His dad had died when Brian was in the first grade, and his mom seemed overwhelmed with the demands facing her. Liz Shaw, a school psychologist for the Blackwood School District is presented with a crisis situation involving a student, Jimmy Landon. She recognizes the seriousness of the situation but is bound by a three-week waiting list. Meanwhile, Jimmy bizarre behaviors are escalating and his teacher is concerned. The only suggestions that are offered to Sharon are to be patient and don't rock the boat.
New technology is currently available to partially restore hearing to children once profoundly deaf.
A language barrier seems the largest obstacle to hurdle but the sacrifice may be too large. It Takes A Village Charlie, a ten year old who has been in a self-contained EMH classroom, recently moved with his family to a new state. This will be his first experience in a school committed to inclusionary practices. The Special Education co-ordinator finds a temporary placement for Charlie in a 5th grade classroom until she can conduct a thorough assessment of his needs and abilities. The 5th grade teacher is overheard in the teacher's lounge complaining about having Charlie in her class.