Florida Lawmakers Push to Reinstate Cursive Instruction in Public Schools

Cursive Instruction Revival in Florida

• 🏛️ Two Florida lawmakers, State Rep. Toby Overdorf and State Senator Erin Grall, have introduced bills to reinstate cursive instruction in public schools.
• 📜 Cursive was previously removed from Florida's required curriculum in 2010.

Arguments for Cursive Education

• 📜 Cursive is described as a "corridor into our country's history", with the US Constitution cited as a beautiful example of its use.
• ✍️ Concerns are raised that many children today cannot read or write cursive, with a bank manager noting customers unable to sign their names.
• 🧠 Supporters suggest cursive instruction can aid in diagnosing early-onset dyslexia, improve hand-eye coordination, and assist with sentence formation.

Opposition and Concerns

• 🚫 The Penellas Classroom Teachers Association, represented by president Lee Bryant, refuses to support the proposal.
• 📚 The union argues that the bill adds to teachers' workloads without removing other tasks, stating teachers are "overworked" and "planned to the limit."
• ⚠️ The association deems cursive instruction unnecessary, citing the prevalence of automated signatures on documents.
• 💰 Concerns are also raised about larger issues facing educators, such as Florida ranking 50th in pay for educators.

Legislative Status

• 📌 The bill has been introduced in the House and is currently in the House Education and Employment Committee.
• 🗓️ If passed, the legislation would take effect for the next school year.
• 📈 A similar bill passed the House last legislative session but did not pass the Senate.