Originally I am from Switzerland. Recently I went on the website of the School I went to. Among instructions to the parents is one particular item:
Reading is also expected to be done at home. The parents must make time and read with their child/children to reinforce what they had learnt in school.
The school system is pressuring the parents.
If we would do that here in Australia our kids would be better in reading also. Schools could ask retired people who have a good education background to come to school and to voluntary reading with kids. I do that in a Public School. The teacher gives me books as she knows what level they are and these kids have to read with me on one on one. I do that 3 days for 2 hours in the morning.
We cannot expect teachers to do parents obligations also.