New Jersey public school students will once again learn cursive handwriting under a new law signed Monday by Gov. Phil Murphy, reversing more than a decade of decline in formal handwriting instruction.
The legislation, S1783/A3865, requires school districts to incorporate cursive writing into the curriculum for students in grades three through five, beginning with the next full school year. The law takes effect immediately.
Cursive instruction largely faded from classrooms after the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in 2010, which did not include handwriting requirements. In recent years, however, New Jersey and a growing number of states — including California and New Hampshire — have moved to restore cursive instruction, citing educational and practical benefits.
Murphy said the change is especially timely as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding.
“The return to including cursive instruction is especially meaningful as New Jersey celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country’s founding — giving our students the skills they need to read our nation’s founding documents and complete tasks like opening a bank account or signing a check, in addition to offering cognitive benefits,” Murphy said in a statement.
State Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the law reinforces developmental skills that go beyond handwriting itself.
“Ensuring that all students learn cursive handwriting reinforces not just a traditional skill, but developmental foundations that support fine motor development, literacy skills, and student confidence,” Dehmer said. “By embedding cursive instruction into the curriculum for grades three through five, this legislation strengthens our commitment to a well-rounded education.”
The law requires districts to ensure students are proficient in reading cursive and writing legibly by the end of fifth grade, while allowing flexibility in how instruction is delivered.
The bill was co-sponsored by Sens. Angela McKnight and Shirley Turner, and Assembly members Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shanique Speight, and Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie. The bill was originally introduced in the legislature in 2024.
McKnight said cursive instruction supports both academic development and real-world readiness.
“By guaranteeing that all students have a solid background in cursive handwriting, we are giving them a valuable skill they will use throughout their lives,” she said. “Not only does handwriting instruction encourage better retention and comprehension of information, but it also allows students to build self-confidence.”
Turner pointed to research showing links between handwriting and learning.
“Studies show again and again that writing by hand enhances learning by improving reading, comprehension, memory, fine motor, and critical thinking skills,” she said.
Assembly sponsors echoed those themes, emphasizing both cognitive benefits and practical uses, from signing legal documents to maintaining written communication skills in an increasingly digital world.
School districts will be expected to incorporate cursive instruction starting with the next full academic year.
