All Idaho elementary school children might have to learn cursive handwriting. A resolution that asks the State Board of Education to mandate cursive passed the House Education Committee Thursday. The resolution’s sponsor, Republican Linden Bateman of Idaho Falls, says he’s concerned that without cursive, kids won’t be able to read old letters and historic documents.
“I don’t know, maybe we’re trying to hold the ocean back with a pitch fork, you know, all this computer stuff,” Bateman told fellow committee members as he urged them to approve his resolution. “But let’s try. Let’s try to initiate a renaissance.”
Several people testified in favor of the resolution. Some cited research that says learning cursive is good for brain development. But one person told lawmakers that giving teachers another requirement would take away from other activities like art and music.
The measure now goes to the full House for a vote.