Cursive handwriting is part of being an American, senator says

Apparently, kids today can't read letters their grandparents have written in cursive, and that's a big problem as far as Washington state legislators are concerned.

A bill that was introduced to the state senate would require all students enrolled in Washington grade schools to write in cursive. Yes, cursive. That curly style of lettering that we no longer see.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Pam Roach, told K5 news that she was inspired to sponsor the bill after hearing that one of her constituents had written a note to her grandson, but he couldn't read it.

"Part of being an American is being able to read cursive writing," Sen. Roach told K5 news.

Although the curly lettering was once a requirement across most elementary schools nationwide, the practice dwindled in the early 2000s and was unceremoniously dropped when it was left out of the Common Core State Standards, which all but four states have adopted.

Most schools now give teachers the option of assigning cursive homework and classwork to their students, and many have chosen not to devote the time to the skill.

Amy Koster, a 5th grade teacher in Washington, told the Associated Press that she wants her students to learn cursive, but there isn't enough time to devote to it in the classroom.

The topic has been debated in other districts before. Supporters of the cursive mandate typically point to historic documents, such as the Constitution, as a reason for requiring students to learn the handwriting style. (Although letters to grandma might work, too.)

Cursive handwriting is part of being an American, senator says

Sourse: mashable.com