Theory Why Schools aren't as Good as They Were

I've heard and particapted in a number of discussion about why the schools don't seem as good as they did decades ago. There are number of factors that people usually point to. The other day I heard one that I hadn't before and while i don't really agree with it i'll pass it on.

the factor was women's rights. the theory goes like this: decades ago most women did not work. For those who did work they did had very limited options, the largest being nurse, secretary or teacher.

so you had a lot of very intelligent, driven creative women, who in todays world would be doctors, lawyers, business owners and top executives becoming schoolteachers. as years past and more and more opportunities for women opened up the teacher talent pool was severely affected.

has anyone else heard of this argument? i don't agree but i thought that it was an interesting viewpoint