Requires school districts to provide instruction in cursive writing
If enacted, HB906 would directly amend Chapter 170 of Missouri Revised Statutes, establishing new educational requirements for public and charter schools. The bill emphasizes the importance of cursive writing as a fundamental skill in literacy and aims to ensure that students are not only able to read cursive writing but also capable of producing it. This legislative requirement could influence curriculum development across school districts, prompting educators to integrate cursive instruction into their language arts programs.
House Bill 906 mandates that all school districts and charter schools in Missouri provide instruction in cursive writing. Specifically, the bill requires that each elementary school ensures that students achieve proficiency in creating legible cursive handwriting by the end of the fifth grade. Additionally, students must pass a teacher-constructed test demonstrating their competency in both reading and writing cursive. This initiative aims to enhance handwriting skills among elementary students, recognizing the role of cursive writing in effective communication.
Discussions surrounding the bill may include debates on its necessity in a digital age where typing is increasingly prevalent. Advocates of cursive writing may argue that it fosters fine motor skills, improves overall literacy, and connects students to historical texts. On the other hand, critics could highlight that such a mandate may divert valuable instructional time away from other critical subjects or skills deemed more relevant for today's learners, such as digital literacy or critical thinking.
Another potential area of contention may lie in the adequacy of resources allocated to implement this requirement. Questions could arise regarding teacher training for instruction in cursive writing, availability of materials, and whether schools already struggling with funding can effectively meet these new standards. Overall, the reception of this bill reflects broader discussions on the priorities in educational curricula and the ongoing relevance of traditional skills in a contemporary context.