Gavin Howe
Cursive handwriting is no longer a mandatory part of the curriculum in many schools, with some teachers and educational boards deeming it unnecessary and outdated. However, there is a growing movement to bring it back, with over 20 states implementing directives to teach cursive in the past decade. This has sparked a debate about the relevance and importance of cursive in the modern classroom. While some argue that it is a valuable skill, others believe that it is a waste of time that could be better spent on more relevant subjects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cursive writing being cut from Common Core standards | True |
| Gen Z not learning to read or write cursive | True |
| California law mandating cursive instruction in grades 1-6 | True |
| Alabama law requiring schools to teach cursive | True |
| Georgia, Massachusetts, Idaho, and New Hampshire laws mandating cursive instruction | True |
| Michigan bill encouraging (not requiring) teaching cursive | True |
| More than 20 states implementing directives to teach cursive | True |
| Cursive writing seen as a dying art due to technology | True |
| Critics of cursive requirements argue for focus on coding, keyboarding, and new skills | True |
| Supporters of cursive cite benefits for reading, writing, and cognitive abilities | True |
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What You'll Learn
Cursive is a dying art
Cursive handwriting is a dying art. In recent years, it has been dropped from the Common Core standards in the US, and many schools have stopped teaching it. This means that younger generations, such as Gen Z, are unable to read or write in cursive.
However, some states in the US are trying to bring it back. California, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Idaho have laws mandating cursive instruction in schools. In October 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill making it mandatory for teachers to teach cursive handwriting in grades 1 through 6. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some teachers questioning where they will find the time to teach it, given the many other demands on their instructional time.
Advocates for teaching cursive in schools argue that it is valuable for reading historical documents, increases writing speed, and can even help students with reading and writing disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. They also believe that it can be a way to combat technology-driven cheating, as students cannot easily copy and paste or use AI to write their assignments.
On the other hand, critics of cursive requirements argue that classroom time could be better spent on teaching more relevant skills such as coding and keyboarding. They also point out that with the widespread use of technology for communication, the practical application of cursive writing is becoming increasingly limited.
While the debate continues, it is clear that the art of cursive writing is at risk of dying out if it is not actively taught and preserved.
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Benefits of learning cursive
Cursive handwriting, a style of writing that was popular in the 20th century, has seen a recent resurgence in many school districts. While some argue that it is outdated and unnecessary in the digital age, others point to the numerous benefits it offers. So, what are the advantages of learning cursive?
Firstly, it improves neural connections and brain development. Cursive handwriting stimulates the brain in unique ways, enhancing the interplay between the left and right cerebral hemispheres and building new neural pathways. This primes the brain for increased learning and improves memory and comprehension. The act of writing words in a continuous flow also promotes an understanding of complete words, aiding in spelling and reading abilities.
Secondly, cursive writing develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It is a complex skill that requires practice and precision, which can benefit those with developmental dysgraphia. The process of forming letters and words through fluid movements creates muscle memory, improving handwriting legibility and even signature attractiveness.
Thirdly, cursive writing can lead to increased self-discipline and self-respect. The mastery of this challenging skill fosters confidence in communication and expression. Additionally, it provides a flow of thought, allowing writers to focus more on the content of their work than on the mechanics of writing.
Lastly, cursive writing has aesthetic value and historical significance. It is often considered more attractive and legible than printed text. Being able to read and write in cursive enables individuals to engage with historical documents and traditional forms of communication.
In conclusion, despite the digital shift in education, learning cursive handwriting offers a range of cognitive, physical, and social benefits that enhance overall development and learning outcomes. While the debate over its necessity continues, the evidence suggests that cursive writing remains a valuable skill worth preserving in the 21st century.
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Arguments for keeping cursive in schools
Cursive handwriting has been a part of the Common Core Curriculum in US schools for many years. However, some believe that it is no longer a relevant skill and should be removed from the curriculum. Despite this, several arguments support the retention of cursive in schools.
One of the primary arguments for keeping cursive in schools is its historical significance. Advocates of cursive argue that students need to be able to read and interpret historical documents written in cursive. By learning cursive, students can develop a connection with the past and gain a better understanding of history. This argument is particularly relevant for historical documents from the not-too-distant past, such as those from two or three decades ago.
