TRENTON - Gov. Phil Murphy Monday signed into law S1783/A3865, requiring school districts to incorporate instruction on cursive handwriting into third- through fifth-grade curricula.
Years of decline in national cursive instruction followed the 2010 adoption of the Common Core State Standards, which omitted handwriting from its curriculum. Many other states in addition to New Jersey, such as California and New Hampshire, are now reversing course by requiring cursive instruction in schools, citing benefits for students.
“The return to including cursive instruction is especially meaningful as New Jersey celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country's founding – giving our students the skills they need to read our nation's founding documents and complete tasks like opening a bank account or signing a check, in addition to offering cognitive benefits,” Murphy said. “We owe it to our students to give them a well-rounded education that ensures they have the tools to fully understand our rich history and become competent leaders.”
“Ensuring that all students learn cursive handwriting reinforces not just a traditional skill, but developmental foundations that support fine motor development, literacy skills, and student confidence,” Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said. “By embedding cursive instruction into the curriculum for grades three through five, this legislation strengthens our commitment to a well-rounded education that prepares students for real-world tasks, helps them connect with historical texts, and complements other learning.”
The requirements take effect immediately and apply to the next full school year.
The bill was co-sponsored by Senator Angela McKnight, Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, and Assemblywoman Rosaura Bagolie.
“By guaranteeing that all students have a solid background in cursive handwriting, we are giving them a valuable skill they will use throughout their lives – whether it’s signing a check or interpreting an important document,” McKnight said. “Not only does handwriting instruction encourage better retention and comprehension of information, but it also allows our students to build self-confidence and maintain a vital connection to written communication in the increasingly digital age.”
