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SB 425

Education; all schools that receive state funding with students in any of grades three through five to provide instruction in cursive handwriting to all students by no later than third grade; require

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Max Burns and 8 co-sponsors

Georgia requires all state-funded schools to teach cursive handwriting to grades 3-5 students by end of third grade, prioritizing penmanship over competing curriculum demands.

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Bill Summary · SB 425

Legislative bill overview

SB 425 mandates that all Georgia public schools receiving state funding must provide cursive handwriting instruction to students in grades 3-5, with completion required by the end of third grade. The bill establishes a statewide educational standard for a specific pedagogical skill across elementary schools.

Why is this important

Cursive instruction has become a contested educational priority as schools increasingly emphasize digital literacy and typing skills. This bill would reverse a trend in many states that eliminated cursive from standard curricula, redirecting classroom time and resources toward a specific manual writing skill. The mandate affects curriculum decisions for thousands of schools and has budget implications for teacher training and instructional materials.

Potential points of contention

  • Educational priority trade-offs: Critics argue classroom time spent on cursive reduces instruction in subjects like mathematics, science, and digital literacy that may have greater practical long-term value
  • Implementation costs and feasibility: Schools must fund teacher training, develop curricula, and allocate instructional time, potentially requiring budget reallocation or additional state funding
  • Pedagogical debate: Educational researchers disagree on cursive's cognitive benefits; some studies suggest benefits for memory and motor skills, while others find minimal educational advantage compared to manuscript or keyboarding skills
  • One-size-fits-all approach: A statewide mandate may not account for differing school needs, student populations, or existing curriculum structures across rural and urban districts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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