So sad, and so short-sighted. :-(
Yes, the one-size-fits-all formula doesn't work for many.
My husband and I often talk about the fact that "the system" tends to fail both ends of the spectrum at the same time. We were both at the bright end of the spectrum. While I was better at not rocking the boat, he was bored stiff and branded a trouble-maker. It was years down the road before someone decided to give him an IQ test. (Actually, there's a charming scene in the Icelandic film "Noi Albinoi" which focuses on that problem.)

My opinion is that a Montesorri-ish system is the only way that one can deal with all levels at the same time - but even that has its serious drawbacks. (Not to mention the fact that it requires a lower student-to-teacher ratio.)

My ex-husband attended a school of that style in Minneapolis. He had very high opinions of the school, but my observations was that the school simply magnified the parental attitudes. Hence, the children of parents who cared about their education did extremely well in that school. The ones whose parents did not care failed miserably.

This seems to support homeschooling again - it's the parents that matter most!
Still, for many, the system is their only option and it's so sad to see the system failing those who need it most.