Based on the conference of the same title held in February, 1998, this volume focuses on integrating knowledge about the transition to kindergarten, incorporating research by American psychologists, developmental specialists, sociologists, and educational scholars. Topics covered include assessing readiness, the rights and responsibilities of families as they enter the world of school age children, special needs children, and ways that policy can enhance a child's transition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

About the Editors	vii
About the Contributors	ix
Foreword	xv
Preface	xvii
Section I The Significance of Early School Transitions
Chapter 1 Introduction: An Ecological Approach to Kindergarten Transition	3
Chapter 2 Early Schooling and Social Stratification	13
Chapter 3 Assessing Readiness	39
Chapter 4 Promoting Educational Equity and Excellence in Kindergarten	67
Section II The Ecology of Transitions into and Through Kindergarten
Chapter 5 Diverse Perspectives on Kindergarten Contexts and Practices	109
Chapter 6 Families and Schools: Rights, Responsibilities, Resources, and Relationships	143
Chapter 7 Changing Schools for Changing Families	179
Section III Transitions for Children with Diverse Backgrounds
Chapter 8 Beginning School for Children at Risk	217
Chapter 9 Children with Disabilities in Early Elementary School	253
Chapter 10 Kindergarten Practices with Children from Low-Income Families	281
Section IV Implications for the Kindergarten Transition
Chapter 11 Research on the Transition to Kindergarten	305
Chapter 12 Personnel Preparation and the Transition to Kindergarten	317
Chapter 13 The Practice of Effective Transitions: Players Who Make a Winning Team	325
Chapter 14 Policy and the Transition Process	351
Chapter 15 The Changing Nature of the Transition to School: Trends for the Next Decade	363
Index	381

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