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Missouri’s Cursive Writing Debate: Tradition vs. Technology

Students practicing cursive writing in a classroom with digital devices

News Summary

In Missouri, lawmakers are advocating for mandatory cursive writing instruction in public schools amid the rise of digital communication. Supporters believe cursive enhances fine motor skills and academic performance, while critics question its relevance in a tech-centric classroom. Despite previous failed attempts to revive cursive education, the debate continues, reflecting a broader tension between traditional educational practices and modern technological realities. As discussions evolve, the future of cursive writing in Missouri schools remains uncertain.

Missouri’s Cursive Writing Debate: A Tale of Tradition vs. Technology

In the heart of Missouri, a lively conversation is blossoming around the age-old art of cursive writing. With the rise of electronic communication, a group of lawmakers is advocating for a return to this traditional skill in public schools, sparking both support and skepticism among parents, educators, and the community.

Lawmakers Take a Stand

Recent proposals from Republican lawmakers, including State Reps. Peggy McGaugh and Renee Reuter, along with State Senator Curtis Trent, aim to implement mandatory cursive instruction in public education. Their goal? To ensure that every student can read and write cursive proficiently by the time they reach the end of fifth grade.

The push for these initiatives isn’t born from nowhere. Advocates of cursive writing tout a myriad of benefits. They argue that learning cursive can enhance fine motor skills, improve brain stimulation, and even boost academic performance. Furthermore, some research suggests it can particularly aid students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Challenges of the Past

Interestingly, efforts to revive cursive instruction in Missouri aren’t new. Former Rep. Gretchen Bangert dedicated seven years to try and pass similar legislation, but her attempts frequently became tangled with unrelated bills, resulting in their eventual failure. Despite bipartisan support for cursive writing bills, none have successfully made it into law so far.

The Voice of Educators

Over the last decade, the national trend has trended away from cursive instruction. Since the adoption of the Common Core State Standards, recognized less than a decade ago, the majority of states have not mandated cursive writing in their schools. At the moment, only 14 states enforced cursive instruction, although Kentucky recently made headlines by becoming the 24th state to adopt similar requirements.

Supporters See Value

Despite the challenges and changes, there are passionate advocates for keeping cursive alive. They insist that learning cursive is essential for understanding historic documents — many of which were written in this elegant script. Yet, the debate continues regarding whether it should be a priority in the modern classroom.

Parents Weigh In

The Future of Cursive Writing

At its core, this discussion reveals a broader tension in education today: balancing time-honored traditions with the realities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As Missouri legislators continue to push for a cursive revival, the verdict is still out. Will cursive have a comeback in the school curriculum, or will it become another lost art in the digital age? Only time will tell!