Resolution in support of instruction in reading and writing in cursive
Summary
House Joint Resolution 36 is a nonbinding resolution that encourages Montana school districts to provide students with instruction in reading and writing cursive. The resolution states that cursive is a connected form of handwriting and argues that students increasingly rely on keyboards while losing the ability to read or write cursive. It also cites claimed cognitive and motor-skill benefits of learning cursive and emphasizes that important historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, were written in cursive.
The resolution urges school districts to introduce cursive as early as developmentally appropriate and to continue exposure to it throughout a student’s school career. It also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Board of Public Education, and each public school board in Montana. Because it is a joint resolution, HJ 36 does not itself amend the Montana Code or impose a mandatory statewide curriculum requirement; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s view and recommendation to local school districts and education officials.
Impact
HJ 36 does not change state statutes or create enforceable duties for school districts. Its practical effect is advisory: it formally encourages local districts and education authorities to include cursive instruction, but leaves curriculum decisions to existing education governance structures. The resolution may influence public school policy discussions and instructional priorities, especially around literacy, handwriting, and historical document literacy, but it does not mandate funding, standards, or assessment changes.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally favorable in the House, where it passed committee and both floor readings by comfortable margins. That support suggests broad agreement with the idea of preserving cursive instruction as part of elementary and secondary education. However, the measure did not advance in the Senate and ultimately died in standing committee, indicating that support was not sufficient to move it through the full legislative process.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether cursive instruction should be promoted by the Legislature at all, versus left entirely to local school districts and existing standards. Supporters frame cursive as important for historical literacy, handwriting skills, and cognitive development, while skeptics may view it as a low-priority educational requirement in an era focused on keyboarding, core literacy, and other academic needs. The Senate committee action to table the resolution suggests at least some reluctance to elevate cursive instruction into a legislative recommendation, even though the House showed clear support.