Most publicly educated kids in my state

Can’t read the Declaration of Independence or Constitution in its original form because they were not taught to read or write in cursive…..sad .
Things seem to be changing though and schools are going back to it as a mandatory requirement

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Cyclist · 46-50, M

That has nothing to do with whether or not they understand the text and can think critically about it. Time would be best spent teaching that, and other thinking skills. Also, reading modern cursive, if there is such a thing, does not mean you can read THAT cursive.

FreeSpirit1 · F

@Cyclist I didn’t say they couldn’t understand the text, how about finding handwritten letters from grandparents and not being able to read them? Get my point.?

Cyclist · 46-50, M

@FreeSpirit1 I do to some extent. I think that perhaps the choice of example was unfortunate because it touches on so many other things. But I think it’s a matter of opportunity cost. The amount of critical knowledge in the world is quickly expanding. Instructional time is about the same, and attention span is decreasing. There are other subjects that are critically more important. See my other reply. Also, evolution in handwriting is nothing new. I was taught cursive and used it through college. I cannot read my great-grandfather’s journal in 1880’s cursive. The Smithsonian is actually trying to recruit people who can transcribe old cursive.

3Dogmatic · 46-50, M

That is a shame.

Cyclist · 46-50, M

@3Dogmatic if schools had all the resources and time in the world, then I agree with you. But they don’t. As a former teacher I can confirm the obvious: taking time to teach one thing means that something else will not be taught. You have to think in terms of opportunity cost. Given the dismal lack of basic science literacy and analytical skills we see in the U.S., I think we should concentrate on those. In today’s world, knowing cursive is an enrichment, not a core competency.