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Sen. Leising continues push for cursive writing to be part of educational curriculum

Monday, December 18, 2023 at 8:02 AM

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During the 2023 legislative session, State Senator Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) authored Senate Enrolled Act 72 to learn how many Indiana schools teach cursive writing and whether students at public and private schools have the same opportunity to receive this education.

The Indiana Department of Education surveyed 1,770 schools across Indiana, according to Leising. Of the 1,386 respondents, 91% of state-accredited non-public schools are teaching cursive, but only 52% of public schools reported teaching cursive.

This reveals students who attend public schools are at a clear disadvantage compared to those in private schools, and their disadvantage is made worse when compared to students living in 25 other states where cursive writing is an academic requirement, stated Leising in a media release.

“Opponents of cursive writing say schools should focus more on teaching typewriting skills in an evolving age of technology and online work,” said Leising. “I argue, cursive is equally important, and we risk limiting development of students’ learning abilities by moving away from essential handwriting curriculum.”

Leising intends to join fellow lawmakers to tackle literacy in the 2024 legislative session by advocating for cursive writing curriculum, since various studies show knowing how to write in cursive helps improve information retention and comprehension abilities – supporting the successful development of reading and writing skills.

“I have been an unwavering proponent of cursive writing in the Indiana General Assembly for more than a decade,” said Leising. “My concerns originally centered around making sure our children could sign their names on legal documents and read historical texts, but it is now much larger than that. They need to have the necessary motor skills and strong cognitive ability to succeed academically and professionally, and learning cursive writing can only further support their development.”

Leising, who represents Senate District 42 which includes portions of Shelby County, can be contacted at Senator.Leising@iga.in.gov or call 317-232-9493.

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