At a Glance
- New Jersey mandates cursive instruction for grades 3-5 in public schools.
- Gov. Murphy signed the law on Jan. 19 as his last act before the new governor takes office on Jan. 20.
- The initiative aligns with the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and a national shift toward handwriting.
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New Jersey has made history by becoming one of the few states to mandate cursive instruction in public schools. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the law on Jan. 19 as his final act before the new governor takes office on Jan. 20. The move coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary and a growing interest in handwriting.
Cursive once appeared in every American classroom. By 2010, New Jersey removed it from the curriculum under Common Core. The shift reflected a broader move toward digital communication.
Common Core emphasized standardization and test readiness. It reduced emphasis on handwriting skills. Teachers reported less time for fine-motor practice.
Murphy framed the law as a return to foundational skills. He linked cursive to understanding historical documents. The governor highlighted cognitive benefits and leadership development.
“The return to including cursive instruction is especially meaningful as New Jersey celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country’s founding,” Murphy said. “It gives students the skills they need to read founding documents and sign checks.” He added, “We owe it to our students to give them a well-rounded education.”
Sen. Angela McKnight co-sponsored the bill. She emphasized handwriting’s role in retention. McKnight highlighted confidence and connection to written communication.
“Not only does handwriting instruction encourage better retention and comprehension of information,” McKnight said. “It also allows our students to build self-confidence and maintain a vital connection to written communication.”
State Sen. Shirley Turner joined the chorus. She described cursive as timeless. Turner stressed its necessity in the curriculum.
“Cursive is a timeless and necessary skill that we must incorporate into our curriculum again,” Turner said, reported NJ.com.
The law takes effect at the start of the new school year. Teachers will begin instruction in September. The change is slated for the 2024-25 academic year.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19, 2025 | Law signed by Gov. Murphy |
| Jan. 20, 2025 | New governor sworn in |
| Sep. 2024 | Cursive instruction begins |
Before the law, handwriting was optional. New Jersey had no mandated cursive curriculum. The shift marks a return to a foundational skill.
Only 24 states required cursive before the bill. The number is less than half of what it was 25 to 30 years ago. Cursive is making a comeback nationwide.
Education Week reported the decline. The trend mirrors the digital shift in classrooms. The new law is a rare reversal.
On Jan. 16, the National Archives announced a volunteer drive. They seek people who can read 200-year-old cursive. The goal is to transcribe historic documents.
“We create missions where we ask volunteers to help us transcribe or tag records in our catalog,” Isaacs explained. “Reading cursive is a superpower.” The National Archives welcomes volunteers.
Volunteers can help preserve documents from the 18th and 19th centuries. Their work supports researchers worldwide. The initiative highlights cursive’s modern relevance.
- Improves fine-motor skills
- Enhances reading comprehension
- Builds confidence in writing
- Connects students to history
- Provides cognitive development
Studies show handwriting boosts memory. Cursive requires complex motor planning. Students report higher engagement.
Even in a digital world, handwritten notes improve retention. Teachers use cursive as a bridge. The skill fosters a tactile connection to information.
State agencies will provide training modules. Schools will allocate time for practice. The initiative supports professional development.
Funding for materials is included in the budget. Schools will purchase pens and paper. The cost is modest compared to other programs.
Students will learn to read original documents. The law aligns with archival needs. It preserves a skill critical for historians.
Murphy’s final act reflects his education priorities. The law could shape his legacy. It showcases his commitment to foundational skills.
Parents praised the decision. Some teachers welcomed the change. Critics questioned the timing.
Other states may follow. The law could inspire curriculum updates. It may lead to a national shift.
- Cursive returns to public schools.
- Law signed before governor transition.
- Aligns with historical anniversary.
- Supports cognitive and historical skills.
- Opens volunteer opportunities nationwide.
The new law marks a significant step toward reintroducing handwriting in education. It blends tradition with modern learning goals. Students will soon see cursive in their classrooms.
New Jersey will partner with handwriting experts. Workshops will cover curriculum integration. Resources will be available online.
Early surveys show excitement among third-to-fifth graders. Parents report increased engagement. Teachers note improved focus.
Researchers anticipate better fine-motor scores. The law aligns with literacy standards. Schools will track progress.
The centennial celebration underscores America’s founding documents. Cursive helps students read original texts. The law honors this heritage.
Digital tools may complement cursive. Hybrid models are emerging. The law sets a precedent for blended learning.
Other states may adopt similar mandates. The policy could influence federal education guidelines. It reflects a shift toward foundational skills.
Local schools are hosting cursive workshops. Parents are volunteering. The initiative fosters community involvement.
Educators can study the law’s effects. Data will inform future reforms. The project may attract academic funding.
Some argue handwriting is outdated. Others see it as essential. The debate continues.
The law marks a return to a classic skill. It blends history with modern education. Students will soon write in cursive.
