Cursive Come Back? IL House Passes Law REQUIRING Schools Teach Cursive Writing

The Illinois House went back to the future, approving legislation that now requires elementary and high schools to teach their students cursive writing.

Chicago Democratic Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, the new law’s sponsor, says it’s important that tech-savvy kids to retain cursive writing to read historical documents, write personal notes and sign documents.

Republican Rep. Steven Andersson of Geneva says cursive does not help develop young minds any better than printing. He says a legal document doesn’t need a signature but only a “mark.” GOP Rep. Mike Fortner of West Chicago says cursive styles change. He says modern readers don’t readily recognize the cursive of the Declaration of Independence. h/t wgntv

Welch pointed out that cursive handwriting would be required in short-term classroom units. It would not be required year-round.