Cursive Writing Instruction Could Be Required In PA Schools

HARRISBURG, PA — Mention cursive writing to many students and they likely will think what's being referenced is scrawling various four-letter words inappropriate for the classroom. A state lawmaker wants to change that by mandating handwriting instruction through fifth grade.

State Rep. Angel Cruz of Philadelphia plans to introduce legislation that he contends would have all students writing legibly by the third grade and the ability to write in cursive by the end of fifth grade.

"Despite the instruction of cursive handwriting slowly disappearing from our classrooms, there is increasing evidence of its benefits that go beyond simply writing," Cruz wrote recently in a memo to colleagues.

"Not only does cursive writing require fine motor skills associated with cognitive development but engaging in handwriting activities can activate many neural pathways that aren’t formed when tracing or typing letters alone. Additionally, handwriting activities are linked to improved word recognition, hand-eye coordination, and information retention."

Cruz was critical of the decision to remove cursive handwriting instruction from the Common Core Standards, saying the lack of requiring the class has led many school districts with budget issues to discontinuing it.

He noted that a 2020 federal survey also indicated that only 74 percent of American homes had computers, with the fewest in residences with Native, African-American and Hispanic children.

Even though cursive handwriting no longer is in the Common Core Standards, 21 states still mandated cursive writing instruction as of 2020, according to MyCursive.com.

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