Peer groups, popularity, and social preference: trajectories of social functioning among students with and without learning disabilities

The extant literature on the social functioning of students with learning disabilities (LD) has indicated that whereas a majority belong to peer groups, a higher proportion are isolated and most have lower social status among peers in general than their typically achieving classmates. Although some work has examined these issues over short-term longitudinal studies, none to date have examined them over extensive time periods. Toward this end, the current study examined a sample of 1,361 students (678 girls and 683 boys; 55 with LD) using multiple measures of peer social functioning assessed each semester from spring of third grade through fall of sixth grade. The results indicated that whereas students with LD were similar to their typically achieving peers in terms of group functioning and characteristics, they were viewed as lower in social standing among their classmates as a whole. These effects were maintained over time, indicating that long-term inclusion may not substantially affect peer social functioning among students with LD.     

STRATEGIES TO EXPAND A PENPAL PROGRAM FROM SIMPLE LETTERS INTO A FULL INTERGENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Senior Pen Pal Program offered in the first grade classroom at Mulready Elementary School in Hudson, MAis an example of a successful intergenerational program. The program has evolved from a letter exchange to include the assignment of books about senior citizens, regular correspondence, and structured group visits between participants. Some of the seniors visit the classroom and lead activities. The senior center is visited by the students and an intergenerational concert is held during the holidays.     

The molecular scattering of light from certain organic liquids

An attempt is made to discover in the molecular scattering of light a method by which atomic linkages in molecules may be recognized. The essential features of the method are described. There are rather serious difficulties in its application to complex molecules, two of which are suggested. Nevertheless, it may be claimed that the work is not without result, because frequencies attributable to linkages which hold externally substituted atoms or groups seem to be relatively undisturbed by positional effects.In conclusion, the authors wish to express their indebtedness to Mr. G. M. J. Mackay whose interest in this problem made the present work possible.