I have always felt that the schools should spend the same amount of money to challenge the extremely bright students as they do to boost the self-esteem of the extremely "special" students. Otherwise, society as a whole loses.
Ironically, the "bright students" DO get all the time and attention (not to mention money) that you think they should have. If you are "G&T" (Gifted and Talented) in most school systems, you truly get the red-carpet treatment. And I think that is a good thing, because it is an investment that will likely pay off in time.
Funny thing is, what you often hear is it's the kids in the "middle", the average kids, often with good grades and good attitudes, just going around being themselves, not taking the world by the horns--but not bent on destroying it, either--who really get the short end of the stick.
The extremes attract the money and the attention.
I have a gifted child and a "special needs" child. I can boost the education of my gifted child. I am not trained and educated in helping my special ed child.
With extra help, my daughter will be a productive member of society. If left alone, she would be a drain on society her entire life.