Cursive Writing In South Carolina Schools Could Be Making A Comeback
Many of us have fond memories of admiring our parents and grandparents cursive handwriting. However, the art of cursive writing fell by the wayside quite some time ago as we entered the digital age. But, a bill pushing cursive writing in South Carolina schools means it may be making a comeback.
According to WLTX, State Representative Michael Rivers introduced the bill that would require 2nd through 5th grade public school children to learn the lost skill. And, I hear folks bemoan the loss of cursive writing all the time. However, I don’t necessarily think it’s essential anymore.
Yes, I said it. But, think about it. First, take away the sentimental attachment to cursive writing. Although it is a beautiful expression of handwriting, we really don’t absolutely have to use it anymore. It’s a digital world, love it or hate it. We are where we are. And, with limited time in a school day to teach skills that really are essential, it’s probably not the best use of our time and resources.
But, I know that’s not always a popular opinion among those with emotional attachments to the past. And, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to have that knowledge in your back pocket. But, if I have to choose between the school day including classes on real life ‘adulting’ skills like finance or learning cursive I’m choosing the former every time. And, finance is just one umbrella example of real world skills. I’d give anything if my early education taught me more about taxes, real estate and mortgages for example.
Of course, I learned cursive way back in the ’70s. And, even though I scratch it out from time to time, most of my real life dealings require digital communications and e-signatures.
So, we’ll see what happens. The bill to require teaching cursive writing in South Carolina public schools is up for discussion when the session resumes in January. And, for more, see the full report from WLTX. But, I will say that all the doctors I ever had learned cursive, and I couldn’t read their writing if my life depended on it!
8 North Carolina Schools Earned The Distinction of National Blue Ribbon Schools
Yesterday 8 North Carolina schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the Department of Education, “the recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. These schools demonstrate what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students’ lives.” A total of 353 schools nationwide received this distinction, this included 313 public schools and 40 private schools. Each of the 8 North Carolina schools recognized was a public school.
The award-winning schools will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on November 16 and 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. This is the 40th year the Department of Education has selected the National Blue Ribbon Schools. According to the department the criteria for public schools are as follows:
Performance Award Criteria for Public Schools: In order to be eligible for nomination, a school must meet several criteria based on the performance of its students on state assessments in reading (or English language arts) and mathematics or a composite of performance on these assessments with other measures of student performance (e.g., student growth on state assessments, performance on state assessments in other subjects, graduation rates, or other indicators in the state’s accountability system).
You can read more about the eligibility requirements here. Congratulations to each of these eight North Carolina Schools that received the National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. They represent elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. In fact, there are 7 different school districts represented with the remaining school being a charter school. Keep reading to see and learn a little more about each of these schools. Congratulations and thank you to the teachers and staff of these schools for giving your best to the children of North Carolina!
Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.
