This issue of the "NCEDL Spotlights" describes the content of a new book, "The Transition to Kindergarten," based on a national transitions synthesis conference sponsored by the National Center for Early Development and Learning. The document delineates the chapter topics and describes four trends expected to have significant effect on the transition of children into American schools in the near future. Topics of the book include early schooling and social stratification, readiness, education equity and excellence, teacher practices, issues for families, parent involvement, at-risk students, children with disabilities, low-income families, research design and methodology, personnel preparation, policy issues, and significant trends. (KB)