Johnny Crump struggles with simple things like appropriate language. His teachers have tried numerous behavioral therapies suggested by the school's psychologist and lunchroom manager, Nancy Plum. None of which have worked, leaving the school's staff with two choices, suspension or a transfer to Cloverdale's School for the Behaviorally Handicapped. Faced with those options, Mrs. Crump suggested another solution, while unorthodox, it has has proven successful. Johnny seems happier along with his fellow students because they don't have to spend large parts of the school day with their ears covered. Ms. Plum is writing a paper for the shire's education digest advocating the procedure for the most difficult to treat students.
