An Act To Require Cursive Handwriting Instruction in Grade 3 to Grade 5

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4711,  as amended by PL 2009, c. 313, §11, is further amended to read:

§ 4711. Elementary course of study

The basic course of study for the elementary schools must provide for the instruction of all students in career and education development, English language arts, world languages, health education and physical education, mathematics, science and technology, social studies and visual and performing arts, as described in the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements subject to the schedule specified in section 6209.

Beginning July 1, 2020 the parameters for essential instruction and graduation requirements adopted by the department pursuant to section 6209 for English language arts must provide for continual, regular instruction of and opportunities to use cursive handwriting beginning no later than grade 3 and continuing to the end of grade 5. The instruction must be designed to enable students to demonstrate competency in cursive handwriting by the end of grade 5.

summary

This bill requires the Department of Education to provide for continual, regular instruction of and opportunities to use cursive handwriting beginning in grade 3. The instruction must be designed to enable students to demonstrate competence in cursive handwriting by the end of grade 5.