Learning cursive in school, long scorned as obsolete, is now the law in California
LOS ANGELES -- Erica Ingber has something of a dark past when it comes to handwriting: The future elementary school principal got a C-minus in cursive in the fourth grade. But she's ready to follow the curvy ups and downs of a new California law that requires the teaching of cursive writing, which has been cast aside as obsolete in the digital age.
But cursive is making a comeback amid concerns that learning to use a keyboard had superseded handwriting skills that are important for intellectual development — and also that a new generation of students could not write or read the flowing words of historical documents, old letters and family recipes.
"The ability to sign their name in cursive is important for future job applications, writing checks, signing medical forms, obtaining driver's licenses, and voting," said Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), a former teacher who sponsored the new law. "Every child should be exposed to learning — as well as
