Is Cursive Writing Still Relevant?

 An article appeared recent in the Epoch Times questioning the importance of cursive writing in today’s twenty-first century curriculum. It seems that in a society that is using all sorts of abbreviations and shortcuts and where texting and emails have replaced letter writing, that good old-fashioned handwriting may have outlived its usefulness. The article noted that the new federal Common Core standards no longer required cursive writing in the school curriculum. To date 45 states plus the District of Columbia have decided to subscribe to Common Core. However it should be noted that a states 

( like Florida or Tennessee)  can  and have opted out and are still teaching cursive writing.

 Because of this seminal change, there has been a schism between those who think that this is a good  idea and those who do not. Proponents feel that jettisoning cursive is a good idea because more class time can be spent on important academic subjects like math and  science (STEM). Those who feel that it is important to retain cursive writing in the curriculum believe that there are cognitive benefits that  can be derived from teaching it.  These advocates believe that cursive can be an especially helpful tool in working with students with disabilities.

So the question is out there for debate. Is the cursive technique obsolete  or  still an important part of producing well rounded literate and articulate student who can be successful in a twenty-first century world?

You can find discussion of the divergent opinions about this issue at the following web links:

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/04/30/should-schools-require-children-to-learn-cursive/the-benefits-of-cursive-go-beyond-writing

https://www.zaner-bloser.com/news/importance-teaching-handwriting-21st-century

http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/curriculum-instruction/5-reasons-cursive-writing-should-be-taught-in-school/

You are invited to join the conversation.

c.2014  J. Margolis