So true. It's easier and more intuitive for most people to help those different from them to become like themselves. Hence raising below-grade-level students toward grade-level, and not supporting above-grade-level students any further beyond.
Educators are also, as is frequently mentioned, not routinely trained in GT, let alone 2e. A subset are specifically trained in disabilities, and most have had some exposure. Current best practice teacher prep programs actually require at least one course in disabilities education. So most educators respond to 2e needs based on their personal experience, which is statistically going to be very limited, or out of their disabilities training, which biases them toward looking at weaknesses.
Individual staff continue to be the most important factor...my parents used to select placements year to year based on where a specific, most accommodating, administrator was.
