The States That Require Cursive Writing Instruction: An Overview

Introduction

Cursive writing has been a part of the American educational system since the late 19th century, but in recent years it has become less common as more emphasis has been placed on computer literacy and keyboarding skills. Despite this fact, there are still several states that require cursive writing instruction in their elementary school curriculums. This article will provide an overview of the states that still teach cursive writing, examine the differences in their requirements, and look at the potential benefits of such instruction for students.

An Overview of States That Still Teach Cursive Writing

As of 2020, there are 45 states in the United States that require cursive writing instruction in their elementary school curriculums. The remaining five states (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) do not have any specific requirements regarding cursive writing instruction. Some states, such as Arkansas and Virginia, have adopted statewide standards for cursive writing instruction, while other states, such as California and New York, leave it up to individual districts to decide whether or not to include cursive writing instruction in their curriculums.

A Comprehensive Guide to the States That Require Cursive Writing Instruction

The following is a state-by-state breakdown of the requirements for cursive writing instruction in each state. This information is based on current research and may change as policies evolve.

Alabama

Alabama requires all students in grades K-5 to receive instruction in basic manuscript and cursive writing. In addition, students must demonstrate proficiency in both handwriting styles by the end of fifth grade in order to be promoted to the next grade. The Alabama Department of Education provides a comprehensive guide to the state’s cursive writing curriculum, which includes guidelines for teaching proper letter formation and practice activities to help students gain proficiency in both script and cursive writing.

Arizona

In Arizona, cursive writing instruction is required for all students in grades K-8. The Arizona Department of Education provides a detailed guide to the state’s cursive writing curriculum, which includes guidelines for teaching proper letter formation and practice activities to help students gain proficiency in both script and cursive writing. Additionally, the state has developed a set of assessment tools to measure student progress in mastering cursive writing.

Arkansas

Arkansas requires all students in grades 3-6 to receive instruction in both manuscript and cursive writing. The Arkansas Department of Education provides a comprehensive guide to the state’s cursive writing curriculum, which includes guidelines for teaching proper letter formation and practice activities to help students gain proficiency in both script and cursive writing. Additionally, the state has developed a set of assessment tools to measure student progress in mastering cursive writing.

California

In California, cursive writing instruction is left up to individual districts to decide whether or not to include it in their curriculums. However, the California Department of Education does provide resources to assist districts in developing their own cursive writing instruction programs, including guidelines for teaching proper letter formation and practice activities to help students gain proficiency in both script and cursive writing.

Colorado

Colorado requires all students in grades K-5 to receive instruction in both manuscript and cursive writing. The Colorado Department of Education provides a comprehensive guide to the state’s cursive writing curriculum, which includes guidelines for teaching proper letter formation and practice activities to help students gain proficiency in both script and cursive writing. Additionally, the state has developed a set of assessment tools to measure student progress in mastering cursive writing.

The Benefits of Teaching Cursive Writing in Schools

Cursive writing instruction can offer a number of benefits to students, including improved handwriting skills, increased cognitive benefits, and improved motor skills. Teaching children how to write in cursive can help them develop better hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, as well as improved letter recognition and recall. Additionally, studies have shown that students who learn to write in cursive tend to perform better on standardized tests than those who do not.

Comparing Cursive Writing Instruction Across States

Although the majority of states in the US require some form of cursive writing instruction, there are significant variations in the type of instruction and the curriculum used in each state. For example, some states require students to master both script and cursive writing, while others focus solely on cursive writing. Additionally, some states use traditional pen-and-paper methods of instruction, while others incorporate technology such as iPads and online programs. Examining these variations can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of different instructional methods.

Examining the Impact of Cursive Writing Instruction on Student Achievement

Studies have consistently found that students who learn to write in cursive tend to perform better on standardized tests than those who do not. Additionally, research has shown that cursive writing can improve cognitive abilities such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Although the effects of cursive writing instruction on student achievement have yet to be fully studied, the evidence suggests that it can have a positive impact on academic performance.

Conclusion

Cursive writing instruction is still required in many states across the US, despite the increasing emphasis on computer literacy and keyboarding skills. While there is variation in the type of instruction and curriculum used in each state, the evidence suggests that teaching cursive writing can offer a number of benefits to students, including improved handwriting skills, increased cognitive benefits, and improved motor skills. Additionally, research indicates that students who learn to write in cursive tend to perform better on standardized tests than those who do not. It is clear that cursive writing instruction can have a positive effect on student achievement, and further research is needed to fully understand its impact.