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Bill

Bill

A 5368

Requires instruction on cursive handwriting in public school curriculum.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey would require public schools to teach cursive handwriting, prioritizing traditional penmanship skills amid ongoing debates about educational time allocation.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5368

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 5368 mandates that public schools in New Jersey include cursive handwriting instruction in their curriculum. The bill requires students to learn this traditional writing skill as part of standard educational programming, though it does not specify grade levels, duration, or implementation details.

Why is this important

Cursive instruction has become a contentious educational issue as many states eliminated it to prioritize digital literacy and other skills. Proponents argue cursive improves fine motor development and allows students to read historical documents; opponents contend it consumes instructional time better spent on typing and other modern competencies. This bill reflects ongoing debates about educational priorities in an increasingly digital world.

Potential points of contention

  • Instructional time trade-offs: Mandating cursive requires schools to allocate classroom hours to this skill, potentially reducing time for STEM, literacy, or other subjects with competing demands
  • Implementation costs and clarity: The bill lacks specifics on grade levels, instructional hours, or assessment methods, leaving districts uncertain about compliance and resource needs
  • Modern relevance: Critics question cursive's practical value when most communication, schoolwork, and professional writing occurs digitally, while supporters cite cognitive and historical literacy benefits

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

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