Do Schools Teach Cursive Writing Anymore?

On January 1, 2026, the question “do schools teach cursive writing anymore” continues to spark curiosity among parents, educators, and grandparents alike. The short answer is yes—in many places, and increasingly so. While cursive handwriting largely faded from U.S. public school curricula in the 2010s due to the adoption of Common Core State Standards (which emphasized keyboarding over script), a significant resurgence has taken place over the past decade.

As of late 2025 and into 2026, at least 25 states require cursive instruction in public schools, with several others considering or implementing similar mandates. This growing trend reflects renewed appreciation for the cognitive, developmental, and cultural benefits of learning to write—and read—cursive, even in our increasingly digital world.

Why Cursive Nearly Disappeared from School Curricula

The decline of cursive instruction began accelerating around 2010 when most states adopted the Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics. These standards, which aimed to create consistent learning goals nationwide, did not include cursive handwriting as a required skill. Instead, they prioritized keyboarding and digital literacy to prepare students for a technology-driven future.

By the mid-2010s, many school districts across the country had phased out dedicated cursive lessons entirely, often replacing them with typing practice on computers or tablets. Time constraints in already packed elementary schedules played a major role—educators had to choose between teaching flowing script or focusing on skills perceived as more immediately applicable, such as digital note-taking and word processing. As a result, a generation of students grew up primarily using print (manuscript) handwriting and typing, with many unable to read or write in cursive. This shift led to widespread concern that important historical documents—like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution—would become inaccessible to young readers in their original handwritten form.

The Strong Comeback: State Mandates

Since around 2016, a growing number of states have pushed back against the decline, passing laws to require cursive instruction in public elementary schools. The movement gained significant momentum in the early 2020s, fueled by research highlighting the unique benefits of handwriting and concerns about preserving cultural literacy. As of January 2026, at least 25 states mandate cursive writing instruction, with some sources tracking as many as 26 if pending legislation (such as in Pennsylvania) has been enacted.

These mandates typically require schools to teach cursive in the elementary grades—often starting in 2nd or 3rd grade and aiming for proficiency by the end of 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade—though the exact implementation varies by state.

Current States Requiring Cursive Instruction (as of early 2026)

State	Typical Grades Taught	Key Details & Notes
Alabama	By end of 3rd grade	“Lexi’s Law” emphasizes legible cursive
Arkansas	Elementary	Local assessment for neatness and content
California	1st–6th grade	Reinstated in 2023–2024; broad mandate
Florida	Proposed 2nd–5th	Legislation advancing for proficiency
Kentucky	Elementary	Returned in 2025–2026 school year
Louisiana	Elementary	Long-standing requirement
Texas	3rd–5th grade	Proficiency often tested
New Hampshire	Elementary	Added in 2023
And ~18–20 others	Varies (mostly 2nd–5th)	Includes states like Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, etc.

In states without a statewide mandate, many districts still teach cursive optionally, especially in private schools, charter schools, or traditional public schools that value classical education. This patchwork approach means the experience varies significantly depending on location.

Scientific and Educational Benefits Driving the Revival

Recent research has played a major role in cursive’s comeback. Neuroscientists have found that handwriting—particularly the fluid, connected movements of cursive—activates unique brain regions linked to memory, language processing, reading development, and fine motor coordination. Studies show that students who learn cursive often demonstrate stronger spelling skills, better idea generation in writing, and improved overall academic performance compared to those who rely solely on typing or print.

Additionally, cursive fosters fine motor development, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity—skills that benefit children in art, music, and sports as well. Many educators and occupational therapists also note that students who struggle with print handwriting frequently excel when allowed to use cursive, suggesting it can serve as an alternative pathway for some learners.

Beyond cognitive advantages, cursive preserves access to historical documents and personal family artifacts—letters, recipes, and signatures—that would otherwise be unreadable to future generations. In an age of digital signatures and typed communication, the personal, artistic quality of cursive remains valued for its individuality and human touch.

The Ongoing Debate: Cursive vs. Keyboarding in Modern Education

The resurgence is not without controversy. Critics argue that classroom time is limited, and teaching cursive competes with essential skills like coding, digital literacy, and advanced math. Some point out that real-world use of cursive has diminished—most communication happens via typing, and even legal documents increasingly accept electronic signatures. Certain students, including those with dyslexia or motor challenges, may find cursive particularly difficult.

Supporters counter that cursive and keyboarding are not mutually exclusive—many schools successfully teach both, viewing them as complementary skills. A growing consensus among educators favors a “both-and” approach: print for early literacy, cursive for cognitive and historical benefits, and keyboarding for modern efficiency.

Key Takeaways

As of January 1, 2026, cursive writing is indeed taught in many U.S. schools, particularly in the 25+ states that mandate it in public elementary curricula. The trend reflects a deliberate effort to balance digital skills with the proven developmental advantages of handwriting.

Whether required by law or offered optionally, cursive instruction offers lasting benefits for brain development, historical literacy, and personal expression. If your local school does not teach it, free worksheets, apps, and online programs make home learning accessible.

Cursive isn’t a relic of the past—it’s experiencing a thoughtful, evidence-based revival. Do you think every child should learn it? The conversation—and the handwriting—continues.