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WI AB3
Incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. (FE)
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the state superintendent of public instruction to incorporate cursive writing into the model academic standards for English language arts. The bill also requires all school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to include cursive writing in its respective curriculum for the elementary grades. Specifically, each elementary school curriculum must include the objective that pupils be able to write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill requires Wisconsin schools to incorporate cursive writing instruction into their elementary-level language arts curriculum, mandating that students be able to write legibly in cursive by the end of 5th grade by July 1, 2026. The legislation affects various types of educational institutions, including public schools, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in parental choice programs. Specifically, the bill creates new statutory provisions that will require these schools to include cursive writing as an academic objective in their curriculum for elementary grades. Charter school contracts and private school applications will need to reflect this requirement, with implementation beginning in the 2026-27 school year. Union high school districts are exempt from this requirement. The bill aims to ensure that students develop handwriting skills in cursive, which some educators argue is important for cognitive development, fine motor skills, and historical literacy, despite the increasing prevalence of digital communication.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (18)
Elijah Behnke (R)*,
Lindee Brill (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Robert Donovan (R)*,
Russell Goodwin (D)*,
Rick Gundrum (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Jim Piwowarczyk (R)*,
Ron Tusler (R)*,
Robin Vos (R)*,
Chuck Wichgers (R)*,
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R),
Steve Nass (R),
Van Wanggaard (R),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to committee on Education (on 02/21/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab3 |
AB3 ROCP for Committee on Education | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/education/1900584.pdf |
Fiscal Note - AB3: Fiscal Estimate From DPI | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab3/ab3_dpi.pdf |
BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB3.pdf |
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