This inspiring success story follows a young boy who was initially misclassified in a restrictive classroom despite his exceptional talents. Through determined advocacy, he was placed in a full inclusion program—where he thrived academically and personally.

In this breakdown of the pivotal BSEA case In Re: Desmond & Dracut Public Schools, we examine how the district’s dismissal of dyslexia needs—highlighted by a staff member’s claim that students only need to read at a “4th or 5th-grade level”—led to a ruling in favor of private placement. Learn how parents can identify denial of FAPE, gather the right data, and push for out-of-district placement when public schools fall short.