New Florida law requires cursive proficiency from third to fifth graders

Florida public school students must demonstrate proficiency in cursive writing by the end of fifth grade under a state law that took effect July 1.The law requires cursive instruction in grades three through five, including letter formation, spacing, alignment and practice writing complete words and sentences.Cursive was already included in Florida’s academic standards. The new law explicitly requires students to demonstrate proficiency, including the ability to read cursive.What students must learnUnder the law, students must be able to write uppercase and lowercase cursive letters and produce legible words and sentences with proper spacing and alignment.They must also be able to read and use cursive in ways that support literacy, including essays and assignments consistent with state academic standards.The Florida Department of Education says proficiency is determined locally. The requirement does not establish a single statewide cursive test.How parents can help at homeMitchell Whit