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Senate Education committee votes to print RS32031, a proposal to add cursive proficiency requirements
Summary
Sen. Tammy Nichols introduced RS32031, a proposed revision to Idaho law that would add a cursive-writing proficiency requirement for students; the committee moved to print the proposal for a public hearing.
Sen. Tammy Nichols presented RS32031 to the Senate Education Committee, a legislative staff request that would add a cursive-writing proficiency measure to existing state standards.
"Cursive is already required in our state standards to be taught, but there's no consistency or accountability in ensuring proficiency," Sen. Tammy Nichols said, summarizing the proposal and noting the State Department of Education provided implementation input.
Under RS32031 as described by Nichols, cursive instruction would begin in third grade and students would be expected to demonstrate proficiency by the end of fifth grade; the State Department of Education would provide guidelines, resources and assessments to support implementation. Nichols cited cognitive and practical benefits of cursive instruction, including fine-motor skills and the ability to read historical documents.
Sen. Zito made a motion to send RS32031 to print for a hearing; the motion was seconded and the committee voted in favor. The chair announced the motion carried and the bill would be printed and scheduled for a hearing.
The committee did not record a roll-call vote count in the transcript excerpt; committee members asked procedural clarifying questions before voting.
