Just as certain fashion trends make a comeback, cursive handwriting is experiencing a resurgence in educational settings. A growing number of states are reintegrating this elegant writing style into their elementary school curricula, with Texas being the latest to lead this initiative.
Starting in the 2019-2020 academic year, Texas students will once again be practicing cursive writing, per updates to the state’s Education Code. Second graders will be introduced to cursive, and by third grade, they will be expected to form complete words and thoughts in cursive, ensuring adequate spacing between words. Furthermore, fourth graders must write clearly in cursive for assignments, with instruction extending into the fifth grade. This revival is backed by recent scientific research suggesting a strong connection between handwriting and memory enhancement. Texas marks the 18th state to embrace this revival, following in the footsteps of states like Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Virginia, California, and North Carolina.
Katherine Jackson, a representative from the educational resource provider Learning Innovations, explained to the local media that “handwriting stimulates cognitive development in areas such as thought processes, language skills, and working memory.” She added that writing by hand aids in linking content to memory, leading to quicker and more reliable recall later.
Cursive was once a staple of elementary education, particularly for those who attended school before the digital age took off. For individuals over thirty, memories of diligently perfecting loops and swirls on primary paper are likely quite vivid. However, in recent decades, the practice of cursive began to fade due to budget constraints and a perception that it was no longer relevant.
While many applaud the decision to reintroduce cursive, asserting that it should never have been removed from the curriculum in the first place, others argue that educational resources might be better allocated toward teaching different skills. The ongoing debate over cursive’s relevance will likely inspire more states to prioritize it in their educational frameworks.
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In summary, Texas is reintroducing cursive handwriting in its elementary schools, joining a growing movement across the U.S. that recognizes the cognitive benefits associated with handwriting. This decision has sparked discussions on the importance of cursive in modern education, with varying opinions on how resources should be allocated.