Pennsylvania Considers Cursive Comeback: Legislation Mandates Handwriting Instruction in Schools
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would require cursive handwriting to be taught in the state's elementary schools. This move reflects a growing national trend of reintroducing cursive into the curriculum after a period of decline following the adoption of Common Core standards. The bill, which passed with a resounding 195-8 vote, now heads to the state Senate for further consideration.
The Decline of Cursive: A Shift Towards Digital Communication
Cursive handwriting, a staple of American education for nearly two centuries, has seen a decline in prominence in recent years. The National Museum of American History notes that the rise of technology and digital communication has drastically altered the way we interact, shifting from handwritten letters to texting and typing.
The adoption of Common Core standards played a significant role in this shift. These standards, designed to establish benchmarks for reading and math and better prepare students for college or careers, did not include cursive in the recommended curriculum. As a result, many schools de-emphasized or eliminated cursive instruction altogether, prioritizing other skills deemed more relevant in the digital age. Cursive has been out of vogue for 15 years, after schools began adopting a Common Core curriculum, which de-emphasized the writing style.
The Push for Reintroduction: Cognitive and Practical Benefits
Despite the shift towards digital communication, a growing number of educators and lawmakers are advocating for the reintroduction of cursive into schools. Proponents argue that cursive instruction offers a range of cognitive, developmental, and practical benefits.
Representative Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill), a key supporter of the Pennsylvania bill, emphasized the importance of cursive in an increasingly digital world. "In our digital world, cursive has fallen by the wayside, but there are many reasons for students to get a basic grasp on cursive writing," Watro stated.
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Sponsors of the bill say studies have shown that writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking, and has been found to support fine motor development.
Cognitive Development and Brain Stimulation
Research suggests that learning cursive can enhance brain development, particularly in areas related to language, memory, and fine motor skills. A study from the University of California, Riverside, indicates that cursive writing activates specific brain regions associated with these cognitive functions. Kelsey Voltz-Poremba, an occupational therapist and assistant professor in Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, notes that handwriting is about more than just communication and legibility.
Lawmakers say studies have shown that writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking, and has been found to support fine motor development.
Understanding History and Historical Documents
Another argument in favor of cursive instruction is its importance for understanding history. Representative Watro points to the advantage of being able to read historical documents written in cursive. Without cursive skills, students may be unable to decipher original historical texts, limiting their understanding of the past.
Fine Motor Skills Development
The act of writing in cursive can also aid in the development of fine motor skills. The continuous, flowing movements required to form cursive letters can improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, skills that are valuable in a variety of contexts.
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The Opposition: Prioritizing Modern Skills
Despite the growing support for cursive instruction, some educators and commentators remain skeptical. One common argument is that cursive is outdated and that schools should prioritize teaching skills that are more relevant in the 21st century, such as typing and computer literacy.
When the National Education Association (NEA) asked its social media followers whether they support teaching cursive in schools, at least a few teachers were against it.
One educator told the NEA, "Cursive is outdated. Typing is a current skill that students need. There is only so much time in the school day. Most documents are signed online now, which even further makes the point that new skills are necessary for our students to be productive in this century."
This perspective suggests that class time is better spent on skills that are directly applicable to modern workplaces and communication methods.
National Trend: Cursive Making a Comeback
Pennsylvania is the latest state to consider requiring schools to teach cursive, joining a growing number of states that have enacted similar legislation in recent years.
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In 2016, 14 states required schools to teach cursive writing. By 2019, 20 states had enacted legislation requiring it, Now, there are 25 states with cursive instruction requirements.
This trend reflects a renewed appreciation for the cognitive and practical benefits of cursive, as well as a desire to preserve a traditional skill.
The Future of Cursive in Pennsylvania
With the Pennsylvania House having already passed the bill, the legislation will now head to the state Senate. If the bill is approved by the Senate and signed into law, Pennsylvania would become the 25th state to require cursive writing instruction in schools. This would mean that all students in both private and public elementary schools would be required to learn cursive.
The implementation of the mandate would likely involve incorporating cursive instruction into the existing elementary school curriculum. Schools would need to allocate time and resources to train teachers and provide students with the necessary materials.
The long-term impact of the mandate remains to be seen. However, proponents hope that it will lead to improved cognitive development, a better understanding of history, and the preservation of a valuable skill for future generations.
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