María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, Ph.D.

Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel is the executive director of IDRA. Her leadership and lifetime concern with youth - especially youth who are minority, poor or limited-English-proficient - has provided the inspiration and vision needed in this country. Going against the current of deficit model approaches in schools, she champions the value, integrity and possibilities of all children. Dr. Robledo Montecel is internationally recognized as an expert on the prevention and recovery of dropouts. She directed the first statewide study of dropouts in Texas. She holds a doctorate in research and evaluation and masters in educational evaluation. She is proficient in English and Spanish.

More, including photos and interview profile.