currently a Professor of Bilingual Education, immediate past Dean of the College of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and current Special Advisor to the Vice President for Research, has dedicated her entire professional career to enhancing educational opportunities for Spanish-speaking students in the United States. She is a leading scholar, author and an advocate on issues of equity and excellence for culturally and linguistically diverse children and families. Her rich experience and knowledge about effective educational reform and the roles of culture and language currently a Professor of Bilingual Education, immediate past Dean of the College of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and current Special Advisor to the Vice President for Research, has dedicated her entire professional career to enhancing educational opportunities for Spanish-speaking students in the United States. She is a leading scholar, author and an advocate on issues of equity and excellence for culturally and linguistically diverse children and families. Her rich experience and knowledge about effective educational reform and the roles of culture and language