Until they hear from the parents about the emotional toll lack of challenge takes on kids, most folks won't be motivated to do anything. You have to cry when things get bad.
I don't know if I'd call it lucky per se, but my oldest made for quick learning on the major drawbacks of lack of challenge and drill of materials she already knew b/c she did just that: cried. When I had a normally reserved (at least in public) six year old who was sitting at her desk crying in class, I knew that there was a major problem.
