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Bill

SB 2676

SCH CD-CURSIVE WRITING REQ

104th Regular Session Introduced by Willie Preston

Illinois bill mandates cursive writing instruction in public schools, restoring a practice largely abandoned since Common Core adoption.

Assigned to Education
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Bill Summary · SB 2676

Legislative bill overview

SB 2676 would require cursive writing instruction to be included in Illinois public school curricula, likely as part of elementary education standards. The bill aims to restore cursive writing as a mandatory component of K-12 education after it was de-emphasized in many schools following adoption of Common Core standards.

Why is this important

Cursive writing instruction has become increasingly rare in U.S. schools over the past 15 years, raising concerns about students' ability to read historical documents and sign their names. However, the debate reflects broader questions about curriculum priorities in an era of digital literacy and limited instructional time.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum time allocation: Critics argue cursive instruction diverts limited classroom hours from other skills like typing, coding, or critical reading in an increasingly digital world
  • Educational effectiveness: Research is mixed on whether cursive writing provides cognitive benefits beyond keyboarding or manuscript handwriting for modern learners
  • Implementation costs: Requiring cursive instruction may necessitate teacher training and curriculum development resources, with unclear ROI on student outcomes

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

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