Is cursive writing still being taught in America?
Some states are starting to bring the old style back after disappearing.
Cursive writing is a style of handwriting characterized by connected letters that form a flowing script, with continuous strokes and looped letter formations.
Cursive is used worldwide for various writing purposes, such as formal documents, greeting cards and personal correspondence.
However, in the U.S., numerous schools no longer teach cursive writing and have instead dropped its instruction in favor of Common Core standards, which is a set of educational standards developed by the National Governors Association.
Do schools in Louisiana still teach cursive writing?
Cursive writing is still taught in some schools within the U.S., although, it’s not nationally mandated or emphasized. In Louisiana, cursive is legally required to be taught in public schools.
“Cursive writing shall be taught in all public schools. Each public school shall ensure that such instruction is introduced by the third grade and incorporated into the curriculum in grades four through twelve,” reads Louisiana law RS 17:266, which passed in 2016 and went into effect on July 1, 2017.
Reasons for the passing of this law included the importance of being able to read historical documents written in cursive, the cognitive benefits of cursive handwriting and students having the ability to sign their names, according to Education Week.
Why do some schools no longer teach cursive?
A student at Orangethorpe Elementary School practices writing cursive as California grade school students are being required to learn cursive handwriting this year, in Fullerton, California, U.S. January 23, 2024.
Cursive writing was once a standard part of school curriculums, but when Common Core education standards removed it from the required curriculum in 2010, cursive’s prevalence declined, says Education Week.
However, more recently, cursive instruction has been reinstated in some states and districts. As of 2023, 21 states require some form of cursive handwriting instruction, according to the National Education Association.
Why is learning cursive writing important?
Cursive writing can be faster than writing in print, as continuous strokes allow for a quicker writing speed, making cursive useful for note-taking and other situations where speed is important.
Cursive writing can also enhance fine motor skills, potentially stimulate brain activity, as well as improve hand-eye coordination and reading comprehension.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Is cursive writing still taught in school in Louisiana?