Randy,
Don't discount the drives to apply these failed new methods of teaching.  As universal education became more of a reality it became apparent that many children simply were not achieving up to expectations through current methods of teaching.  We keep trying and still can't succeed in our goals.
Does this failure begin with parents who can't or won't, for a multitude of reasons, provide a home atmosphere conducive to learning?  It's certainly a factor but society resists the state stepping in to solve it.
Or, as politically incorrect as this concept undeniably is, are we expecting too much? Are many of us incapable of acquiring the literacy and other skills needed to function in this fledgling technological age no matter what combination of methods we apply?  All technological advances leave some behind.  That's a deeper conundrum and unpalatable to an egalitarian society which equates "all men are created equal" as all are born with equal abilities.