Cursive Makes a Comeback in Classrooms Across the U.S.

After decades of decline, cursive handwriting is experiencing a resurgence in American schools. Once deemed obsolete in the digital age, cursive is now being reintroduced in more than two dozen states, sparking debate among educators and experts about its relevance and benefits in the 21st century.

A Return to the Basics

The movement to revive cursive began as a grassroots effort, fueled by nostalgia and a desire to connect with the past. Sherisse Kenerson, a multilingual teacher at Holmes Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia, noticed a surprising trend when students couldn’t read her cursive writing on the board. “I realized they didn’t know how to write or read in cursive,” Kenerson said. She subsequently started an after-school cursive club, which quickly gained popularity, attracting attention from local news outlets and even educators in other states, including Oklahoma and Maryland, seeking guidance on how to implement similar programs. NPR and NNY360 both reported on the growing trend.

Why the Revival?

The decline of cursive instruction coincided with the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in 2010, which did not include cursive as a required skill. Although, a growing number of states have since mandated its inclusion in school curricula. Advocates point to several potential benefits, including improved cognitive development, enhanced fine motor skills, and a deeper connection to historical documents. Some educators also believe cursive can be therapeutic for students with special needs.

Students themselves are finding value in learning cursive. Twelve-year-old Sandi Chandee of Holmes Middle School memorized the complex medical term “Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” specifically to practice her cursive skills, hoping to have a perfect signature when she becomes a doctor. NPR reported on Sandi’s dedication.

The Debate Continues

Despite the growing enthusiasm, the resurgence of cursive is not without its critics. Some educators argue that time spent on cursive instruction could be better allocated to other skills, particularly in an increasingly digital world. Mark Warschauer, a professor of education at the University of California, Irvine, stated he has “seen no evidence that cursive brings any particular cognitive or learning benefit beyond that brought by hand printing.”

Others suggest a more balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of developing multi-modal writing skills. Shawn Datchuk, a professor of special education at the University of Iowa, argues that students should be proficient in print handwriting, cursive, typing, and interacting with technology. He also noted that the ability to spell remains crucial even with the aid of spell checkers and artificial intelligence.

The Enduring Appeal

For many, the appeal of cursive extends beyond practical benefits. It represents a connection to the past, a link to family history, and a sense of personal expression. As Kenerson observed, cursive is a way to “hold on to the past, and many people are not ready to let it head.” The simple act of writing with a pencil, and the sound it makes, can also be a source of enjoyment, as one student in Kenerson’s club remarked, “I love that sound.”

The debate over cursive’s place in education is likely to continue. However, the current trend suggests that this traditional skill is far from extinct, and may even be poised for a lasting revival.