Maine House Bill LD78

Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/25
• Refer: 1/6/25
• Engrossed: 5/13/25
• Enrolled: 5/14/25

Caption

Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Collect Data on Cursive Instruction in Maine Public Schools

Impact

The enactment of LD78 is expected to influence educational curricula and standards within public elementary schools. The Department of Education will be tasked with integrating regular instruction in cursive handwriting into existing frameworks for essential instruction and graduation requirements. This requirement could affect instructional time allocated to various subjects and may call for additional teacher training to successfully implement cursive writing instruction. Supporters argue that this will help preserve a valuable skill set among students, while critics may raise concerns about the current emphasis on digital literacy over traditional writing skills.

Summary

LD78, titled 'An Act to Require Elementary School Students to Learn Cursive Writing', proposes to mandate the teaching of cursive handwriting in elementary schools across the state of Maine. The bill underlines the necessity for students to begin receiving instruction in cursive writing no later than grade 3 and aims to ensure that by the end of grade 5, students can demonstrate competency in cursive handwriting. This legislative move is framed within the broader context of enhancing literacy skills among young learners, as cursive writing is viewed as an important component of their educational development.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD78 appears to be cautiously positive, with advocates, including certain educators and parents, expressing support for the initiative as a viable method to enhance students' writing skills in a digital age. However, some opposition is anticipated from stakeholders who argue that the focus should remain on more relevant skills suited to contemporary educational needs. The debate underscores the ongoing discussions about the relevance of traditional teaching methods in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Contention

Key points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of instructional resources and the prioritization of cursive writing in a crowded curriculum. While proponents may rally around the idea of enriching student literacy through cursive, others might contend that implementing such a mandate could distract from other critical literacy initiatives or subjects within the educational system. As LD78 moves forward, it will be crucial to balance these differing viewpoints to find common ground in advancing education.