Sen. Tammy Nichols introduces bill to add cursive proficiency benchmarks; committee votes to print

Senator Tammy Nichols introduced RS32031 to the Senate Education Committee, proposing that Idaho add clear proficiency benchmarks to the existing requirement that students be taught cursive.

Nichols said cursive instruction is already required under state standards but lacks uniform proficiency measures; RS32031 would require cursive instruction beginning in third grade and a demonstration of proficiency by the end of fifth grade, with the State Department of Education providing resources, guidelines and assessments to support implementation and identify students who need additional help.

Nichols told the committee the measure responds to concerns that many students cannot read or write cursive and cited cognitive and practical reasons for instruction: improved fine motor skills, benefits for students with learning disabilities or attention differences, the ability to read historical documents and the role of handwritten signatures in personal security. She said the National Archives has actively sought people who can read cursive in historical documents.

The committee moved to print RS32031 so it may be scheduled for a public hearing. Senator Zito moved the motion to print; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Ending: RS32031 will be printed for potential hearing and further committee consideration; the sponsor said she plans to present the measure again when it is scheduled.