I really think we do a number on kids expecting a 100%, perfection, as a goal. And then only give them one chance to achieve it, but ask them to do it day after day for years. It creates some really unhealthy coping mechanism.
It really warped my perspective when I moved out of the USA to Europe as an adult and found out that's not how school works elsewhere in the world. Still coping with it lol.
Could you elaborate? I always found the "grading on a curve" a distinctly American approach that leads to grade inflation and an overall lower academic level. Now, granted, the US provides very unique opportunities for students that want to go above and beyond, but that's another story.