Harrisburg, PA – Starting April 12, all public and private schools in Pennsylvania will once again be required to include cursive handwriting instruction in their curriculum. The move, signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro in February, marks a significant shift in educational priorities and a return to a skill once considered a fundamental part of a well-rounded education. This requirement applies to all grade levels, with the Pennsylvania Department of Education set to release detailed guidance this spring regarding implementation and curriculum recommendations.
The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support, signaling a widespread belief in the importance of cursive handwriting. The House approved the measure by a vote of 195-8, and the Senate followed suit with a 42-5 vote. Proponents of the law argue that cursive handwriting is more than just a stylistic form of writing; it plays a role in cognitive development and provides a connection to historical literacy.
Bipartisan Support for Cursive’s Return
The reintroduction of cursive instruction comes after years of declining emphasis on the skill in many schools. Advocates successfully argued that cursive handwriting supports fine motor development and provides students with the ability to read and understand historical documents written in script. Representative Dane Watro (R‑Luzerne/Schuylkill), a key sponsor of the bill, emphasized this point, stating that “Cursive is more than handwriting. It’s a bridge,” according to reports.
Senator Wayne Langerholic (R-Clearfield), the bill’s sponsor in the Pennsylvania Senate, echoed this sentiment, asserting that reintegrating cursive into the curriculum is “investing in our students’ cognitive development, strengthening their legal preparedness and preserving their connection to historical literacy.”
What the Latest Law Requires
The new law amends the state’s Public School Code of 1949 to specifically include printing, joined italics, and cursive handwriting as required components of the writing curriculum for all students. The law stipulates that instruction in “cursive handwriting or joined italics” will be taught at “appropriate grade levels,” leaving the specific implementation details to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The department is expected to release guidance this spring to assist schools in incorporating cursive instruction effectively.
The mandate officially goes into effect on April 12, giving schools a short period to prepare for the change. While the law doesn’t prescribe a specific method of teaching cursive, it does require that it be included in the curriculum alongside printing and joined italics.
Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Impact and Future Implementation
The return of cursive instruction is expected to impact schools across Pennsylvania, requiring adjustments to curriculum and potential professional development for teachers. The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s forthcoming guidance will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and consistent implementation of the new law. The department will address grade-level implementation, teacher support, and curriculum recommendations.
The move to reinstate cursive handwriting instruction reflects a growing national trend. Several other states have already taken steps to require cursive in schools, driven by similar arguments about cognitive benefits and historical literacy. The Pennsylvania law joins a broader conversation about the skills and knowledge considered essential for students in the 21st century.
As April 12 approaches, schools are preparing to integrate cursive handwriting back into their classrooms. The long-term effects of this change on student development and literacy remain to be seen, but the bipartisan support for the law suggests a widespread belief in its potential benefits. The Department of Education’s guidance will be a key factor in determining the success of this initiative.
What are your thoughts on the return of cursive handwriting instruction? Share your comments below and let us know how you feel this change will impact students in Pennsylvania.
