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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	November 15, 2021 03:20 PM
From:	Representative Angel Cruz
To:	All House members
Subject:	Handwriting Instruction in Schools

In the digital age of instant communication, certain skills such as handwriting are becoming less necessary than before. Despite the instruction of cursive handwriting slowly disappearing from our classrooms, there is increasing evidence of its benefits that go beyond simply writing. Not only does cursive writing require fine motor skills associated with cognitive development but engaging in handwriting activities can activate many neural pathways that aren’t formed when tracing or typing letters alone. Additionally, handwriting activities are linked to improved word recognition, hand-eye coordination, and information retention. Handwriting instruction must remain in our school curriculum. The decision to remove cursive handwriting instruction from the Common Core Standards has led many schools facing budget crises and unfunded mandates to opt out of teaching a non-required class. Further, a 2020 survey conducted by federal agencies found that only 74 percent of American homes had computers, with the fewest in homes with Native, African-American and Hispanic children. Irrespective of how much technology advances and how many children use smart devices, handwriting skills remain essential. Therefore, I will be introducing legislation to amend the Public School Code of 1949 to require handwriting instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade. My legislation will ensure that students can legibly print by third grade and write in cursive by the end of fifth grade. Please join me in adding Pennsylvania to the growing number of states that recognize the vital impact handwriting has on learning.

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