WJAC — State representative of the 139th district, Joseph Adams, says he’s working on legislation with educators and legal experts.
He says it’s aimed at emphasizing use of cursive writing in commonwealth schools. Adams says the benefits are significant.
"For obvious reasons. Number one, all the science points in that direction. The neurologists, the psychologists, the education people have all done a lot of research, over a long period of time. That research shows that cursive is developmentally very important for kids.” says Adams. He says this will also help maintain the integrity of historical documents, and the ability to read them for future generations.
"You can’t open a bank account without a signature. You can't open a credit card without a signature. You can't buy a property without putting a signature together on a contract, an agreement, or a deed. All of those things are important.” Adams says.
According to the National Education Association, 21 U.S. states currently have similar motions in place, requiring cursive writing to be taught.
School district leaders say to me they're considering implementing cursive writing into their curriculum. Teachers, parents, and students I heard from say they see and understand the pros and cons to doing this.
Conemaugh Valley School District Superintendent, Shane Hazenstab says "Figuring out where does it fit into what we do in public schools, cause there probably is a place for it. Where that is, and how much that is, I think we need to figure out, but we’re definitely interested in the conversation.”
Parents and students I heard from say they agree.
"I think in all, bringing cursive writing back to be taught is something that’s very important for kids in this age.” says mother and school aide, Lynley Arendas.
Elementary school student, Cheyanna Gustki says "I don’t necessarily like cursive, but it would be fun to learn.”
"I’d be happy to learn it, cause I know how to write my name in cursive. I just think it’s easier to not pick up your pencil, for some reason.” says elementary student Easton Reynolds.
Business owner Bob Haddad says collaboration is made easier, when someone knows how to read cursive. "You’ve got to be able to kind of adapt to what everybody is seeing. A basically all inclusive type society that I know what you’re doing, you know what I'm doing. I can read and write with you, and we’re able to do business together.” says Haddad.
As of mid January, this piece of legislation requiring cursive writing to be further implemented in school curriculums is not in effect, but Adams says he is working on it. He says the co-sponsor list is over 20 people.
"Quite honestly, I didn’t think it would get the traction that it’s getting, but it did. It's not political. It's practical.” Adams says.
6-News got to hear what viewers like you think about cursive writing classes being mandatory. According to results on our Facebook page, most of you agree that this should be done. We appreciate your responses!
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfqMGiwMRmqZ6ooprAprrTmquirpVivba%2Fx56qZp6fp3qqusKrnJqrlZl6p7vCrqpmp55isLa%2B0qKtnmWZo3qku8ympqevlZa5tbSMrJqhp5%2BhwA%3D%3D