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Mogul's literacy investment paying off |
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Page 2 of 2
Fisher attributed it largely to an increased emphasis on reading, which
includes one-on-one instruction from teachers. Using donated materials
and volunteer labor from high school students, Nailor Elementary has
transformed an old school bus into a reading haven, complete with
bright purple and yellow curtains and shelves filled with books.
In Denise Thurman's kindergarten classroom, children can choose from
Dr. Seuss titles or oversized books about the alphabet and environment.
Youngsters can peruse the "reading loft" which dominates one corner of
the room -- a kid-sized haven with carpeting and comfy seats.
Thurman, who's been teaching 25 years, said the Barksdale Institute has
helped her and other teachers refresh skills they learned in college
and has given them new tips on how to help children become better
readers.
Six-year-old Calandria Jackson said her favorite book is "The Little Red Hen."
"She tells the cat and the dog and the duck that she's not going to
share with them because they didn't do anything with her," Calandria
explained. "They didn't help her make the bread."
Sonya Swafford, who began her teaching career 20 years ago, has vivid
memories of spending her own money on books, paper and other materials
for students.
"Truly, it's just unbelievable what we have here now," Swafford said.
State Education Superintendent Henry Johnson has served on the
Barksdale Reading Institute's board. Johnson said when he moved to
Mississippi three years ago, he had a long talk with Jim Barksdale
about the private investment.
"I remember his words very clearly," Johnson said. "He said, 'I do
consider this an investment and I do expect a return on my investment,
and if I don't see an improvement I won't continue investing in this
way."'
Claiborne Barksdale said officials in several other states have sought
donations, including California, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Georgia,
Florida, even Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The reply has been the same. For now, the money stays in Mississippi.
"I've gotten good at saying 'no,"' he said.
CLEVELAND, Mississippi (AP) --
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