Cursive writing may go the way of the abacus. Will literacy go with it?

Within the last month I began hearing that some school districts are no longer teaching cursive handwriting to second and third graders. I thought the “powers that be” must be crazy! After all I learned to write cursive and it is part of the learning process. I remember those grades in penmanship. I never received more than a “C” in penmanship. After doing research on the possible extinction of cursive handwriting, I understand the logic but still have reservations.

One article I read described how SAT graders evaluate written portions of the exam. Well written cursive could receive a higher score than poorly crafted cursive because it is easier to read. Unless test takers are allowed to use electronic writing devices, it could take longer to chisel out hand printed paragraphs. Who is to say someone’s printing will be any better than that person’s cursive. The long period of transition from handwritten essays to electronic preparation of essays could be disadvantageous.

While it cannot be attributed directly to the use of electronic devices, tweeters, Facebookers, texters, and other technology users have come up with their own coded language that does not include the formal, correct spelling of words. The Hip Hop and Rap genres have their own system of spelling words. Teenagers and many young adults see no need to use proper grammar or correct spelling.

Throughout time inventions have changed the way we communicate and do daily tasks. I think of the first automobile, the first airplane, the first computer, and the first space shuttle to name a few. Time will tell how cursive writing is viewed and how the lack of it will impact literacy. Will there be a socio-economic impact?

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