As cursive readies a comeback, Butler area schools predict benefits for students
Laura Miller, director of curriculum at Butler Area School District, said she’s seen how children nowadays can’t read cursive writing, a stark divide from older generations.
Sometimes, when she leaves a note for her son, he’ll say, “Mom, I can’t read that.”
Schools will soon have to reintroduce a blast from the past — cursive. While some area school districts still teach cursive writing, others have phased it out, and now, the state has decided to revive it.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill into law Feb. 11 mandating cursive handwriting be taught in Pennsylvania schools. The bill easily passed in the General Assembly — 195-8 in the House and 42-5 in the Senate.
“We do have a generation who can’t write or read cursive,” Miller said. “It’s interesting that the state has brought it back and says schools must teach it.
“For the most part, I think we feel it is a positive move. It’s something that will benefit students.”
The bill requires cursive handwriting or joined italics to be taught at “the appropriate grade levels,” according to the bill. It will take effect April 12, meaning it’ll be back in classrooms for the upcoming school year.
Past generations have learned cursive writing in grade school, but the skill has recently been phased out to varying extents. A majority of states do not require their schools to teach students cursive. Reasons for schools teaching cursive less include the rise in digital technology in the classroom, as well as limited instruction time.
Students at Seneca Valley School District are still exposed to cursive writing at various grade levels, with instruction shaped by individual classroom practices, according to communications director Ian Hunter.
“However, like many schools over the past 10 to 15 years, we reduced teaching cursive in isolation to make room for computer and technology skills. The constraints of the school day require districts to make difficult instructional decisions based on state requirements and available time,” the district told the Butler Eagle.
Aside from older residents who may write letters in a more formal style, cursive handwriting can still be found in a few professional settings and formal documents, as well as on invitations.
“We want students to be able to sign their names, and students who don’t know cursive can’t do that,” Miller said. “It also gives an advantage with things like reading historical documents, being able to read handwriting of someone in cursive. People will use a combination of print and cursive in job settings for things like notes. It’s advantageous for students to be able to read it.”
Miller said requiring cursive writing is not yet part of the curriculum, though the district implemented a new curriculum program over a year ago and has considered implementing a cursive writing component.
Miller said from what she’s seen in classrooms, cursive isn’t totally nonexistent. Teachers and students will take notes in a combination of cursive and standard handwriting, speeding up the writing process when taking in a lecture or presentation.
Another benefit of teaching cursive writing is how it can help students with attention-based or learning challenges, Miller said. She pointed to studies that show the fluidness of cursive writing helps students with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders to better focus on their work, and that not having to physically pick up their pen or pencil makes a difference.
“There is not a difference in research for neurotypical kids (children without neurological developmental disorders or disabilities) in terms of whether cursive or print is better. For students who have any type of attention-based or learning challenges, cursive could be a better option,” Miller said. “There’s less starting and stopping — it’s a more fluid motion. We find often with students who have those challenges, cursive allows them to write and focus more on what they’re writing.”
The bill mandating cursive writing amends the Public School Code of 1949. Beyond Shapiro, the bill has received bipartisan support.
With cursive writing education, students can learn how to read the Declaration of Independence, or World War II era letters.
“We look forward to receiving guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education regarding implementation. As with any updates to legislation or state standards, we will review the guidance and ensure our teachers have the resources and support they need to meet expectations,” Seneca Valley’s statement said.
