Headline Roundup • January 21st, 2026
New Jersey to Mandates Teaching of Cursive in Schools
Summary from the AllSides News Team
On his last day in office, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) signed a law that will mandate teaching cursive writing to public school students from grades three to five from the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
The Details: The bill was sponsored by Democratic state Senators Angela McKnight and Shirley Turner. Murphy and other supporters of the legislation have said students should know how to write in cursive so they can sign important documents and read important historical texts.
For Context: Cursive was removed from New Jersey's common core standards in 2010. McKnight first introduced the bill years ago but was unsuccessful in rallying support for it. With the reinstatement, New Jersey joins over two dozen states, including California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas, that currently require its teaching.
Key Quote: Murphy said in a statement, "We owe it to our students to give them a well-rounded education that ensures they have the tools to fully understand our rich history and become competent leaders."
Political Context: Murphy was replaced by fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who now serves as the state's 75th governor, on Tuesday. Sherrill issued six executive orders on her first day, mostly aimed at tackling rising energy costs and lack of trust in government.
How The Media Covered It: The Philadelphia Inquirer (Lean Left bias) reported perspectives from both supporters and critics of the new law. The Inquirer cited some who believed writing is becoming obsolete and that schools should focus on teaching technology and AI, and that the subject will be difficult to teach because of a lack of resources or interest from students. It also noted a local South Jersey school that never stopped teaching cursive and that some experts believe learning cursive improves motor skills development. The New York Post (Lean Right) framed the news positively, saying New Jersey is "flipping the script" and noting a state assemblywoman who spoke of the neurological benefits of learning cursive.
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Featured Coverage of this Story
Print is dead.
New Jersey is flipping the script and ordering its public schools to bring back cursive writing starting next fall.
In one of his final acts as governor, Phil Murphy on Monday signed legislation requiring students in third through fifth grades to learn cursive, insisting the move would help pupils with basic tasks such as opening bank accounts and signing checks later in life.
JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
Beginning in September, New Jersey public schools must begin teaching cursive writing to students in grades three to five.
A bill signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday makes cursive instruction mandatory for some elementary students. The requirements take effect immediately and apply to the 2026-27 school year.
