Cursive Makes Comeback in Baltimore County Schools Pilot

The Reemergence of Cursive in Education

What do the U.S. Constitution, birthday cards, and your signature have in common? They’re all likely written in cursive. However, the art of cursive writing has been gradually fading from American classrooms over the years. In response to this trend, Baltimore County Public Schools is launching a pilot program to reintroduce cursive instruction to second- through fourth-grade classes. This initiative aims to enhance students' writing fluency, improve academic confidence, and provide them with a valuable skill that goes beyond mere penmanship.

The district’s efforts are part of a broader movement to recognize the importance of cursive as a tool for developing literacy skills. According to Jennifer Craft, executive director for literacy and humanities in the district’s curriculum and instruction division, cursive writing helps students grow as confident readers and writers. “It can strengthen focus, memory, writing fluency, and communication skills,” she said, emphasizing its role in building a strong foundation for long-term academic success.

However, not everyone believes cursive is a guaranteed solution to low English language arts scores. Kerry Alexander, an assistant professor of literacy education at the University of Maryland, College Park, acknowledges that while cursive may not be a “silver bullet,” it can still be beneficial for some children. She pointed out that cursive can reinforce the letter-sound connection, which is crucial for reading development. Research suggests that the fluidity of cursive letters can help children blend sounds when reading, making it a useful tool for learning.

Alexander also highlighted how the increasing reliance on digital text might lead to a decline in students’ ability to engage deeply with language. “Cursive can slow down their attention to language, which can be a good thing,” she said. It allows students to “think on paper” and develop a stronger relationship with the written word. However, she cautioned that if the goal is to improve speed, this benefit should be applied across different subjects, not just in isolated language arts lessons.

For children with dyslexia or dysgraphia, cursive can offer additional support by engaging multiple senses and creating muscle memory for forming letters. Beyond elementary education, handwriting remains a useful skill. Studies show that information written by hand is easier for the brain to recall, as it involves physical and multisensory engagement with the task.

Despite these benefits, cursive is no longer a standard in many schools. Maryland state writing standards include cursive for third through fifth grade, but districts have the flexibility to decide how to incorporate it. The Common Core Standards, adopted in 2010, do not specifically mention cursive, though they do not discourage its use either.

Retired Baltimore County Public Schools music teacher Anita Rozenel recalls a time when students struggled to read her cursive on the board. She emphasized the importance of being able to read historical documents and signatures, as well as the smoothness of cursive in written expression. Barbara Dezmon, a member of the League of Women Voters, praised the school system for reintroducing cursive but argued that the pilot program was too limited. She called for immediate implementation across all schools, suggesting that economically disadvantaged students were particularly affected by the absence of cursive instruction.

While the Open Court reading program used by the district includes cursive instruction for kindergarten through third grade, the pilot program will focus on second- through fourth-grade students. Parents and educators have expressed mixed opinions about the initiative. Some support it, believing that children should at least know how to sign their names and read cursive. Others argue that there are more pressing concerns, such as improving math and reading scores.

Wendy Martinez, a parent of a first-grader at one of the pilot schools, sees value in teaching cursive. “It shows real professionalism and intelligence,” she said. However, she admitted that she rarely uses cursive herself today.

The effectiveness of the pilot program will be evaluated in the spring, with data expected to provide insights into its impact. While research suggests that no single approach works for everyone, Alexander stressed the importance of carefully considering instructional time. New initiatives must be weighed against the potential trade-offs with other subjects.

Beyond academic benefits, cursive plays a role in accessing historical documents and personal items like family recipes. Emily Cain, digital communications manager at the Smithsonian Institution’s Transcription Center, noted that fewer people know how to read cursive, which can create barriers for those interested in transcribing historical materials. The Transcription Center has engaged thousands of volunteers in transcribing handwritten documents, many of which are in cursive.

In a world dominated by digital tools, cursive is no longer the standard it once was. However, Alexander emphasizes the need for students to be proficient in multiple modes of writing. “We live in a multimodal world,” she said, stressing the importance of adaptability.

As schools continue to navigate the balance between tradition and modernity, the question remains: Is learning cursive still worth it? For now, the pilot program in Baltimore County offers a glimpse into the ongoing debate about the place of cursive in education.