S.C.
I have been a public school teacher in Richardson ISD for 6 years. His public school is required to get him the help/support he needs- even if that means that he needs his own aide during the whole school day. (severe cases)
BUT...you are your child's best advocate. If you don't fight for him, there may be no one else at school who does since he may require a lot of time and resources. *I suggest you look into the laws concerning this.*
I don't know enough about your son's particular situation to be able to get too specific on what he might need. However, it seems like you need to DEMAND something called a "child study" (it might be called something else at his school) and then an ARD. This is a meeting that involves special education teachers, his regular teacher, principal, counselor, maybe a reading or math specialist,and YOU, as well as others. They will create a plan to help your son be more successful in school. It may seem very intimidating to have all of these people at a meeting with you. BUT, if you show that you really are concerned about your child and that you are willing to take any suggestions that they offer to help at home, I think that you will find that public school resources really can help him work to the very best of his ability.
Bottom line: his public school is required to give him whatever resources he needs to succeed. You just have to keep on top of it to make sure he does. And you will have to do a lot of work with your son at home, as well.
From your comments, it sounds like he is having a reading comprehension problem?? Be sure you are reading to him EVERY day for 30 minutes. Stop periodically and ask him to summarize what you just read. Ask him questions about what he thinks will happen next (making predictions.) You can also practice comprehension during TV shows- ask him questions about the program during commercials.
Let him drop down a level (or two, or three) when he is choosing books at the library. It will help him build his confidence with a book or magazine he can read/understand better rather than making him struggle through a more complicated book that just frustrates him.
Remember that he must be frustrated and embarrassed. So make sure you celebrate the small victories with him. Praise, praise, and more praise always gives a kid hope and encourages him to keep trying.
As a teacher, I understand your frustrations and fear, and I hope the best for your son. Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions that you think I might be able to help you with.
Best wishes to you both and don't give up!