Cursive writing never was abandoned — at least not completely — in the Manteca Unified School District.

It has been an optional element in the third grade language arts program since the state officially dropped the mandate that it be taught back in 2010.

That is about to change.

Starting next year, Manteca Unified as well as all public schools will be required to teach students cursive writing.

Legislation to do so was signed into law in October by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

To align with the new requirements, Manteca Unified is in the process of acquiring the “Fundation” cursive writing component. It will specifically cater to third-grade word work.

“Fundations” serves as a supplemental curriculum utilized by all transitional kindergarten thru third grade teachers for daily word work, spelling, and handwriting.

Assembly member Sharon Quirk-Silva , D-Fullerton, who authored the legislation emphasized her primary objective was to equip students with the ability to read and write in cursive plus make it possible to decipher “primary source” historical documents easier.

While opponents noted such “primary source” documents have often already been converted to digital format therefore the only use of cursive is to read “grandmother’s old letters”, there are experts that contend it has a solid value for students in a digital dominated world.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology research conducted in 2020 indicated students who wrote in cursive triggered distinct electrical activity in the brain compared to those who relied on typing.

Experts have used the study to push for young students to learn to wrote by hand — and not simply print — while also mastering keyboard skills.

While California is the 17th state to make cursive a requirement, it is the first state solidly controlled by Democrats to do so.

A Manteca Unified spokesperson noted “this integration will not necessitate any adjustments to teachers' daily schedules, as ‘Fundations’ already incorporates handwriting activities.”

The district with provide support for third grade teachers by providing optional cursive training sessions for those who may require instruction or a refresher on proper letter formation.

District teachers currently accept cursive for assignments.

However, the district spokesperson pointed out that “ as digital natives, many students prefer to utilize digital tools which are also allowed.”

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com