Does Cursive Writing Boost Kids' Reading Skills? A New Perspective for Policymakers

Pennsylvania is exploring legislation that mandates cursive instruction in public schools. Recently, my son expressed his inability to read cursive. Many students within Philadelphia’s School District share this struggle. States like California and Iowa have already embraced cursive, and similar movements are emerging in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. At the Iowa Reading Research Center, we’re analyzing how cursive instruction influences reading and writing skills. Despite its earlier neglect, cursive may enhance literacy, providing critical motor and cognitive benefits. As interest grows, educators face the challenge of fitting this vital skill into already limited timeframes.