Another argument for keeping cursive in schools is the development of fine motor skills. Learning cursive handwriting can help stimulate and create synergies between different hemispheres of the brain involved in thinking, language, and working memory. It can also enhance fine motor skills, which can be beneficial for a child's nervous system. Additionally, some students find that writing in cursive improves the legibility of their handwriting and makes it easier for their brains to comprehend the information they are trying to convey.
Cursive writing is also considered aesthetically pleasing and can help students take more organized and neater notes for class. This, in turn, can aid in retaining important information for academic work. Furthermore, some believe that cursive writing is a quicker alternative to standard print, reducing the amount of time it takes to write letters or notes.
In addition, advocates of cursive argue that it is essential for signing important documents. In certain professional contexts, cursive is still used more often than normal writing. By learning cursive, students can better understand handwritten documents, such as birthday cards or handwritten notes, from older generations.
Lastly, some argue that learning cursive can help combat technology-driven cheating in schools. By teaching students how to write in cursive, educators can ensure that assignments are completed by hand and discourage students from simply 'lifting' passages from online sources or using tools like ChatGPT.
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States mandating cursive in public schools
In recent years, several U.S. states have mandated the teaching of cursive writing in public schools. In 2023, California became the 24th state to require the teaching of cursive in schools, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing Assembly Bill 446 into law. The law requires students in grades 1 through 6 to learn cursive handwriting, with the goal of achieving proficiency by the end of 2nd or 3rd grade.
California's decision to mandate cursive in schools follows similar moves by other states. As of 2023, 24 states had implemented requirements for the teaching of cursive, up from 14 states less than a decade ago. Kentucky, for example, passed legislation in 2017 that requires students to demonstrate proficiency in cursive by the end of 5th grade. The legislation mandates cursive instruction from 3rd through 5th grade.
Other states that have joined the list include New Hampshire, Iowa, and Delaware. Delaware law, for instance, requires students to achieve proficiency in cursive by the end of 4th grade, with testing conducted in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
The push to reintroduce cursive writing in schools has been met with mixed reactions. Some advocates argue that it is an important skill for students to learn, allowing them to read historical documents and develop cognitive skills. Dickie Drake, an Alabama state representative, stated that "cursive writing identifies you as much as your physical features do."
However, critics argue that there is limited evidence of the benefits of teaching cursive, especially considering the time constraints and competing priorities in the curriculum. With the widespread use of technology and electronic devices, some educators believe that keyboarding skills are more important and relevant for students.
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Teachers' opinions on teaching cursive
Teachers have expressed mixed opinions about teaching cursive writing to students. Some teachers have lamented the fact that cursive is no longer taught in the majority of schools in the United States. They argue that learning to write in cursive has several benefits for students, including improving brain development in the areas of language and working memory, and building fine motor skills. Additionally, some teachers believe that being able to read and write in cursive is necessary for reading historical documents and understanding one's own family history.
However, other teachers have pointed out the challenges of reintroducing cursive writing into the classroom. They argue that there are already numerous competing demands on instructional time, such as teaching keyboarding skills, which are considered more relevant and useful in the digital age. Some teachers have also expressed concern that students are already struggling to keep up with grade-level curriculum and that adding cursive instruction would further burden both teachers and students.
While some teachers support the idea of teaching cursive as an optional skill or during dedicated choice times, others believe that it is not a top priority in the context of a packed school curriculum. They argue that cursive writing is becoming obsolete due to technological advancements, such as laptops and electronic devices, which have made keyboard-operated text communication more prevalent and efficient.
Despite the mixed opinions, a recent non-scientific LinkedIn poll showed that 43% of the 1,545 educators who responded were in favor of teaching cursive, indicating a significant number of teachers who recognize the value of this traditional skill.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not a law. In fact, several states, including California, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Idaho, have laws mandating cursive instruction.
Advocates of teaching cursive in schools argue that it is valuable to read historical documents, increases writing speed, and can be a way to ensure students are not using AI to craft their written work.
Critics of teaching cursive argue that time in the classroom could be better spent on new skills such as coding and keyboarding. They also argue that there is not much evidence that cursive matters in today's world.
Yes, there are studies that show a link between cursive and cognitive abilities, including helping with reading and writing disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Additionally, a study by an education professor at Florida International University found that children with neater handwriting developed better reading and math skills.
