News Summary
Starting in the upcoming school year, Kentucky will once again mandate cursive writing instruction in elementary schools, reversing a previous decision made in 2010. Senate Bill 167 requires students to demonstrate cursive proficiency by fifth grade and to be able to sign their names in cursive for high school graduation. Schools will also need to balance teaching typing skills alongside cursive. Supporters praise cursive for its cognitive benefits, while challenges remain in developing guidelines for teaching it consistently across districts.
Bowling Green
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Kentucky will once again require cursive writing to be taught in all elementary schools, following the enactment of Kentucky Senate Bill 167. This new legislation mandates that schools reintegrate cursive writing into their curricula, reversing the decision made in 2010 when cursive was made non-mandatory due to the implementation of Common Core standards.
The bill is designed to ensure that elementary students not only learn cursive writing but also demonstrate proficiency by the time they reach the fifth grade. Additionally, the legislation stipulates that high school students must be capable of signing their names in cursive in order to graduate. Public high schools will also be required to offer courses that teach both typing and cursive writing, ensuring that students gain essential skills for their future.
Support for Cursive Instruction
At Potter Gray Elementary School, cursive writing has been an annual part of the curriculum, reflecting its importance as a foundational skill in literacy and communication. Principal Keith Brown revealed that while the intensity and focus on cursive instruction may fluctuate from year to year, it has consistently been integrated into the educational framework at the school.
Advocates of cursive writing point to several benefits associated with its practice, including improvements in spelling and fine motor skills. Research shows that there is a positive correlation between cursive writing and enhanced reading fluency. Proponents argue that teaching cursive can provide students with valuable cognitive and developmental advantages that contribute to overall educational success.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the passage of Senate Bill 167, specific guidelines outlining how cursive proficiency is to be taught in the fifth grade have yet to be released. This lack of clarity means that schools may need to navigate the implementation of the bill without a defined framework, potentially leading to inconsistencies in teaching methods across different districts.
The reintroduction of cursive writing into the curriculum presents challenges for schools that eliminated it due to previous educational reforms. These schools will need to develop lesson plans and instructional materials to meet the new requirements and help students reacquire this skill.
The Debate on Cursive Writing
Public feedback has been invited through an ongoing poll on the WBKO homepage, allowing community members to express their opinions on the return of cursive writing to school curriculums. The response from voters is expected to provide insight into public sentiment regarding this educational shift.
The decision to reinstate cursive writing instruction comes amid ongoing discussions about the relevance of traditional writing skills in the digital age, where typing and computer literacy increasingly dominate the educational landscape. Proponents of cursive instruction believe it remains a crucial skill for personal expression and identity, while opponents argue that educational time could be better spent on more modern skills.
Conclusion
As Kentucky prepares for the implementation of Senate Bill 167, schools, educators, and parents are beginning to navigate the transition towards re-emphasizing cursive writing. With the law set to take effect in 2025-2026, all eyes will be on the educational system to see how it adapts to this mandate and the subsequent impact on students.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Cursive Returns to Kentucky School Curriculum
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- Wikipedia: Cursive
- Google Search: Cursive Writing Benefits
- Google Scholar: Cursive Writing Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cursive
- Google News: Cursive in Schools
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
