Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

November 13, 2026

Bringing Cursive Back to Our Classrooms

My passion for bringing cursive writing back to Pennsylvania’s classrooms began at home, when I realized my son could not sign his name in cursive. Therefore, I resolved to teach him myself.

I believe writing in cursive is a basic part of a child’s education and needs to be reprioritized.
 
A signature may seem like a small thing until your child does not know how to write their own. The experience of teaching my son how to sign his own name prompted me to learn more about cursive and how the skill of handwriting impacts how we learn.

Reading about how a young brain benefits from learning cursive, I became even more convinced. I see it not only as a way to put words on paper, but a skill worth preserving as part of a well-rounded education. Research shows that learning cursive improves fine motor skills, strengthens memory, and helps students make meaningful connections between reading and writing. 

Cursive writing also preserves a personal, human touch in a fast-moving digital world. Our children should know how to use computers and navigate a digital world. But embracing technology does not mean we must leave handwriting behind. I believe there is room, as well as a reason, to teach both. No keyboard can replace the act of signing your own name in your own hand. It’s an important mark of identity and pride.

Several studies found that when students engaged in the act of writing information, instead of typing it, they are more likely to recall the information and apply a future use for it. Comparatively, the results were even better when the students wrote in a more rhythmic fashion, limiting the number of times the writing utensil is lifted from the paper.

Ultimately, researchers surmised that flowing motions of cursive writing help reinforce neural connections and build hand-eye coordination in developing brains. Students who learn cursive handwriting show improved language fluency, enhanced creativity and better recall.

Interestingly, the New York Times reported the College Board found students who wrote in cursive for the essay portion of the SAT scored slightly higher than those who printed, which experts believe is because the speed and efficiency of writing in cursive allowed the students to focus on the content of their essays.

Certainly, cursive alone is not a solution to the learning challenges students may face. But quality education involves utilizing a variety of tools to help students learn, comprehend, communicate and become more independent.

Though the bill was enacted earlier this year after bipartisan passage in both the House and Senate, a ceremonial bill signing that occurred earlier this week highlights Pennsylvania being one of the newest of nearly 30 states to have passed laws requiring students to learn cursive once again. 

I was proud to support it as a co-sponsor because lawmakers often work on complicated issues that seem distant from everyday life. This issue was different for me. Bringing cursive back to the classroom is not about turning back the clock. It is about making sure our children move forward with a skill that has never lost its value.

What began with teaching my son to sign his name became a commitment to help Pennsylvania students have that same opportunity.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Oh, Say, Can You Sing? - The Pennsylvania Farm Show is less than two months away, and the Department of Agriculture is inviting Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” a star-spangled sing-off to win a chance to sing live at the event. 

Each morning, from Jan. 9-16, the Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Top vote-getters may also be selected to sing at special events and competitions.

The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages, both individuals and groups, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 22. For details, including how to enter, visit PA.gov and navigate to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture section. 

Fall Driving Tips - Fall is well underway, and winter is just around the corner. PennDOT is reminding motorists that wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost are a few driving hazards they will encounter this season. Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the fall and an increase in deer activity adds yet another danger to be aware of. 
 
Here are a few steps drivers can take to help make their commutes safer:

• Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn, and when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.
• Check your vehicle's headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many drivers’ morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades.
• Have your vehicle's heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly.
• Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow.
• Watch for deer. Autumn brings an increase in deer activity, and drivers are reminded to watch carefully for deer darting across and along roadways.

For more traffic safety information, visit PA.gov and navigate to PennDOT’s section.



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com