Cobb elementary schools recognized for excellence in teaching cursive

COBB COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The death of cursive has been greatly exaggerated.

On Wednesday, five Cobb County elementary schools were recognized for their efforts in teaching kids what many people believe to be an essential skill.

“I firmly believe learning cursive is more than just a writing skill,” state school superintendent Richard Woods said. “It’s a connection to history, critical thinking and personal expression.”

The award is aptly named “The John Hancock Award,” after the prominent signer of the Declaration of Independence.

One of those schools, Powers Ferry Elementary, received a ribbon of distinction for being able to write their names in cursive.

“They also took it a step further and wrote the preamble,” Power Ferry Elementary principal Elayna Wilson said.

Over the years, the country has seen cursive recede from public education. In 2016, only 14 states taught cursive writing in elementary school. Now, 25 states do it.

Other elementary schools honored were Davis, Garrison Mill, Keheley, and Pickett’s Mill elementaries.

As technology has progressed, signatures have remained standard. They’re not going away, and as Hancock helped us realize, there is a bit of pride in having something uniquely yours, even if learning to write a cursive ‘z’ makes you pull your hair out.

“It really hits them that, ‘That’s me. That’s my signature,’” Wilson said.