Pennsylvania Moves to Mandate Cursive Education in Elementary Schools
In a significant step toward reviving cursive writing in education, the Pennsylvania House has overwhelmingly passed a bill requiring all elementary school students—both private and public—to learn cursive. The bill garnered a resounding 195-8 vote and now heads to the state Senate for further consideration.
Rep. Dane Watro (R), the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the importance of teaching cursive in today’s digital age, stating, “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.” The movement comes as cursive has seen a decline in educational curriculums, especially after the adoption of the Common Core standards, which deprioritized the style.
Research from the University of California, Riverside supports the initiative, showing that cursive writing can enhance brain development, particularly in areas related to language, memory, and fine motor skills. This research suggests that the intricate movements required for cursive activate different brain regions than typing or printing, which could bolster cognitive functions.
Beyond cognitive benefits, advocates argue that cursive note-taking can improve information retention and comprehension, as the fluidity of writing makes for a more seamless learning experience. Additionally, Watro highlighted the historical significance of cursive writing, pointing out that pivotal documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were penned in this script.
If passed and signed into law, Pennsylvania will become the 25th state to mandate cursive instruction, joining a growing trend aimed at preserving this traditional skill for future generations.
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