One of the arguments in favor of teaching cursive writing in schools is that it promotes fine motor skills which is true. It seems to me that art and music also promote fine motor skills and are existing programs. I wonder how teachers feel about this requirement as teaching cursive takes time and resources away from other activities.
What is behind this push by the state for teaching cursive writing? Is it a return to the things that we were taught in school? How about looking forward and teaching skills that will not only be useful but needed as well. And why is the state being involved in education in this way? Shouldn’t local school boards have the responsibility to design and approve curriculum in conjunction with parents and teachers? What will be next? Will our children be mandated to learn how to use a slide rule because that is what we did so many years ago?
Craig Fournier
Webster