Photo: Getty Images
New Jersey lawmakers are pushing a bill to reintroduce cursive writing instruction in elementary schools. Democratic State Senators Angela McKnight and Shirley Turner have sponsored the legislation, which recently passed the Senate Education Committee with a unanimous 5-0 vote. The bill aims to incorporate cursive handwriting lessons for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Senator Turner emphasized the cognitive benefits of cursive writing, stating that it enhances learning by improving reading, comprehension, memory, and critical thinking skills. Senator McKnight added that cursive writing is a valuable skill for signing checks and interpreting important documents. "We are giving them a valuable skill they will use throughout their lives," said McKnight.
Although not currently mandated statewide, some New Jersey districts, like Indian Mills School in Shamong, continue to teach cursive. Patricia Durelli, a teacher at Indian Mills, believes cursive is a "dying art" that should be revived. Her students practice cursive twice a week and later transition to independent learning.
If passed, the bill would take effect in the next full school year. New Jersey would join Delaware and 23 other states that require cursive instruction. Critics argue that in today's digital age, time might be better spent on typing skills. However, McKnight believes cursive can be seamlessly integrated into existing lessons without being disruptive.
The bill's proponents argue that cursive writing helps students retain information better and improves fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. The legislation is now awaiting further consideration in the New Jersey Assembly.