Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed new bipartisan legislation that will require cursive handwriting to be taught in all Pennsylvania public schools, bringing the state in line with a growing national push to revive the traditional skill.
Shapiro signed House Bill 17 on Wednesday, joking during the announcement that he was “definitely rusty” but felt his own penmanship was still “okay.”
The measure was sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro, a Republican representing parts of Luzerne and Schuylkill counties, and drew support from both parties, including 15 other Republicans and three Democrats.
Supporters argue that cursive offers academic and practical benefits beyond simply writing in script. Watro pointed to research suggesting that learning cursive activates parts of the brain tied to executive function, fine motor development, and working memory. He also said leaving cursive out of classrooms denies students the opportunity to take on an age-appropriate challenge.
The bill also highlights real-world concerns, including signature development. Watro referenced issues raised by Nevada’s Secretary of State, who reported problems with mail-in ballots submitted by young voters whose signatures were not fully developed.
Backers further contend that cursive remains important for reading historical documents. The legislation notes that understanding cursive can help future generations engage with foundational texts such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Not everyone agrees the instruction is essential. Pennsylvania’s former Education Secretary Khalid Mumin questioned whether cursive is vital in modern classrooms. Education department spokesman Taj Magruder said Mumin encouraged schools to choose the most effective ways for students to communicate in writing, regardless of the method used.
Rep. Joe Adams, another Republican lawmaker who proposed similar legislation in the previous session, emphasized the everyday importance of being able to sign one’s name. Adams also suggested that signatures serve as unique identifiers that artificial intelligence may have difficulty replicating.
Pennsylvania joins a growing list of states adopting similar requirements. According to the bill’s supporters, 24 other states now mandate cursive instruction in public schools — nearly double the number that did a decade ago.
With Shapiro’s signature, cursive writing will once again become a standard part of the curriculum for Pennsylvania students.
Source: pa.gov