Why I Wrote This Book                                      Page 42

WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK ...

"My family struggled financially in a period when Mexican Americans were viewed negatively. I did not speak English when I entered kindergarten, so I experienced the darkness of not understanding instructions. The fact I now hold a Ph.D. and serve as a successful superintendent is a story I share with students and families struggling to overcome adversity. My inner voice encouraged me to share my story in print so others will learn through my experiences."

- Maria Ott, superintendent in Rowland Heights, Calif., on co-authoring with fellow AASA member Darlene Robles A CULTURALLY PROFICIENT SOCIETY BEGINS IN SCHOOL (Corwin, 2011).