Learning to write in cursive used to be as common as learning to read or add. But today, this flowing form of handwriting, also known as script, may look like a foreign language to many students.
Lawmakers in California want to change that. Starting next school year, all public schools in that state will be required to teach cursive to students from first to sixth grade. California is joining 21 other states that have similar laws.
Many people think it’s important to learn cursive. They point out that kids need to know it to sign their names and to read historical documents like the U.S. Constitution.
But others say cursive is outdated and shouldn’t be included in the packed school day. They argue that teachers need to focus on core subjects like math and reading.