As long as we cater to the average, we are allowing the average to be brought down by underachievers - we need to draw a line somewhere. Moving to the US from Europe to start my Sophomore year of high school was a real shock - even with any language and cultural barriers I was being taught things that I had learned years before that. I ended up dropping out, not because I couldn't keep up, but because I was actually bored in school and just couldn't stand not learning something new. I regret not having a real diploma and just a GED - but other than that I have no regrets. It hasn't hindered my job prospects and I have come far enough on my own.

Back to my original point; I think the education system needs to raise the bar slightly above average and attempt to make children reach for their goals.