Reviving Cursive Writing: Unlocking History and Opportunities for Future Generations

Following up on the Royal Examiner article on the resurgence of teaching cursive handwriting in schools, it’s a good thing for a number of reasons.

I’ve been involved in historical research for more than 60 years. I’ve brought to the attention of several school boards here in Virginia that the decision to eliminate cursive handwriting in schools constituted a serious travesty being foisted on thousands of students around the country. Besides the obvious impact on young people and their ability to conduct family genealogical research
and develop an accurate family tree, the more serious result will be thousands of occupations beyond the reach of anyone who cannot read and write cursive.

Imagine a class trip to the National Archives in Washington, where the students are unable to look at and read the beautiful handwriting and words of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. To these kids, they might just as well be trying to read Egyptian hieroglyphics. Signing contracts, having documents notarised, and applying for government permits (driver’s licenses, passports, &, etc.) all are out of reach of those unable to read & write cursive and sign their signature. True, a person unable to write a signature on an official application or document can print an ”X” for a signature. Still, a witness is required to verify the ”X”. Printing a “signature” on such a document is not permitted without a verifying witness.

Schools should be encouraged to return to teaching students to read and write cursive. This would put a multitude of occupations within the reach of young people when they finish school and give them the tools to be well-rounded and capable individuals.

Arthur Candenquist 
Amissville, VA