Bad Education

First Jen: Yes, they do teach to the test because the test is considered objective and equal in comparing different students in the same or different schools, and even in different states. One problem with the tests is that they cannot test for the UNDERSTANDING of a subject, rather than certain key pieces of knowledge. This is why we have a population with little understanding but lots of knowledge. The other problem with the tests is that they are multiple-choice (MC) in format. This is a poor format for finding what a student has actually learned. in fact, for discerning the understanding the student might have gained, they are literally useless.
Second, White Feather: Super bingo to you! The current system does squash love of learning, and yes, it is fundamentally flawed. You have hit two nails on the head!
Third, Mandy: So the schools lack funds, but at least you have a nice stadium (I assume you mean sports stadium).
Pretty much says it all.
Alcuin