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HB 1876

Requires school districts to provide instruction in cursive writing

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Reuter

Missouri bill mandates public school cursive writing instruction, sparking debate over instructional priorities between foundational penmanship skills and modern digital literacy needs.

HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 13 NOES: 4 PRESENT: 3
#childrenandminors #education #elementaryandsecondary #teachers
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Bill Summary · HB 1876

Legislative bill overview

HB 1876 mandates that Missouri school districts incorporate cursive writing instruction into their curricula. The bill passed a House committee vote with 13 ayes, 4 noes, and 3 abstentions in February 2026, indicating general support but some opposition within the committee.

Why is this important

Cursive writing instruction has become inconsistent across U.S. schools since it was removed from Common Core standards in 2010, creating disparities in students' ability to read historical documents and sign their names. This bill addresses whether schools should prioritize cursive as a essential skill or allocate instructional time to other competencies like typing and digital literacy in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Potential points of contention

  • Instructional time trade-offs: Critics argue cursive instruction diverts limited classroom hours from mathematics, reading comprehension, and STEM subjects where Missouri students show achievement gaps
  • Practical utility questions: Opponents question cursive's relevance in modern communication, as most professional and academic writing occurs digitally, while advocates cite historical document literacy and fine motor development benefits
  • Local control vs. mandate: The requirement removes district flexibility to decide curricula based on local student needs and existing resource constraints, which some view as government overreach

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

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