April 9, Friday -- Pennsylvania State University sociologist George Farkas studies what happens in kindergarten and first grade when teachers place students in reading groups based on ability. Farkas will talk on how teachers make decisions based on race, gender and social-class differences. He will also discuss what research has shown to be the effect of placing students in higher groups on their learning and reading achievement. Sponsored by the Economy, Justice and Society Program and the Institute of Governmental Affairs, the talk is set for 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held in the Agricultural History Conference Room, 5214 Social Sciences and Humanities Building. The talk is free and open to the public.