Some States Move to “Save” Cursive Writing

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — In years gone by, penmanship helped distinguish the literate from the illiterate. But in the digital age, people are increasingly communicating by computer and smartphone, with no handwritten signature necessary.

When the new Common Core educational standards were crafted, cursive classes were dropped. State leaders cited a host of reasons, including an increasing need for children to master computer keyboarding.

But at least seven of the 45 states that adopted the standards are fighting to restore handwriting classes.

Cursive advocates cite recent brain science that indicates the fluid motion employed when writing script enhances hand-eye coordination and develops fine motor skills, in turn promoting reading, writing and cognition skills.