HARRISBURG – Legislation that would require cursive handwriting instruction in PA schools was unanimously approved by the PA House Education Committee. Bill sponsor, Rep. Dane Watro of Luzerne & Schuylkill Counties said in our digital world, cursive writing has fallen by the wayside, but there are many reasons for students to get a basic grasp on it. He explained studies have shown writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking, and it has been found to support fine motor development, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Cursive also plays a role in everyday life, such as signing a check or a legal document. At least 24 states have laws requiring cursive instruction. House Bill 17 now heads to the full state House.
REP. DANE WATRO