Pennsylvania mandates cursive writing instruction in schools

[FakeNoose]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2026/02/15/pennsylvania-cursive-writing-pittsburgh-public-schools/stories/202602130074

Two hundred and fifty years ago in Pennsylvania, the Declaration of Independence was written and signed in cursive. Now, schools across the commonwealth are mandated to teach that style of handwriting.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law this week a bipartisan measure that requires schools to teach K-12 students to write in cursive. While many schools have and continue to teach writing, proponents of the legislation said the practice improves students’ cognitive development and connects students to American history.

“Cursive writing fosters fine motor skills, enhances memory retention and equips students to read foundational documents in their original form,” said state Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Johnstown. “In doing so, we ensure future generations are prepared both intellectually and practically.”

The law went into effect upon the governor’s signing on Wednesday. According to Mycursive.com, a website devoted to teaching and learning handwriting, Pennsylvania's mandate means that more than half of the states in the U.S. require cursive as part of a school curriculum, including Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education said in a statement that it was developing guidance for schools on the legislation.

- more at link -

Good idea ... I'm glad the Governor has signed this. Not sure whether it's needed in high school though. Maybe it should be required in K thru 8th grades, and only "remedial" cursive class for high schools?

[SheltieLover]

1. Excellent!

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Good that they teach this. Without it, Doctor's prescriptions might become legible over time. /nt

[Shermann]

4. They'll switch back to Latin then. nt

[Soul_of_Wit]

3. I have horrible penmanship, and usually only use cursive for my signature.

That said, I can decipher ancient documents of the ancestors. You know, my parents.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. I have samples of handwriting from 3 generations.

The handwritings are a very close match for same sex ancestors. Other family members same thing. I think it's hand bone structure and ligaments.

But also came across someone unrelated from 200 miles away that learned in the same time period and is a close match in handwriting.

[hlthe2b]

5. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 GOOD! Finally, some sanity prevails. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

And for the computer obsessed who claim it is a worthless skill: Do Some research on why it should continue. I have posted on the science (neuro connectivity development), historical competencies, and just general need to be literate until I am blue in the face, but those who think pecking on a keyboard or talking to Sirius is all that is necessary need to read up on their own and convince themselves.