News Summary
The Georgia Department of Education has announced plans to reinstate cursive writing lessons for public school students starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative is part of an update to the English Language Arts Standards curriculum and aims to enhance students’ writing skills. The new curriculum will introduce cursive writing in third grade and encourage practice in subsequent grades. A guidance packet for parents and educators has also been released to facilitate cursive instruction, which proponents argue will improve writing fluency and cognitive abilities.
Atlanta, Georgia – The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has announced plans to reinstate cursive writing lessons for public school students starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This new initiative comes as part of an update to the English Language Arts Standards curriculum, aimed at enhancing students’ writing skills across various grade levels.
The new curriculum will introduce cursive writing in third grade, allowing students to learn both how to read and write in cursive. Following this initial exposure, students in fourth and fifth grades will concentrate on practicing cursive to develop fluency and automaticity in their handwriting. The focus is expected to help students express themselves more freely by reducing the mechanical challenges associated with handwriting.
In an effort to support this initiative, the GaDOE has released a guidance packet designed to assist parents with cursive handwriting courses. This resource outlines expectations and offers recommendations for implementing a consistent cursive writing style within local school districts. School districts are encouraged to adopt a standard cursive style that complements the print handwriting instruction given to students in kindergarten through second grade.
Two specific cursive writing styles included in the guidance are Zaner-Bloser and D’Nealian. The packet presents examples of both styles but does not favor one over the other, allowing districts the flexibility to choose the style that best fits their educational approach.
The Need for Cursive Instruction
The decision to reintroduce cursive writing reflects a response to the evolving needs of modern education. In an age dominated by digital communication, educators recognize the importance of equipping students with a diverse set of skills. Proponents of cursive writing argue that it enables students to focus more on their thoughts, rather than the mechanics of handwriting. This shift in focus is believed to enhance writing fluency, bolster spelling capabilities, and allow students more cognitive resources for articulating their ideas.
Some parents have raised questions regarding the effectiveness of cursive instruction compared to emphasizing digital skills training. However, advocates highlight the benefits of mastering cursive writing, particularly for students with learning differences such as dyslexia. Cursive writing is considered to be less disruptive than traditional block printing, allowing for a continuous flow of ideas during writing exercises. This uninterrupted process can significantly contribute to a child’s overall writing proficiency and cognitive fluency.
Impact on Writing Education
The implementation of cursive writing instruction is viewed as a vital component for developing stronger writing skills among students. By integrating cursive into the curriculum, the GaDOE aims to foster an environment where students can build necessary skills that accompany academic growth in literacy. As cursive writing is reintroduced alongside standard print writing, educators anticipate this initiative will enhance students’ ability to convey their thoughts effectively.
As preparations for the 2025 school year begin, the return of cursive writing in Georgia schools represents a significant change in the educational landscape. While some embrace the initiative as a means to improve writing and cognitive abilities, others remain cautious, advocating for a balanced education that does not overshadow digital literacy. Nonetheless, cursive writing is set to play a crucial role in shaping writing education across the state in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Georgia Reintroduces Cursive Writing in Schools
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Additional Resources
- WSBTV: Georgia Restart Cursive Writing Classes
- Atlanta News First: Cursive Lessons Return Georgia Schools
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Cursive Writing Making Comeback
- Wikipedia: Cursive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cursive
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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