ST. LOUIS — In 2010, more than 40 states adopted the same standards for English and math called the Common Core standards. Missouri and Illinois are among the states that have adopted the guidelines.
Common Core does not include cursive in the recommended curriculum. In the years since Common Core's conception, experts have debated the importance of cursive instruction in the classroom. Some education experts argue cursive may be becoming obsolete as tech-based skills like keyboarding are used more frequently.
In Missouri, there have been multiple attempts to pass a bill that would require all students in the state to be taught cursive by the 5th grade. But, none have been successful.
Illinois, however, is one of 23 states that legally require all schools to teach cursive.
5 on Your Side checked in with the Illinois State Board of Education to discuss requirements. Since the 2018-2019 school year, elementary schools in Illinois have been required by law to offer cursive lessons. Students are not required to take cursive lessons, but the school must offer it. If the school offers it, but students and families do not wish to participate, then cursive instruction does not have to be provided.
In Missouri, there is no law requiring schools to teach cursive writing. But, according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, there is a statewide curriculum plan called the Missouri Learning Standards. The standards list the "ability to write legibly in cursive" as a required benchmark for second and third graders.
It’s important to note that the Missouri Learning Standards are more of a guideline for Missouri schools and do not dictate curriculum. Local school districts can still make their own decisions on whether to include cursive lessons.
5 On Your Side checked in with St. Louis Public Schools to talk about whether cursive instruction is necessary for students.
The district teaches cursive to its students in the second grade. District officials said that although students use more and more technology every year, the district still incorporates cursive in the curriculum because it's a lifelong skill. George Sells, the director of communications for St. Louis Public Schools, said learning to write in cursive helps students develop in more ways than we may think.
Sells said, "There are studies out there that talk about things like cognitive development of motor skills, things that help kids in the long term. Cursive is a part of learning how to do that. It works with that hand-eye coordination. It helps those cognitive skills. And it's something that-- let's face it-- it’s another way that we all communicate."
In 2023, Missouri lawmakers filed a bill that would require state school districts and charter schools to teach students cursive by the end of 5th grade. But, it seems like the bill has stalled. It hasn't been discussed since April 2023. Similar bills have been introduced every year in the Missouri legislation since 2018.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.