i think we're on the same page there. my general thought is that all kids are capable of learning about different ways of thinking, which is what gifted education is all about. at what age level is a different issue.

from my memory, my mom taught units on photography, civil rights history, problem solving, reasoning, creative writing, deconstructing things to make something new, etc. i think most, if not all, students are able to grasp those things, though maybe that's my bias as somebody who got that sort of teaching both at home and in public school. sadly, all the non-gifted students only got the rote lessons that prepared them for standardized testing, but i suspect average students would maybe enjoy more school more if they had a more gifted-like education. gifted kids aren't the only ones who get bored by school.