The Kirkland Group

Congratulations are in order! Our CEO, Carla Kirkland, will be honored at Empowerment High Tea at the Two Mississippi Museums.

With deepest sympathy, The Kirkland Group sends our condolences and support to Attorney Simon's family during this difficult time. Attorney Simon will be remembered for his contributions and impact to his community.

💙🩷Strong Women of the Southeastern Region – Women’s History Month Series proudly featured our very own Dr. Carla Kirkland💙🩷

Strong Women of the Southeastern Region – Women’s History Month Series

Today, the Southeastern Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. proudly celebrates Past Regional Treasurer Carla Kirkland (2013–2014) of the Jackson MS Chapter, Jack & Jill of America, Inc.—a leader whose legacy reflects education, entrepreneurship, and transformative impact.

In addition to serving as Regional Treasurer, she also served as an Advisory Foundation Board Member, Jack and Jill of America Foundation.

PRT Carla is a lifelong educator with experience as a Math Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Consultant, and Mentor.

As Founder & CEO of The Kirkland Group (since 1996), she has provided professional development, technical assistance, and test preparation support for school districts nationwide. She co-authored Praxis Core for Dummies and Praxis Elementary Education for Dummies.

She earned several awards and accolades over the years, including:
✨ 2024 Most Influential African American in Mississippi (Mississippi Magazine)
✨ 2024 Woman of Impact Honoree, American Heart Association
✨ 2022 Woman of Courage Honoree
✨ 2022 Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction
✨ Graduate, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

She is a graduate of Alcorn State University and Jackson State University and has served in numerous leadership capacities, including:
✨ Vice Chair, Alcorn State University Foundation
✨ Chair, Alcorn Women’s Business Center
✨ Board Member, Woodward Hines Educational Foundation
✨ Board Member, Mississippi Higher Education Assistance Group
✨ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
✨ The Links, Incorporated

Past Regional Treasurer Carla Kirkland’s legacy reflects a powerful commitment to education, empowerment, and elevating communities through knowledge and leadership. Today, she continues to serve as a 10- Year Associate Life Member in the Jackson, MS Chapter.

Join us in celebrating and saluting this phenomenal leader!

Big news for educators and school leaders! The Kirkland Group is now an Authorized Provider for micro-credentialed instructional support—expanding our ability to deliver targeted, results-driven professional learning experiences.

This means even more opportunities to support growth, innovation, and student success.

👉 Read the full announcement:
https://kirklandgroup.org/kirkland-group-named-an-authorized-provider-of-micro-credentialed-instructional-support/

An influential researcher in the "science of reading" movement warns schools may be "overteaching" the skill.

🍎 Read more: https://edw.link/7e86c3

This Opinion piece showcases ideas to check for understanding beyond the classic “Does everybody get this” approach.

🍎 Read more: https://edw.link/3a7c97

Congratulations Mississippi on the amazing progress.

Today, MDE announced the state’s 2024-25 school-year graduation rate is 90.8%, and the dropout rate is 7%. Compared to 2023-24, the statewide dropout rate decreased by 1.5 percentage points, and the graduation rate increased by 1.6 percentage points. See bit.ly/4cylBvm for details.

Arkansas Will Soon Hold Back Kids Who Can’t Read. But That Alone Is Not Enough Patrinos: Research from Mississippi shows 3rd-graders who struggle with literacy need intensive interventions both before and after they are retained.

What a powerful moment at the Alcorn State University Midwinter Conference in Memphis, TN.

Pelicia Hall, Executive Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer of ViaPath Technologies and President of the Alcorn State University Alumni Association, and Dr. Carla Kirkland, CEO of The Kirkland Group and ASU Alumni Fundraising Chair, continue to exemplify what it truly means to lead with purpose.

Both women have built distinguished, high-impact careers in their respective fields. Yet what stands out even more is their unwavering commitment to serve. Whether in corporate leadership, national consulting, or alumni engagement, they consistently choose service over spotlight.

Their work reminds us that legacy is not built by titles alone, but by lifting others, strengthening institutions, and investing in the next generation.

Alcorn excellence. Alcorn service. Alcorn leadership💜💛💜💛