test to determine if they pass to the next grade?Georgia is one of those six. Did you know that Georgia is 1 out of 19 states that require high school students to pass a state test to graduate? Guess which state also has state test for elementary students, you guessed it Georgia.  Shouldn't all this testing help...WHY ARE SO MANY CHILDREN WHO LIVE IN GEORGIA STILL STRUGGLING WITH MATH AND READING?

According to a recent study released in May 2010 Georgia's 4th graders are ranked 35th in the nation for reading proficiency levels. The studies point to low performing schools, low parent involvement ,poor nutrition, learning loss over the summer and high absenteeism.  

We all know that elementary children no longer get recess, no longer get to talk and joke around with friends during lunch, some face overcrowded classrooms and overworked or "burned out" teachers. AND what do the kids do during the summer?

What about our high schoolers? How are they doing with testing?
According to another study Georgia has one of the lowest high school graduation rates in the nation, less than 60%.
 
Is it that fact that students don't read books like we did when we were younger? Is the fact that they can use calculators and don't really have to understand the principles of math? Or could it be the fact that technology (videos, cell phones and TV) has taken the place of family time (reading bedtime stories, checking homework,etc.) Could be the fact that parents are busy working longer hours, more stressed about their finances and life in general?

Whatever it is, our children are suffering and we need to find a way to resolve this. LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS.