Senator Aaron Freeman Celebrates Read Across America Week and Highlights Indiana’s Progress in Literacy

In a powerful display of support for reading education, State Senator Aaron Freeman participated in Read Across America Week, visiting with students from Edgewood Intermediate School in Indianapolis. The event, hosted by the Indiana State Teachers Association, aimed to inspire young learners to embrace the joy of reading, a cause Freeman is deeply passionate about.

“I firmly believe that every student should have the opportunity to experience the joy of reading,” Freeman said. “That belief is why I was a strong advocate for implementing the Science of Reading across Indiana through House Enrolled Act 1558 (2023).”

Freeman’s advocacy for literacy is rooted in his commitment to addressing Indiana’s previous struggles with declining literacy rates. For years, many students were leaving third grade without achieving proficiency in reading—a concerning issue that Freeman believes hindered their future academic success.

“Too many students were leaving third grade without being able to read at a proficient level. That’s why the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2024) was such an important step forward to ensure our students and teachers receive the tools they need to succeed,” he stated.

Indiana’s efforts to tackle these challenges have yielded significant results. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) rankings, Indiana recently made a remarkable jump from 19th to 6th place in the nation for reading proficiency. This marked improvement signals the effectiveness of the state’s ongoing literacy initiatives, but Freeman emphasizes that fostering a love for reading remains at the heart of these efforts.

“When students can read, their opportunities are limitless,” Freeman continued. “I’ve witnessed this firsthand with my own children. Encouraging them to read has opened doors to dream big and pursue their passions.”

The statistics back Freeman’s optimism. Nationally, the most recent NAEP data highlights that approximately 35% of fourth-grade students and 34% of eighth-grade students nationwide were reading at or above the proficient level. While these figures indicate progress, experts agree that significant work remains to ensure all students have the foundational literacy skills necessary for success in both academic and professional pursuits.

Freeman’s participation in Read Across America Week also served as an opportunity to underscore the shared responsibility of lawmakers, parents, and educators in nurturing the next generation of readers.

“As lawmakers, parents, and educators, we have a shared responsibility to support and guide our students toward a brighter future. Strong literacy skills lay the foundation for their success,” Freeman noted.

The senator’s time spent reading with the students at Edgewood Intermediate School was met with excitement and engagement. He expressed his appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and eagerness to learn. Freeman’s visit reinforced the importance of instilling a genuine love for reading at an early age—a key factor in shaping the next generation of leaders.

“I truly enjoyed my time with the students today and I want to thank them for reading with me, asking thoughtful questions, and for their enthusiasm. I wish them all the best as they continue to learn this school year,” Freeman concluded.

As Indiana continues to make strides in improving literacy, the efforts of leaders like Senator Freeman remain critical in ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.