Requiring the teaching of cursive handwriting and multiplication tables.
The legislation is positioned to influence state educational standards significantly. By formally reinstating cursive writing and multiplication tables, the bill intends to ensure that these skills are not overlooked in the curriculum amid increasing use of technology. Supporters believe that routine practice of these skills will contribute to overall cognitive development and better academic performance in students. Furthermore, the bill acknowledges the need for accommodations, modifications, or waivers based on a student's Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, allowing for tailored educational approaches.
House Bill 170 mandates the teaching of cursive handwriting and the memorization of multiplication tables in public schools. It requires that all school districts and chartered public schools incorporate instruction in cursive writing by the end of the fifth grade as part of the English language arts curriculum. Additionally, students are expected to learn multiplication tables by the same grade level. This requirement aims to enhance foundational skills in students, providing them with essential writing and arithmetic skills that proponents argue are diminishing in modern education.
While many educators and parents support the return of cursive handwriting and multiplication memorization, there are points of contention regarding the relevance and necessity of these skills in today's digital age. Critics argue that increased focus should be placed on technology proficiency and critical thinking rather than traditional penmanship. Additionally, some educators express concern over potential constraints on curriculum flexibility and the challenge of fitting these mandates into already crowded school schedules. The broader debate centers on the balance between traditional educational values and the evolving demands of modern education.