We definitely buy into this at my school. Our math/science curriculum features AP courses, but we go well beyond the scope of the AP topics, digging deeper for further understanding. Problem solving is a huge aspect of our curriculum. I teach discrete math, and I focus my course on proof and problem solving. My goal is to get the students to think creatively about math and to communicate effectively using mathematical symbols and terminology. In fact, we use the AOPS series with our math team students. I think the term 'calculus trap' is an unfortunate label, though.
