'Back to Basics' bill would require cursive writing instruction

By Mark Binker

Posted: February 21

Raleigh, N.C. — Lawmakers are hoping to reverse course on a recent education trend in which cursive handwriting instruction is abandoned in favor of other instructional topics.

Dubbed the "Back to Basics" bill, House Bill 146 would require public schools to add two traditional instructional elements back to their curricula: cursive writing and learning the multiplication tables.

Specifically, the bill would require instruction "so that students create readable documents through legible cursive handwriting by the end of fifth grade." It would also require students to "memorize multiplication tables to demonstrate competency in efficiently multiplying numbers."

Local education officials have said cursive writing is falling out of the curriculum to make room for other subjects required by new "common core" standards being put in place.

Rachel Beaulieu, the legislative liaison for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, said her agency hasn't reviewed the bill and didn't have a comment on it.

211 Comments

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People should know how to do these things...how will you 'sign' your name if you can't write in cursive? We need to back to basic's and stop teaching 'how to pass a test' and start teaching fundamentals again.

4Cats
February 21, 2013 5:18 p.m.

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"People should know how to do these things...how will you 'sign' your name if you can't write in cursive? "

With Dems cradle to grave government control they do not want people to be able to read and write. They want to return to the days of the ELITE possessing that knowledge, and the great unwashed herd can simply make their "Mark" on the papers placed in front of them.

Writing and knowing the multiplication tables are basic skills and should be taught.

whatelseisnew
February 21, 2013 5:59 p.m.

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Yes, because cursive writing will help us compete in a global economy. It will help us think critically and analytically. And it rewards hard work rather than fine motor skills.

We have more important things to learn!

themacs
February 21, 2013 6:00 p.m.

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wwin, You do know that public education (education for all and not just the elite) was brought to you by liberals, right? And that a student can learn to read and write without learning cursive?

themacs
February 21, 2013 6:05 p.m.

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i think learning how to sign your name is important - but let's be honest, look at most people's signatures. they don't resemble cursive as taught in schools. and multiplication tables should absolutely be taught.

sjb2k1
February 21, 2013 6:06 p.m.

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"Back in the day" when I was in the 3rd Grade, I was selected by my classroom teacher to write in cursive for a special promotional project. She felt that I had the best handwriting in our class and I was actually paid $10. as a thank you. I display my cursive writing on almost everything because my printing is not as polished. Cursive handwriting is also much faster in my opinion.

snowl
February 21, 2013 6:06 p.m.

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In the future, in any situation such as signing legal documents, young adults who don't know cursive will be viewed as illiterate stooges by older adults who do.

Ripcord
February 21, 2013 6:12 p.m.

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Debbie04, thanks so much for the "stone tablet" reference. It is so true. This cursive bill is totally at odds with McCrory's big technology push. Most people have no idea what amount of educational time would be wasted. I do think learning the multiplication tables is important but aren't we still doing that? I know my daughter is being quizzed on it regularly at her school.

rosannedisney
February 21, 2013 6:13 p.m.

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Now.. if only they would add to this bill a mandate that the kids are taught how to tell time from a standard clock..then it would be complete..

linspace
February 21, 2013 6:13 p.m.

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Yah this is kind of dumb. Just teach them to sign their names thats all they are ever going to need it for.

Crumps Br0ther
February 21, 2013 6:16 p.m.

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