A Florida bill that would have required cursive handwriting in grades two through five won't be going to Gov. Ron DeSantis for a signature after it failed to receive any consideration in the Senate.
In March, the House unanimously passed a bill (HB 921) 113-0 that would have taught cursive handwriting instruction and other related proficiencies in elementary schools in Florida. Rep. Tobin "Toby" Overdorf (R-Palm City) sponsored the legislation in the lower chamber.
Rep. Overdorf explained the bill on the House floor before its initial passage.
"In a digital age, we must not lose sight of the foundational skills that connect us to our history and sharpen our minds," Overdorf said. "If our students can't read cursive, they can't read the Declaration of Independence, the U.S Constitution, or even a grandparent's handwritten letter."
"Cursive writing isn't just a skill, it's a link to our heritage and a tool for lifelong learning. This bill adds cursive writing to the statutorily required instruction for students in grades two through five. Under the bill, students must be taught how to form cursive letters, proper spacing and alignment, and must practice writing complete words and sentences in cursive," Overdorf added.
But the Senate companion sponsored by Sen. Erin Grall (R-Fort Pierce) was all but erased. In fact, SB 1394 didn't get any consideration at all.
Currently, Florida schools teach cursive in lower grades. However, students aren't required to read it, and it isn't tested under state law.
Overdorf added that cursive handwriting improves hand-eye coordination. Critics say the skill is outdated and unnecessary.
Under the bill, the State Board of Education would have set standards for cursive writing requirements. But with it inked out, it will be back on parents to teach.
