Barksdale Reading Institute (BRI) is a renowned organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of public education in Mississippi. Founded in 2000 by Jim and Sally Barksdale, BRI is driven by their belief that reading is the key to a child's success. The institute has received a generous $100 million donation from the Barksdales, which has enabled them to work in collaboration with public schools, universities, and the state department of education.

BRI focuses on strategic literacy initiatives and offers professional development programs for teachers and administrators. Their goal is to significantly improve pre-literacy and reading skills in Mississippi's children. They prioritize school readiness, literacy professional development, partnerships, and school leadership to achieve this goal.

Through their efforts, BRI has witnessed exceptional results. Mississippi recently ranked number one in the nation for score gains in education. BRI's impact is widespread and benefits children, parents, and educators alike.

For more information about BRI's initiatives, resources, and upcoming events, you can visit their website or reach out to them through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter