Special Education in Contemporary Society wins a 2015 Textbook Excellence Award

Los Angeles, CA (June 19, 2015) Special Education in Contemporary Society: An Introduction to Exceptionality (fifth edition), by special education expert Dr. Richard M. Gargiulo, has won a Textbook Excellence Award (‘Texty’) from the Text and Academic Authors Association (TAA). Published by SAGE, the new fifth edition expands on current trends and contemporary issues to serve both pre-service and in-service teachers of exceptional students.

“I believe what makes Special Education in Contemporary Society (5e) unique is that I attempted to portray individuals with disabilities, and those with gifts and talents, as vibrant, dynamic, contributing members of society,” commented Gargiulo. “It is first and foremost a book about people; their exceptionality does not define their personhood.”

‘Texty’ awards are given to textbooks that are interesting and informative, well-organized and well-prepared, up-to-date and appealing, and teachable.

Grounded in research and containing current thinking and standards of the field, Special Education in Contemporary Society offers a comprehensive introduction to special education. The aim of the book is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful teachers.

Regarding the award, Gargiulo commented, “I am deeply honored and truly humbled by this recognition; it is validation of what it means to be a SAGE author.”

Gargiulo is a former Fulbright Scholar to the Czech Republic and Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he won the University’s President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is a past president of both the Division of International Special Education and Services and the Division on Autism and Development Disabilities at the Council for Exceptional Children.

“Dr. Richard Gargiulo’s unique, person-centered approach to special education is what makes this text stand out in the market. We are proud to publish Special Education in Contemporary Society and honored to call Dr. Gargiulo a SAGE author,” said Michele Sordi, Vice President of Editorial at SAGE. “With every new edition of his book, Dr. Gargiulo is an actively engaged partner with SAGE in keeping pace with new pedagogical features and technology that enhance the value of his book for both students and instructors.”

Gargiulo and all TAA textbook award winners will be recognized at the upcoming awards luncheon during TAA’s 28th Annual Textbook & Academic Authoring Conference, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 20th, 2015.

Find out more about Special Education in Contemporary Society: An Introduction to Exceptionality here.