A flu epidemic requires several advanced students to join Kotter's class, where they quickly outshine his struggling students. Kotter boosts the battered self-confidence of his Sweathogs by demonstrating that not all smarts are book smarts.

Arnold and Mr. Kotter persuade the Sweathogs to hold a telethon for much needed school supplies.

Mr. Woodman gleefully informs Kotter that there are no records of his having completed his senior exams, so Kotter has to take the tests alongside his Sweathogs, who commit to tutoring him.