The Art of Cursive: Ohio Schools Highlight Its Role in Learning
As children increasingly engage with screens from an early age, some Ohio schools continue to teach handwriting, cursive included, recognizing its role in literacy development.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) recently updated its guidance for districts that teach handwriting. Research shows handwriting enhances literacy by reinforcing spelling, sentence structure, and critical thinking skills that can be lost when relying on AI-powered text suggestions.
While the state doesn’t mandate handwriting instruction, districts that incorporate it report benefits, particularly as Ohio schools transition to the science of reading approach, which focuses on phonics and vocabulary to improve literacy rates.
The Role of Handwriting in Learning
According to experts, handwriting strengthens reading and writing skills by engaging fine motor functions and cognitive processing. “The more easily you are able to write, the more time and energy you have to focus on the generation of text,” said Liesl Huenemann, DEW’s assistant administrator for English language arts.
Ohio Senator Andrew Brenner, who sponsored a 2019 bill leading to DEW’s handwriting guidance, believes cursive should be required in schools. “The science behind it is that children connect the action of forming letters to sounds and words,” he said.
Cursive in the Classroom
Some Ohio school districts, such as Lakewood, Westlake, and Solon, begin cursive instruction as early as second or third grade, while others extend it into fourth grade. While handwriting is not a state learning standard, students receive feedback on their penmanship.
“Handwriting gives students a valuable life skill, beyond just typing and texting,” said Amanda Musselman, Westlake City School District’s associate superintendent.
Additionally, reading cursive allows students to access historical documents like the Declaration of Independence. “The ability to both write and read cursive is essential for studying foundational documents and connecting with our shared heritage,” said Tamara Strom, spokesperson for Solon City Schools.
The Debate Over Cursive’s Future
Despite its benefits, some believe cursive will eventually be phased out. Author Anne Trubek argues that for students who struggle with handwriting, its decline may be beneficial. She noted that her son faced anxiety and self-doubt due to difficulties with penmanship.
However, districts that never abandoned cursive instruction, such as Shaker Heights City Schools, feel validated by research supporting handwriting’s role in literacy. “Our commitment to handwriting aligns with the science of reading and brain research,” said John Moore, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction.
