I know how to improve the high school level in Russia.

I think we should change the grade system. Well, I should explain. In Russia grade 5 means excellent, 4 is good, 3 is satisfactory, 2 is unsatisfactory. I offer instead of marks or grades write characteristics to students.

E.g. if a student answers very well and deserves to get 5 (excellent) you will write him a very clever student. Else if a student answers ok and deserves to get 4 (good) you will write in his student's book not a fool student. Then else if a student answers satisfactory and deserves to get 3 you will write him an ignorant student. And if a student answers very bad and deserves to get 2 you will write him a fool.

I think it will stimulate students because they will not want to get characteristics about themselves like an ignorant student or a fool.