And some never enjoy math. Yet, somehow, the world continues to turn, and people from all learning groups continue to find personal happiness. Certainly I don't wish to argue that there's no way to measure academic progress. I even defend and tutor such tests as the SAT and ACT, though I note their severe limitations. The United States is a democratic country in which the majority rules by vote.
Some people love cars.
They spend lots of money on a fleet of expensive cars. Others who love cars buy cheap parts and rebuild vehicles with a loving hand. Other people love farming, or painting, or computers. Others love academics. Centralized planning, be it on the federal, state, or district level, can't handle the diversity of real people.