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Indiana lawmakers continue to push for mandatory cursive writing

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2011 17:52 PM



The debate over whether or not students should be required to learn cursive writing in Indiana schools continues. In early December, The Associated Press reported that state lawmakers planned to make cursive mandatory, despite the fact that this writing style is not a focus of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

WLS 890AM recently reported that Indiana Senator Jean Leising has filed a bill in the state’s General Assembly that would require school corporations to make cursive writing a mandatory part of their curricula.

However, this presents a problem for Indiana educators who are currently preparing for the CCSS, which are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in college and beyond, according to the news source. In an increasingly digital world, many do not view cursive writing to be as necessary as typing skills.

Then, there are those, such as Mark Sperling, Merrillville Community Schools assistant superintendent, who still believe in the value of cursive lessons.

"Even though we live in an increasingly technological society, there still is a need for students to learn cursive as signing their name for among other things, government documents is still a requirement," Sperling said, as quoted by the news outlet. "Even student financial aid applications require either a computer signature or a hand written signature."


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