Missouri Lawmakers Push for Cursive Writing in Schools

Children in a classroom engaged in practicing cursive writing.

News Summary

A renewed push for cursive writing education is underway in Missouri, led by state lawmakers who advocate for its inclusion in public school curriculums. Despite a digital focus in modern education, proponents argue that cursive writing can enhance fine motor skills, stimulate the brain, and help students with learning challenges. The debate over its relevance continues as some educators remain skeptical about its place in a technology-driven world.

Missouri Lawmakers Revitalize Cursive Writing Education Efforts

As the sun rises over Missouri, it seems a nostalgic wave is sweeping through its state Capitol, bringing with it a renewed enthusiasm for cursive writing in public schools. Yes, you heard that right! Cursive! A group of Republican lawmakers are back on the legislative trail, advocating for bills that would require students to learn this elegant style of handwriting.

A Mother’s Perspective

One local mother, Lisa Meinen-Doerksen from Border Star Montessori, shared her thoughts on the matter. While she sees the potential benefits of cursive writing for developing fine motor skills, she’s skeptical about its place in today’s digital age. For her, cursive serves as a fun mental exercise but isn’t necessarily vital for public education. With the increasing reliance on technology, she believes that focusing on cursive may not align with the modern skills students truly need.

Legislative Action

Missouri State Representatives Peggy McGaugh (Carrollton) and Renee Reuter (Imperial), along with Senator Curtis Trent, are leading the charge to get these bills passed during the current legislative session. Over the years, the quest for cursive hasn’t been a smooth ride. Former Representative Gretchen Bangert, who spent seven years trying to pass similar legislation, noted that previous attempts often faltered after being tacked on to other bills.

Despite this rocky history, cursive instruction has gained bipartisan support. Advocates are rallying around the idea, citing numerous benefits such as stimulating the brain, boosting academic performance, and providing critical support for students facing challenges like dyslexia and dysgraphia. Some even argue that learning to write in cursive could foster a deeper connection with historical documents, many of which are penned in cursive.

The Changing Landscape of Education

Interestingly, cursive is not currently mandated in Missouri schools, leaving local districts to decide on their own curriculum. In Kansas City Public Schools, cursive hasn’t been part of the standard program. David Price, who leads the Kansas City Federation of Teachers, shared that he’s introduced cursive as a fun end-of-year activity instead of a required skill.

The decline of cursive writing’s importance traces back to the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in the mid-2010s, where typing and keyboard proficiency surged to the forefront, leading to cursive being put on the back burner. As it stands today, only 24 states in the country require cursive education, while Kentucky became the latest to join the list just last year.

Debate About Relevance

The debate surrounding cursive instruction remains vibrant and packed with differing opinions. Some educators argue that time spent teaching cursive could distract from other key subjects and essential skills, especially in a world moving quickly towards digital communication. Meinen-Doerksen echoes this sentiment, drawing parallels between cursive and the now-outdated requirement for shorthand skills in the workplace.

Prospects for the Future

Despite these arguments, Senator Trent insists on the value of maintaining skills beyond technology, contending that technology should enhance human abilities, not take their place. Advocates emphasize that cursive instruction could still play a significant role in enhancing literacy skills and preserving our connection to the past through the ability to read historical texts.

With current research suggesting a link between handwriting skills and academic achievement, the call for cursive instruction gets an extra boost. As these discussions unfold in the Missouri Capitol, it’s clear that the future of cursive writing in schools remains a hot topic, sparking both passion and controversy amidst the backdrop of our technology-driven educational landscape.