Still one of the three R’s: Mon Valley school administrators react to Pennsylvania’s emphasis on cursive writing

For generations, learning cursive was a rite of passage in elementary school classrooms. Now, after years of fading from daily use, the looping letters are making a comeback as Pennsylvania schools prepare to once again teach students how to write — and read — in script The renewed focus comes after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation last week requiring cursive handwriting instruction in public schools statewide, a move that places Pennsylvania among more than two dozen states with similar mandates.

The law sets the expectation, but local districts will determine how cursive is incorporated into existing curriculum and classroom time.

While implementation details are still being reviewed, some Mon Valley educators said cursive already plays a role in elementary instruction, even as its everyday use has declined in the digital age.

Dr. Robert Motte, superintendent of the Monessen City School District, said while cursive instruction still has value, its practical relevance has shifted over time.

“I believe it’s important for students to have a basic understanding of cursive writing,” Motte said. “However, in today’s information age, its everyday use has declined. Cursive was once a primary form of written communication, but in many ways, digital communication and electronic signatures have taken its place.”

Dr. Timothy Glasspool, superintendent of the Belle Vernon Area School District, said the district is in the planning stages to align curriculum with the new state requirement.

Pennsylvania’s recent legislation requires schools to include cursive handwriting as part of writing instruction. While the law does not prescribe specific grade levels or instructional minutes, it does require districts to ensure that cursive is mean- ingfully incorporated into the curriculum, Glasspool said.

“In response, our district will review and, where necessary, adjust our elementary literacy curriculum to ensure alignment with the new state requirement,” Glasspool said. “This will include formalizing expectations across grade levels and providing guidance and support to teachers.”

Glasspool said the district anticipates dedicating a modest portion of existing writing instruction time to cursive while maintaining focus on broader literacy development.

“Our goal is to provide students with sufficient practice to build fluency, while maintaining strong emphasis on foundational literacy skills, including reading, composition and keyboarding,” Glasspool said.

He added that cursive instruction provides developmental benefits, including support for fine motor skills and writing fluency, while also allowing students to read historical documents and develop a personal signature.

“While digital literacy and keyboarding are essential components of modern education, we view handwriting and technology skills as complementary rather than competing priorities,” Glasspool said.

The law takes effect this spring, and Glasspool said Belle Vernon Area anticipates full curriculum alignment and consistent implementation beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Edward J. Zelich, superintendent of the Charleroi Area School District, said districts must also balance the new requirement with existing academic priorities and financial considerations.

“Currently, our district has a strong focus on digital citizenship and supporting student health and well-being, particularly as it relates to social media use,” Zelich said. “In addition, we have prioritized literacy development and typing skills in response to the state’s transition to fully online PSSA and Keystone assessments this school year.”

Zelich said the move to online testing has increased the importance of keyboard proficiency for students.

“In prior years, writing was a component of these exams, but the shift to online testing has increased the importance of keyboard proficiency,” Zelich said. “As with any new state requirement, there is also concern that this is an unfunded mandate, particularly regarding potential costs associated with curriculum updates and teacher professional development.”

Mary Carole Perry, assistant superintendent of the Elizabeth Forward School District, said the district is already well positioned to meet the new requirement, having implemented a formal handwriting curriculum in 2024 using the Peterson Handwriting program, which introduces cursive beginning in second grade.

Perry said students typically spend about 10 to 15 minutes per day on handwriting instruction and have access to the curriculum across grades K-3. She said research supports the academic benefits of cursive, noting that continuous writing strokes can help connect sounds, letters and words while reducing the cognitive effort required for mechanics.

“Brain research has shown the benefits of cursive handwriting,” she said. “In addition to improving fine motor skills, the continuous stroke, like cursive, helps the brain connect sounds, letters and words. Fewer pencil lifts mean less effort spent on mechanics, leaving more working memory available for ideas. Basically, thinking improves.”

Perry added that the district views handwriting and digital literacy as complementary skills, particularly as state and local assessments move to online formats requiring strong keyboard and navigation skills. Because Elizabeth Forward already has systems in place, Perry said the new mandate will serve more as formal recognition of existing practices rather than a significant shift.

“Fortunately, our district is already ahead of this requirement and has many of the structures and practices in place, so this is less of a shift and more of a formal recognition of the work we’ve been doing,” she said. “Over the years, schools have learned to navigate mandates, and we use them as opportunities to refine and strengthen our systems rather than start from scratch. In this case, it is encouraging to see the state place a strong emphasis on the primary grades, where early support has the greatest impact on long-term student success.”

She also noted the district is currently working toward adopting a new English language arts program aligned with Pennsylvania’s Structured Literacy, or Science of Reading, requirements.

State Rep. Andrew Kuzma, R-Elizabeth Township, who supported the bill, said he believes cursive instruction provides practical and cognitive benefits for students.

“I supported this requirement, and it passed by close to a unanimous vote,” Kuzma said. “The benefits I see are numerous. I encounter many young adults who are unable to read cursive writing. This causes difficulty for them in the workplace, communicating with older adults and fully appreciating historical documents. In addition, cursive writing activates areas of the brain responsible for memory, language and critical thinking, while also enhancing fine motor skills to improve coordination and dexterity. These skills help in all areas of life. Finally, more than half of U.S. states already require cursive instruction in public school. Pennsylvania students should be on a level playing field with their peers.”

The bipartisan legislation requires Pennsylvania public schools to provide instruction in cursive handwriting as part of the curriculum. Supporters of the measure have said learning cursive can help students develop fine motor skills and read historical documents, while some education officials have questioned whether the mandate is necessary given competing academic priorities.

School districts will be responsible for determining how cursive instruction is incorporated into existing coursework, including what grade levels will receive instruction and how much classroom time will be devoted to it.