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Board solicitor: new state law will require cursive instruction in grades 3–5
Summary
Pennsauken Board Solicitor Mr. Li told the board that recently signed state legislation requires districts to teach cursive handwriting in grades 3–5 beginning in 2026–2027; the report was presented as an informational legal update.
Board Solicitor Mr. Li reported at the Jan. 20 meeting that new state legislation requires school districts to include instruction in cursive handwriting for students in grades three through five beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
The announcement was presented as a legal update; no vote on related local policy was recorded during the meeting. The report signals that district administrators will need to review curriculum plans and ensure classroom implementation and teacher readiness ahead of the 2026–27 school year.
Context: the board record notes the statutory authority for closed-session discussion as N.J.S.A. 10:4‑12, and the meeting’s financial certifications reference New Jersey administrative code provisions (N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-16.10) for fiscal reporting. The solicitor’s announcement was confined to the informational portion of the meeting; any follow-up — including curriculum planning or instructional materials — will be the subject of future administrative proposals and board action if required.
What happens next: district staff should assess curriculum and professional-development needs to implement the cursive requirement by the 2026–27 school year.
