NJ changes course — requires schools to teach cursive writing starting next fall

New Jersey Reinvents Cursive Writing Education

So, it seems print isn’t quite dead yet. New Jersey has just taken a surprising turn by mandating public schools to reintroduce cursive writing starting next fall.

In a notable final move as governor, Phil Murphy signed a bill that requires students in grades three through five to learn cursive writing. He argues that this skill is essential for practical tasks, like signing checks or opening bank accounts in the future.

“For those of us who grew up handwriting our schoolwork, it’s hard to imagine that some kids might not even know how to read or write in cursive,” noted Shanique Speight, the bill’s sponsor and a state representative. “I really believe this requirement will be beneficial for our students and help prepare them for what lies ahead.”

Murphy connected this legislative change to the upcoming celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. He believes that learning cursive enables students to read historical documents. “We owe it to our students to provide a well-rounded education that helps them understand our rich history and equips them to become effective leaders,” he stated.

His office indicates that the new law will take effect throughout the next school year. State Department of Education Secretary Kevin Demmer said, “This legislation underscores our commitment to a comprehensive education that tackles real-world challenges, connecting students with historical texts while incorporating cursive instruction into the curriculum for grades three to five.”

Cursive writing had been largely phased out following the implementation of the Common Core standards in 2010, which faced plenty of criticism.

Interestingly, New Jersey isn’t flying solo in this decision; several other states, like California and New Hampshire, are also bringing cursive writing back into their educational frameworks. However, in New York, the state education officials don’t currently require cursive instruction; it remains an option for individual school districts.

There’s a bill, sponsored by state Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton, aiming to make cursive mandatory in New York; however, it hasn’t attracted significant attention over the years. Her proposal emphasizes the absurdity of students finishing 12 years of school without knowing how to sign their name in cursive. “This bill seeks to restore a fundamental part of education that should not be discarded simply because it’s not included in standardized tests,” she argued.

New Jersey’s bill has received widespread legislative support. “Cursive isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past; it represents progress,” said state representative Rosie Baggoley. She added that from a learning science perspective, handwriting stimulates brain pathways that are essential for literacy, attention, and memory.