This is my second reply. I forgot to log in before I typed the first one. So I hope I remember everything I said!!
In regards to Gatto's article, I disagreed with him. I work with several teachers who teach to the state mandated curriculum but also make it fun. They use a variety of activites to accomplish this. How you approach the task is what will make the difference. Most administrators will support you as long as your test scores are high. The main goal for teachers is to take the state's idea of what you should teach and make it fun. Their guidelines do not tell you how but what. Be creative.
Plato's article really gave me a lot to ponder. There are several ways to interpret his meaning. To me, he was saying that once we achieve a certain knowledge we should share it with those who have not achieved that understanding.