Ohio schools prioritize cursive handwriting instruction for students

Ohio schools are increasingly focusing on handwriting instruction, particularly cursive writing, as part of student development. Educators believe that learning cursive can benefit students' literacy skills, even in a digital age. The Ohio Department of Education recently updated its guidelines for teaching handwriting. The guidance emphasizes that while keyboarding is essential, handwriting, including cursive, promotes better literacy. Research suggests that writing by hand helps students think more deeply about spelling and sentence structure. Many schools in Northeast Ohio have continued teaching cursive. Although not all districts are required to teach it, those that do report improvements in reading and writing skills among students. Handwriting is linked to the science of reading, which emphasizes phonics and vocabulary in teaching methods. Some state lawmakers have advocated for more formal requirements concerning cursive instruction. In 2019, a law called for guidance on handwriting but made instruction optional to avoid imposing costs on schools. Still, many educators see the value of handwriting in helping kids connect letters to sounds and words. Cursive instruction varies by district; some begin teaching it in the second or third grade. Students usually do not receive grades for penmanship, but they do get feedback. Schools believe that teaching cursive helps students develop fine motor skills, which are vital for many physical tasks. Cursive is also important for understanding historical documents. Educators argue that without this skill, students may struggle to read key texts from American history. While some experts predict that cursive may eventually fade away, others maintain it remains an essential part of a well-rounded education.