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Special Education in Contemporary Society

Richard M. Gargiulo

Cover of Special Education in Contemporary Society

Special Education in Contemporary Society

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

An Introduction to Exceptionality

by Richard M. Gargiulo

Reading Level 8 12LT Ages 9-12 Sweet Spot

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Imagine a world where every kid learns in their own special way, and teachers become superheroes who help everyone shine. This book reveals the amazing stories behind how schools support all kinds of learners, including those with extraordinary talents and unique needs. Understanding this can change how we see our friends and classmates — but that’s only the beginning.

Themes

EducationSpecial educationTeaching of gifted childrenTeaching of those with special educational needsMulticultural

Quick Assessment

This comprehensive book offers an in-depth look at special education, covering its history, laws, and modern practices with a strong focus on inclusion. It is designed for middle-grade readers and students interested in education, providing accessible explanations of complex topics like legislation, cultural diversity, and technology use in teaching. Parents should note that while the content is educational and suitable for ages 9-12, it involves detailed discussions about special education frameworks and policies.

Why we rated Special Education in Contemporary Society 12LT

Special Education in Contemporary Society is written at a Level 8 reading level across 672 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 9.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Special Education in Contemporary Society works for readers up to grade 10.0.

We rate Special Education in Contemporary Society as 12LT ("Light — Thematic") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.

Thematically, Special Education in Contemporary Society explores education, special education, teaching of gifted children, teaching of those with special educational needs, and multicultural — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

  • Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
  • Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
  • Kids drawn to stories about education, special education, teaching of gifted children.
  • Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.

Maybe not for

  • ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12LT — Light — Thematic
Emotional
Clear
Physical
Clear
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

No conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
2
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

672 pages
ISBN
9780534574833
Pages
672
Publisher
Wadsworth Publishing Company
Published
March 29, 2002
Type
Nonfiction

Genres

Subjects

Teaching of Gifted ChildrenTeaching of Those With Special Educational NeedsSpecial EducationEducationTeachingUnited StatesSpecial Education--united StatesLc3981 .g37 2015371.90973

Places

United States