(WHTM) \u2014 Pennsylvania\u2019s students will soon learn how to write in cursive once again, as a bill requiring such education is headed to Governor Josh Shapiro\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n
House Bill 17 passed the State Senate Wednesday. It had passed the State House over the summer.<\/a> The bill would require elementary and private schools to teach cursive handwriting.<\/p>\n \u201cCursive isn\u2019t just about handwriting. It\u2019s about building connections: to our past, to our learning and to the world around us,\u201d Rep. Dane Watro (R-Schuylkill), the bill\u2019s sponsor, said. \u201cBy teaching cursive, we\u2019re giving students tools that enhance their minds and preserve our shared heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n Watro says cursive writing\u2019s benefits are \u201cfar from outdated\u201d and remain practical in everyday life, including signing checks and legal documents.<\/p>\n \u201cMore than half of U.S. states have enacted laws or established standards requiring cursive instruction in public schools,\u201d Watro added. \u201cThese states understand cursive provides students another way to learn, express themselves and be better prepared for their future academic, professional and personal lives.\u201d<\/p>\n Watro\u2019s office says cursive writing promotes fine motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination and dexterity.<\/p>\n Get the latest Pennsylvania politics and election news with abc27 newsletters<\/a>!<\/p>\n The bill now heads to the Governor\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n