Those 41% are really F and F-. Teachers are no longer allowed to give F because racism, and low self esteem. Just like Liberals want to pretend that crime does not exist by never prosecuting anyone, Liberals want to pretend that the educational system is Great! by never failing anyone.
The A and A+ students are the ones getting slammed (if they are the wrong race), because of racial disparities. We can't all be 'equal' if some students are gifted.
Except in rare instances, gifted students have never been the focus of the system. While some individual teachers revel in the challenges a gifted student poses, others would rather have their students just move in lockstep. Since the system has become more sensitive about not offending those who cannot/will not achieve, the gifred have really been getting the shaft.