They say that a country is a state of mind rather than a place. It has some truth to it — places, no matter how diverse, can function as countries, as long as they share common values and attitudes. 

The purpose of cultural institutions like schools and universities, is to support those common values and attitudes. That doesn’t mean that values and culture are static, but you need evolution, not revolution. 

Our education system is declining because it is in revolt against the culture which has served us so well.