Requires school districts include instruction on cursive signatures.
Impact
If enacted, A4804 would amend the New Jersey Statutes regarding education by supplementing existing curriculum requirements. The bill seeks to directly affect the way handwriting education is approached in public school systems, emphasizing the importance of cursive writing in an increasingly digital age. By integrating cursive signature instruction into the curriculum, the bill aims to ensure that future generations possess crucial handwriting skills necessary for signing documents and other formal writings.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4804, introduced by Assemblywoman Deanne C. DeFuccio, mandates that school districts in New Jersey include instruction on cursive signatures in the curriculum for students in grades one through eight. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure that students become proficient in writing legible cursive signatures by the end of eighth grade. The bill suggests providing age-appropriate activities and instructional materials tailored to facilitate this learning.
Contention
There are potential points of contention surrounding the necessity and relevance of cursive writing instruction in contemporary education. Supporters may argue that cursive writing is a valuable skill that enables personal expression and literacy development, while opponents might contend that curriculum time could be better spent on more critical educational needs, such as STEM subjects or digital literacy. This debate could affect the bill's reception among educators and policymakers, as differing views on the role of traditional handwriting in modern education could influence legislative support.
Limits requirements for school districts to include instructions on diversity and inclusion as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards to grades 9 through 12.