Bill > S1044

This bill requires Idaho public schools to ensure students learn cursive handwriting as a fundamental skill, mandating that all students become proficient in writing legibly in cursive by the end of 5th grade. Specifically, the state board of education must introduce cursive handwriting instruction by 3rd grade, and the state department of education is tasked with creating benchmarks for proficiency, developing assessment guidelines, and providing resources to help teachers effectively teach cursive. If students have not demonstrated cursive handwriting proficiency by the end of 5th grade, they will receive additional instruction until they can write legibly in cursive. The bill aims to preserve cursive handwriting as an important educational skill and requires all public schools in Idaho to implement these requirements by the start of the 2025-2026 school year, with the act becoming fully effective on July 1, 2025. The legislative intent emphasizes that cursive handwriting is a vital skill that all Idaho public school students should develop.

Education, Justice

Education Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1044/