In a world where technology and digital communication dominate, the practice of cursive writing is quickly becoming a lost art. However, there are still several states in the United States that continue to prioritize teaching this form of handwriting in schools. From the northeastern corner of the country to the western borders, there are pockets of education systems that continue to uphold cursive writing as an important skill for students to learn. In this article, we will explore which states have not abandoned cursive writing in their curriculum, and why some educators believe it is still a valuable part of a childs education.
States that Continue to Teach Cursive Writing
Cursive handwriting has been a fundamental part of education for decades in the United States. However, in recent years there has been a debate over whether cursive writing is still necessary to be taught in schools. With the rise of technology and the increased use of computers and devices, some states have chosen to remove cursive writing from their curriculum. However, there are still a number of states that prioritize teaching cursive handwriting to their students. Let’s take a closer look at which states have not abandoned cursive writing and continue to teach it as an important skill.
Remaining States that Teach Cursive Writing
According to the Common Core State Standards, cursive handwriting is not required to be taught in schools. This has resulted in many states choosing to remove cursive writing from their curriculum in order to focus on other subjects and skills. However, there are still 14 states that have chosen to uphold cursive writing education. These states include:
- Alabama: Cursive writing is required to be taught in the states English Language Arts standards for third grade.
- Arkansas: Cursive writing is included as a recommended skill for second grade in the states English Language Arts curriculum.
- Georgia: Cursive writing is included in the states English Language Arts standards for second grade.
- Kansas: Cursive writing is part of the states standards for English Language Arts for second grade.
- Kentucky: Cursive writing is included in the states English Language Arts standards for third grade.
- Louisiana: Cursive writing is required to be taught in the states English Language Arts curriculum for third grade.
- Mississippi: Cursive writing is part of the states curriculum for English Language Arts for second grade.
- Missouri: Cursive writing is included in the states English Language Arts expectations for second grade.
- Montana: Cursive writing is a recommended skill for second grade in the states English Language Arts curriculum.
- North Carolina: Cursive writing is required to be taught in the states English Language Arts standards for third grade.
- South Carolina: Cursive writing is included in the states English Language Arts standards for third grade.
- Tennessee: Cursive writing is part of the states English Language Arts curriculum for third grade.
- Texas: Cursive writing is required to be taught in the states English Language Arts standards for second grade.
- Virginia: Cursive writing is included in the states English Language Arts requirements for third grade.
Where is Cursive Writing Still Taught in Schools?
In addition to the states listed above, there are also a number of individual school districts across the country that have chosen to continue teaching cursive handwriting. For example, in New York City, cursive writing is still taught in all public schools as a part of their English Language Arts curriculum.
In other areas, cursive writing may not be specifically required to be taught, but is still incorporated into the curriculum. In California, for instance, cursive writing is not included in the states English Language Arts standards, but many schools still choose to teach it as a supplemental skill.
The decision to continue teaching cursive writing varies from district to district and state to state. But overall, these 14 states and numerous school districts demonstrate a commitment to keeping cursive writing alive in classrooms and passing on this traditional form of handwriting to future generations.
States that Uphold Cursive Writing Education
Many educators and parents argue that cursive writing is an important skill that should not be abandoned in schools. They believe that learning cursive has numerous benefits for students, including improving fine motor skills, developing hand-eye coordination, and enhancing memory and cognitive skills.
In addition, cursive writing has been seen as a cultural and historical tradition in America. It has been used for centuries and is often associated with important documents and signatures. By continuing to teach cursive writing in schools, these states are preserving a part of our heritage and ensuring that future generations are able to read and write cursive.
Furthermore, in today’s digital age, many children are often exposed to technology at a young age, but may not have developed strong handwriting skills. Teaching cursive writing can help bridge the gap between technological proficiency and traditional writing methods.
Which States Prioritize Teaching Cursive Handwriting?
Notably, some states not only continue to teach cursive writing but have also made it a priority in their education system. For example, Louisiana requires cursive writing to be taught in all public schools, and they have even introduced a cursive writing curriculum for students with special needs.
Similarly, Alabama has made cursive writing a mandatory part of their English Language Arts standards for third grade. The state also requires students to take a cursive proficiency test in order to advance to fourth grade. And in Georgia, cursive writing is not only included in the curriculum but is also required to be included in standardized tests.
States that Have Not Removed Cursive Writing from Curriculum
While there are still a significant number of states that continue to teach cursive writing, there are some that have chosen to remove it from their curriculum entirely. These states include:
- Indiana: Cursive writing is no longer required to be taught in the states English Language Arts standards.
- Hawaii: There are no specific requirements for teaching cursive handwriting in the states curriculum.
- Oregon: Cursive writing is no longer mandated to be a part of the states English Language Arts curriculum.
- Idaho: Cursive writing is no longer listed as a goal in the states English Language Arts standards.
- Washington: Cursive writing is not specifically required to be taught in the states standards for English Language Arts.
- Wyoming: While cursive writing used to be part of the states curriculum, it was removed in 2017.
Where is Cursive Writing Still Part of the School Curriculum?
While cursive writing may not be required in these states, it is still possible for individual schools or districts to choose to teach it. Some schools may also offer cursive writing as an elective or enrichment course for interested students.
Additionally, many private and charter schools continue to include cursive writing in their curriculum, regardless of state requirements. These schools often prioritize teaching traditional skills and values and see cursive writing as an important part of that education.
Which States Value Cursive Writing Education?
Which states still teach cursive writing
The debate over whether cursive writing is still relevant in today’s society will likely continue. However, for those states that have chosen to continue teaching it, they value the skills and traditions that come with cursive writing. And for those who have not included cursive in their curriculum, there are still ways for students to learn this important skill through online courses or supplemental materials.
Cursive writing may no longer be a mandatory part of education in every state, but its impact and importance are still felt by many. Whether it is taught in schools or not, learning cursive can have numerous benefits and should not be forgotten as a part of our history and culture.
In todays digital age, the debate over whether or not to continue teaching cursive writing in schools is a hot topic. While many states have abandoned this form of handwriting, there are still some that continue to prioritize its education. Through our research, it is evident that there are clear divisions among states when it comes to cursive writing. Some have remained steadfast in their commitment to teaching cursive, recognizing its importance and value, while others have deemed it unnecessary in modern times. However, as we have seen, there are still numerous states that have not removed cursive from their curriculum and continue to uphold its education. These states understand the significance of maintaining this traditional form of communication and recognize its role in developing vital skills such as fine motor coordination and cognitive development. In the end, the decision to continue teaching cursive may vary among states, but it is clear that some still value its importance and will continue to do so in the future.
