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Committee recommends requiring cursive proficiency by fifth grade
Summary
Senate Bill 10 44 would reaffirm that cursive instruction begins by third grade and add a proficiency expectation by fifth grade; the Senate Education Committee sent the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Senate Bill 10 44, presented by Senator Tammy Nichols, would affirm existing guidance that cursive instruction begins by third grade and add a requirement that students achieve proficiency in cursive by fifth grade. The Senate Education Committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Nichols told the committee the state reinstated cursive instruction in 2016 but currently lacks a consistent requirement to ensure students become proficient. She said the bill would add structure and resources from the State Department of Education and provide additional support for students who need it. "This bill ensures Idaho students develop a fundamental skill that strengthens their education, security, and connection to history," Nichols said.
Members debated whether mandating proficiency is appropriate. Senator Cook said the rise of digital workflows has reduced the need for cursive in everyday transactions and noted technology tools can transcribe cursive and historical documents. Senator Nichols and other supporters cited cognitive and literacy benefits and examples—such as signature verification in elections—where handwriting skills are used.
The committee moved and seconded a motion to send Senate Bill 10 44 to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. The motion passed on a voice vote with one recorded nay; the transcript records "Nay. 1 nay" but does not identify the senator who voted against the motion.
