This GLR Learning Tuesdays discussion, titled The Kindergarten Exodus: Why, Where and What We Can Do Now, featured the voices of committed district superintendents from across the country sharing their insights about what it takes to reengage families and reenroll young students — even as the chaos and confusion of the pandemic ensues. Co-sponsored with New America, its Director of Early and Elementary Education Policy Laura Bornfreund framed the issue by sharing data from a recent New York Times article, also titled The Kindergarten Exodus, and other reports indicating that the average school district saw a shocking and unfortunate 16% decline in kindergarten enrollment in the 2020–2021 school year. In case you missed this timely and stimulating session, links to the recording and other materials can be accessed here on CLIP, with links to specific resources below.

After reviewing the data and New America’s work highlighting how policy can help meet the needs of young learners, Bornfreund moderated a lively discussion among Superintendents Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Ed.D., of Oakland Unified School District, Mike Kuhrt of Wichita Falls Independent School District, Cheryl Logan, Ed.D., of Omaha Public Schools and Alena Zachery-Ross, Ed.D., of Ypsilanti Community Schools as they reviewed the community partnerships, staffing strategies and clear messaging that help them reach parents and ensure they are transitioning young children into K–12 settings. The inspiring ideas exchanged by this panel created a hopeful atmosphere of encouragement, including “real tangible insight into how we might be more ‘innovative’ through engaging the community for support,” as noted by a captivated participant in the chat.