These states now require cursive to be taught in schools

Cursive’s comeback in the classroom is continuing across the country, with Pennsylvania becoming the latest state to consider requiring schools to teach cursive. 

Last week, the Pennsylvania House passed a bill that would require cursive handwriting to be taught in all public and private elementary schools across the state.

If it becomes law, Pennsylvania would become the 26th state to require cursive writing instruction in schools, according to mycursive.com, a website that tracks cursive writing requirements nationwide.

Why cursive waned in schools

The backstory:

Cursive was introduced nearly 200 years ago and widely taught in schools until recent years, according to the National Museum of American History. Technology has drastically changed the way we communicate, moving from handwritten letters to more texting and typing with autocorrect.

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Starting in 2010, Common Core State Standards were adopted by most U.S. states with the goal of better preparing the nation’s students for college or a job. 

They established benchmarks for reading and math, replacing education goals that varied widely from state to state. 

Common Core standards didn’t include cursive in the recommended curriculum, and instruction on this form of penmanship largely waned.

Cursive makes a comeback

In recent years, requirements for cursive instruction have increased. 

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Lawmakers say studies have shown that writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking, and has been found to support fine motor development.

What they're saying:

"In an increasingly digital world, cursive has fallen by the wayside," Pennsylvania state Rep. Sane Watro said. "However, there are compelling cognitive, developmental, and practical reasons for ensuring students have at least a basic grasp of cursive writing."

The other side:

When the National Education Association (NEA) asked its social media followers whether they support teaching cursive in schools, at least a few teachers were against it.

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"Cursive is outdated. Typing is a current skill that students need. There is only so much time in the school day," one educator told the NEA. "Most documents are signed online now, which even further makes the point that new skills are necessary for our students to be productive in this century."

States that require schools to teach cursive

By the numbers:

In 2016, 14 states required schools to teach cursive writing. By 2019, 20 states had enacted legislation requiring it, Now, there are 25 states with cursive instruction requirements. Hover over the states below to see which ones.