Requires school districts and charter schools to provide instruction in cursive writing by the end of fifth grade
The bill's implementation will standardize cursive writing instruction across all public elementary and charter schools in Missouri. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be responsible for creating rules to enforce these provisions. As a result, students' ability to read and write in cursive will be formally assessed, which may enhance their overall literacy and fine motor skills.
Senate Bill 664 mandates that all school districts and charter schools in Missouri provide instruction in cursive writing. By the end of the fifth grade, students must be able to create readable documents in cursive and demonstrate their proficiency through a teacher-constructed test. This initiative aims to ensure that cursive writing remains a part of the educational curriculum, reflecting its importance in developing students' writing skills.
The sentiment around SB664 appears to be positive among supporters who view it as a necessary step to preserve a fundamental skill that many educators believe is crucial for personal and academic development. However, there are also concerns from certain educational stakeholders regarding the added pressure it may place on school curriculums, especially in an age where digital communication is prevalent.
Notable points of contention include the potential debate over the relevance of cursive writing in modern education, with some arguing that the focus should be redirected towards typing skills or other forms of written communication. Critics may also question the resources required for training teachers and integrating cursive writing into existing lesson plans, which could prove challenging for some districts.