A new bill introduced by Republican Senators Steve Nass and Representative Paul Melotik would require Wisconsin schools to incorporate cursive writing into their elementary curriculum. Under the proposal, the state superintendent of public instruction must add cursive to the model academic standards for English language arts. All public, independent charter, and private choice schools would need to ensure that students can write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade.
The bill reignites a long-standing debate over the relevance of cursive writing in modern education. While supporters view cursive as an essential skill that fosters cognitive development and fine motor coordination, opponents argue that it is an outdated practice with little practical use in today’s digital age. This bill comes as more states mandate cursive writing to be taught in public schools.
The Case for Cursive
Supporters of cursive writing argue that it plays a critical role in cognitive and academic development. Supporters point to research that shows that cursive stimulates the brain in ways that typing cannot. Handwriting involves sequential finger movements that activate multiple areas of the brain related to thinking, language, and memory. Unlike typing, which relies on repetitive keystrokes, cursive writing requires students to develop muscle memory and spatial awareness, improving overall mental effectiveness.
Beyond cognitive benefits, cursive writing has practical applications. The ability to read cursive remains relevant, as many historical documents—including the Declaration of Independence—are written in cursive. Without instruction, future generations may struggle to read personal letters, legal documents, and archival materials.
Cursive is also linked to increased writing speed and fluidity. Unlike print writing, which involves frequent stops and starts, cursive allows for a continuous flow of letters. This efficiency can help students complete writing assignments more quickly and with greater ease. Additionally, studies have shown that students retain more information when taking notes by hand rather than typing them on a computer. Writing in cursive encourages deeper processing of information, leading to better comprehension and recall.
For children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia, cursive can be particularly beneficial. Some educators argue that the continuous, connected strokes of cursive writing reduce letter reversals and improve overall legibility. Additionally, learning cursive has been associated with improvements in spelling, as the hand memorizes the muscle movements required to form words correctly.
The Case Against Cursive
Despite these benefits, opponents question whether cursive remains a necessary skill in an increasingly digital world. Today, most written communication takes place on keyboards and touchscreens, with printed text being the standard for professional and academic settings. Opponents argue that classroom time would be better spent teaching skills like coding, financial literacy, or digital communication, which are more applicable to modern careers.
Another concern is the strain that a cursive writing mandate could place on schools. Many districts are already facing teacher shortages, shifting academic priorities, and limited instructional time. Critics argue that mandating cursive could take time away from subjects that may be more beneficial to students’ long-term success.
Furthermore, some educators believe that students should be given the choice to learn cursive rather than being required to do so. While reading cursive may still be useful, they argue that the necessity of writing in cursive is diminishing. Instead, schools should focus on developing strong print handwriting and keyboarding skills, which are more relevant in today’s workplace.
A Classic Debate in Education
The debate over cursive reflects broader discussions about traditional versus modern education. Classical education models continue to emphasize cursive for its neurological and academic advantages, while contemporary approaches prioritize digital literacy and real-world applicability.
This proposed bill represents a step toward preserving cursive as a core skill in the classroom. Whether it becomes law will depend on how lawmakers and the public weigh the educational benefits of cursive writing against the evolving needs of a digital-first society. As of now, the bill is a proposal and Gov. Evers