TRENTON – The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation today sponsored by Senator Angela V. McKnight and Senator Shirley K. Turner that would require school districts to incorporate instruction on cursive handwriting into the curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

“By guaranteeing that all students have a solid background in cursive handwriting, we are giving them a valuable skill they will use throughout their lives – whether it’s signing a check or interpreting an important document,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “Not only does handwriting instruction encourage better retention and comprehension of information, it also allows our students to build self-confidence and maintain a vital connection to written communication in the increasingly digital age.”

“Reading and writing in cursive has wonderful cognitive and developmental benefits,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “Studies show again and again that writing by hand enhances learning by improving reading, comprehension, memory, fine motor, and critical thinking skills. Cursive is a timeless and necessary skill that we must incorporate into our curriculum again.”

Throughout the country, there is a renewed focus on cursive instruction following years of decline after the 2010 adoption of the Common Core State Standards, which omitted handwriting from its curriculum. Many states such as California and New Hampshire are now reversing course by requiring cursive instruction in schools, citing its exceptional benefits for young students.

The bill passed through committee in a 5-0 vote.