FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 11, 2026

Script handwriting comeback: 2 more states now require school penmanship lessons

Pennsylvania and New Jersey join 25 other states that see the value of cursive script lessons in early grades. Educators and elected officials see the return as a way to combat tech-aided forms of cheating, such as using artificial intelligence for assignments. Handwritten work also builds fine motor skills, helps with word retention and requires slower, closer thinking, research shows. "It reflects a desire to help our students slow down, take their time and take pride in their work," says David Polochanin, a middle school English teacher in Glastonbury, Conn.

New Jersey public school districts must teach cursive in third through fifth grades under a law signed this year. "We owe it to our students to give them a well-rounded education,” Gov. Chris Murphy said before his term ended in January. In Pennsylvania, cursive lessons for all fourth-graders start in the fall. Florida and Washington State lawmakers are considering similar moves.

Before texting, email and digital homework, students connected slanted, looping letters (in addition to using block print). Your grandparents learned penmanship in classrooms with cursive letter shapes displayed above the blackboard – another vintage item. Teachers and parents also may be familiar with handwriting and perhaps still use it to sign checks (yes, a throwback payment method). But two decades ago, many states dropped cursive writing instruction as keyboard skills were stressed in grades three through five. Critics of mandatory cursive instruction say students have too many subjects to master and that typing and coding are more useful.

Pupil says: "If there wasn't cursive, our signatures would just look like normal writing. Cursive really gives a pump into writing." – Griff Taylor of in Concord Township, Pa.

Legislator says: "Being able to read cursive is important. You need it to read historical documents, including family letters and diaries, wedding invitations and holiday cards." – Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva of Fullerton, Calif., who taught elementary school for 30 years and who wrote a 2014 law requiring script lessons

N.J. official says: "Handwriting allows our students to build self-confidence and maintain a vital connection to written communication in the increasingly digital age." – State Sen. Angela McKnight, co-sponsor of new law

Front Page Talking Points Archive

Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.