It's hard to separate out the propaganda from the truth though when it comes to this sort of thing. I know the US has issues - in some places. In my time at a "backwoods" university, I have encountered no or nearly no stories of gross ignorance at one's high-school. (14-18 years old).
However, in more urban areas, one hears these stories more often, I hear. Usually, however, this comes with a prelidiction against Democrats and teachers unions.

I need a reliable and minimally-biased source.