HARRISBURG – Gov. Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 17 into law. The measure, now Act 2 of 2026, brings cursive handwriting instruction back to PA schools. Studies show that writing in cursive activates brain regions tied to memory, language, and critical thinking. It also builds fine motor skills, improving coordination and dexterity. These are all benefits that extend well beyond the classroom. Cursive is also a key to unlocking history. Foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were penned in cursive. Ensuring future generations can read and write in this style keeps those texts accessible, strengthening civic engagement and historical literacy. Cursive is also practical. From signing checks and legal papers to adding a personal touch to letters, cursive remains relevant in everyday life. More than half of U.S. states already require cursive instruction in public schools.
