Learning Cursive Will Now Be Mandatory For PA Students

Pennsylvania public school students will soon be required to learn cursive handwriting under legislation signed into law—with a cursive signature—Wednesday by Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat.

The bipartisan measure, House Bill 17, moves the the state from a policy where cursive instruction was left up to school districts to a required statewide curriculum.

Now designated as Act 2 of 2026, the law aims to bolster cognitive development and historical literacy, according to supporters of the bill.

“I’m definitely rusty, but I think my penmanship was okay!” Shapiro said after signing the bill.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Dane Watro, a Republican from Luzerne and Schuylkill counties. It received bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

“Cursive is more than handwriting. It’s a bridge,” Watro said. “It connects us to our history, strengthens learning and deepens our understanding of the world. By teaching cursive, we’re equipping students with skills that sharpen the mind and safeguard our shared heritage.”

Supporters of the law point to the practical and academic advantages of longhand writing. Proponents noted that writing in cursive activates specific brain regions associated with language, memory, and critical thinking. Beyond cognitive growth, the practice is credited with improving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, according to information from Watro’s office.

The legislation also addresses “historical literacy.” Advocates argued that because foundational documents—such as the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence—were written in script, teaching the skill ensures future generations can read primary historical texts without a digital intermediary.

With the signing of the law, Pennsylvania joins at least 24 other states that have enacted similar mandates. Among the states with the requirements are California, Texas, Florida, and neighboring West Virginia and Delaware.

“More than half of U.S. states already require cursive instruction in public schools,” Watro said. “They recognize that cursive gives students another way to learn, express themselves and prepare for success academically, professionally and personally.”

The enactment of the law comes as there is real-world use of cursive for signing legal documents and endorsing checks.