Bill > LD78

This bill requires the Maine Department of Education to mandate cursive handwriting instruction for elementary school students, specifically requiring schools to introduce cursive no later than third grade and continue instruction through fifth grade. The bill stipulates that by the end of fifth grade, students must demonstrate competency in cursive writing, which means they should be able to both read and write in cursive script. The provision will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving schools several years to prepare and integrate cursive instruction into their English language arts curriculum. This requirement is an effort to preserve a traditional writing skill that some educators argue helps develop fine motor skills, improves cognitive development, and maintains a connection to historical documents and communication methods that rely on handwritten text.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=78&snum=132