Do you think cursive handwriting should continue to be taught in schools?

No More Cursive Handwriting?
Water Cooler Question For May 17, 2011


Do you think cursive handwriting should continue to be taught in schools?

Our children are not taught cursive, only print. Do they print their signature? Technology could create what their signature would be had they been taught to write in cursive. You should not put all your eggs in one basket, versatility has always been what makes our society unique. You should "never" rely on one thing when there are other options. -- Sandy/Woodlawn.

My generation was taught that cursive was the standard of adults We drilled it for hours in 2nd and 3rd grade...and then promptly never used it again. It's a waste of classroom time that can be better spent on improving literacy and math scores. Very pretty, but ultimately not needed. -- Lennie, Pasadena

Yes. I definitely think that handwriting should continue in ENGLISH!!!! EVERYONE should know how to write!

Tech education is fine but do we really want to lose the art of communication. I do believe the written word is a necessary part of life. -- Pat in Baltimore

How can these students read the original US Constitution, the letters of George Washington, Lincon, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin, Einstein, etc in their original writings? Or should 'TEXT' talk be the new standard for communication in the United States? -- Jim, Rosedale

Of course children need to learn cursive in school. They will still need to write using a pen/pencil - what are the schools thinking? They need to learn technology also, but most kids know more about the technology of today than parents. Writing does help children learn more than just cursive.

I think with the other pressing issues in the State of Maryland, whether kids learn cursive or not is just not that important. Kids should be learning to read in ENGLISH, math, SOCIAL Studies, AMERICAN History and the ENGLISH language! Who cares about how they write if they can't read it? Robin, Pasadena

My 8 year old son brought up an important point that without knowing cursive you would not be able to read the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution! -- Denise (Perry Hall)

My nephew, going to school in Washington County, already seems to not be learning cursive. He is just graduating from the 5th grade and prints all of his work. Despite technology making the art of writing obsolete, I believe it is still necessary to teach and learn cursive. It can not only be a beautiful, personal, and thoughtful way of corresponding but at some point, people will have to have a “signature”. Printing your name should not be considered as your “signature”. Who knows what will happen in the future – why cripple our young people now with eliminating a tried and true method of learning? Connie in Ellicott City

Really? No. it's getting down right ridiculous how much we keep taking away from school. At most it should be an elective, but not removed. -- Doug

Yes, I believe cursive handwriting should be taught in school. Along with socialization skills, respect towards other people, please and thank you, and keeping active! Oh wait, most of those should be taught at home by their parents! Maybe parents need a class in "how to" before wanting a child in this world! -- Bob - Stewartstown, PA

My first reaction to the proposal to end the teaching of cursive writing in schools was disbelief. What will technology have us DELETING next from education? Perhaps spelling since spell check is available on all computers. -- Nancy, Queenstown

From Our Friends On Facebook:

Katie Hill: Sadly, some school districts (State of MD schools?) Teach for MSA test. So, cursive handwriting isn't on that test, therefore no cursive handwriting.. sad, sad, sad.

Vernika Branch Getbetterintime: Yes, my daughter is 10 n i just found out that her class hasnt learned it yet ....i started to learn @ 7 in 1st grade.

Bob Noll: Yes, I believe cursive handwriting should be taught in school. Along with socialization skills, respect towards other people, please and thank you, and keeping active! Oh wait, most of those should be taught at home by their parents! Maybe parents need a class in "how to" before wanting a child in this world!

Gregg Plapas: I am going with NO. I use to win handwriting awards when in school, and evereyone always admired my penmanship. When I got my first job, the first thing my boss told me was "Print no cursive". Today, the only cursive I use is on my check signature, and I am 58.

Michael Jones: I think both should be taught. There are times that a certain style is needed over another, especially "payroll" signature but once learned use at own will.

Rick Paolino: Yes it still should be taught; there are still times we need to write oppose to type.

Jean Roberts: YES! What in the world?! Why not? Maybe I'm just too "old school", but I think cursive writing should continue to be taught in schools.

Mary Baldwin-Lathroum: You have to be able to sign your receipt at a store when you make a purchase. Anyone can print your name!! more people will be stealing identities when all you can put there is an. X like in the old days. They also dont teach the kids to tell time on a regular clock. I was told they dont need it BUT all the clocks in the schools are still made that way.