New Jersey will require cursive instruction for grades 3–5

Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed a law on his last full day in office requiring all third, fourth and fifth graders in New Jersey to learn cursive. The requirement takes effect immediately and will apply to the next full school year, Kevin Dehmer, the state’s education commissioner, said.

The state joins roughly two dozen others that have adopted similar rules after a decline in cursive instruction that began in 2010, when the Common Core Standards removed it. Proponents cite studies linking handwriting to better information retention and writing speed; Mr. Murphy said learning cursive will provide students with “the skills they need to read our nation’s founding documents,” write checks and improve cognition.

Mr. Dehmer said in a statement that ensuring all students learn cursive “reinforces not just a traditional skill, but developmental foundations that support fine motor development, literacy skills and student confidence.” Not all reactions were positive.

Key Topics

Politics, Philip D. Murphy, New Jersey, Kevin Dehmer, Common Core, Cursive Instruction