Requires school districts to provide instruction in cursive writing
The impact of HB346 on state laws is significant as it amends Chapter 170 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding Section 170.025, which establishes a statewide requirement for cursive instruction. This could affect curriculum decisions at the local level, as districts will need to allocate resources towards training teachers and developing appropriate lesson plans. Moreover, school administrators will need to monitor compliance and assessment strategies to ensure all students are equipped with the required skills by the specified grade level.
House Bill 346, introduced by Representative Reuter, focuses on enhancing handwriting skills among elementary school students by mandating that school districts provide instruction in cursive writing. The bill specifies that each district and charter school must ensure that their elementary schools offer lessons in cursive, with the aim that students will achieve legible handwriting capabilities by the end of the fifth grade. Additionally, students will need to demonstrate proficiency in both reading and writing cursive through a teacher-constructed test, thereby adding a layer of accountability to the educational process.
While proponents of the bill argue that teaching cursive writing is essential for preserving a timeless skill that supports literacy and personal expression, critics may contend that the bill does not address more urgent educational needs and priorities. Some educators might view this legislative requirement as a potential diversion of focus from contemporary teaching methods, especially in a digital age where typing skills are often prioritized over handwriting. The debates surrounding this bill highlight differing opinions on the role of traditional skills in modern education.