In K-12 education, there are two opposing views related to individual student achievement: A) 'pro-excellence': raise the ceiling, aim to maximize the realizat

In K-12 education, there are two opposing views related to individual student achievement: A) 'pro-excellence': raise the ceiling, aim to maximize the realization of human potential. B) 'pro-equity': raise the floor, narrow the 'achievement gap' at all costs, including lowering the ceiling. Viewpoint B is what guides much of district-level education policy in the US.