> the truth is America has given up on "shifting the distribution" to the right.

The truth is that most voters don't care about education. People who run for school boards don't do so with policy recommendations backed by research. They do so solely on backgrounds as mediators between teachers, parents, and administrators. Yes, people skills are needed for the job, but people skills are needed for any job. Making people happy is not the same as getting things done, and you need someone who can do both in any job you are hiring for.

> Its impossible to do so at the lower end, without massive redistribution.

Korea and China have shown that it is possible with the political will. Jaime Escalante has shown that even instilling only student will is sufficient.