Senators have passed a bill requiring public schools to continue teaching cursive and multiplication tables. The bill is aimed at making sure schools maintain those skills as schools adopt new standards and incorporate more technology in the classroom.
The Senate passed the bill on a voice vote Thursday and it will now be sent to the Senate Finance Committee.
The prime sponsor, Republican Sen. Nancy Stiles, says she submitted the bill at the request of two constituents. She says learning cursive will ensure students can read historical documents and that memorization of basic multiplication is an important skill.
The State Board of Education does not require or prohibit districts from teaching either. Democratic Sen. Molly Kelly says the bill is unnecessary and curriculum decisions should be made locally.
