Popeye Loc: LifIno

Our thirteen year old grandson earned his very first paycheck today. Emphasis on check. Took him to the bank so he could cash it. Sadly he was unable to endorse it using cursive. He tried hard, but even I couldn't read it. Don't know if banks will take checks if you print your name on the back. Didn't want to embarrass the young man so will ask next time I go alone. When the granddaughter started going to school here, she knew how to write in cursive. BUT..... the school wouldn't allow it as they don't teach it anymore.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I guess that means his parents or guardians are as smart as the schools? The guardians pay taxes, so they don't have to teach the kid to do anything. It's not their job.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

What city/state is this ?

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Don't know about the OP, but for many years it is not part of the "jam packed" curriculum in Connecticut. Can't afford the time. I am related to a superintendent and months back we had a conversation regarding this, however, I don't recall how long this has been going on. I have no doubt that it's in excess of ten years.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I retired 7 years ago and I worked with teachers who could not really do cursive or read it. Being a bit "different" I wrote notes and paper work in cursive anyway, or even used calligraphy pens on my notes to them. And often a cursive font on the computer.

Oh, yes, I gave short lessons, charts etc. of cursive to my students and required them to use it on homework and written tests. (I was a history, geography, govt teacher.) I gave them plenty of time and did not grade down on how bad their cursive was. Only for not even attempting to do cursive. I had a fair number of students who reached the "aw haw" moment and suddenly came to me to say, "It really is faster and easier to take notes this way!"

I also had a one day lesson on Roman Numerals, with charts to hand out.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

They are so far up the teachers' butts in some areas they could be accused of not properly following the curriculum.

I have nothing factual to base that on, just a guess from some of the media reporting. :cry: :cry:

EdB

Here in PA, we have two sets of state required tests that determine the schools success and the teacher's ratings. If the states fail for two years, they could be subject to take-over. 30% of the teacher's rating is based on these tests. For these reasons, penmanship has gone the way of the buggy whip.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

that's what happens when parents aren't paying attention or making their voices heard.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Parents are paying attention and voting down budgets, often numerous times! The last several years have seen this quite frequently. Political appointments of top level leaders who have no or limited experience have not had a positive effect either.

Politics, mandated programs, and lack of funding are challenging to say the least.

Apparently, reading, writing, and arithmetic do not work. We can't possibly integrate new and old technology. :roll: :roll

dlwhawaii Loc: Sunny Wailuku, Hawaii

When curricula is chosen by a State Board of Education, populated by none from the teaching profession, this is the result. The parents have absolutely no say in curricula choice.

denoferth Loc: Portsmouth, NH

So in practical terms those teachers, (and the children they are tasked with teaching), who cannot read or write in cursive or even sign their own names are, by definition, functionally illiterate.

venturer9 Loc: Newton, Il.

I realize that my comments will probably ruffle some of the Chickens feathers..... I have discussed this on other posts in the past..

I have two Daughters, both Home School their children .

The eldest daughters oldest son is attending MIT on a full ride Scholarship. NEVER ATTENDED PUBLIC SCHOOL

The Younger Daughters Eldest child Just started College on a full ride academic Scholarship NEVER ATTENDED PUBLIC SCHOOL

The younger Daughters middle Child just started PUBLIC SCHOOL as a Sophomore, ... Her choice, she wanted to be with some of her cousins who attend public school... Her main complaint so far is that her math Class breaks up into groups of 4 students.... GRANDPA, those kids can't even add 2 and 2, let alone do Algebra...

The younger daughters 8yr old (in fact all of her children except the 3 year old) writes in Cursive very nicely....... totally readable...

It is totally obvious that some (and I am sure not all) Home Schooled Children are Smart and well rounded.... YET, the state of Illinois is basically against Home Schooling and puts as many roadblocks as possible in the way...

Mike

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

We have the exact issue here, of course the board you speak of is much more aware than the teachers. We also have the benefit of some of the geniuses on the local boards.

One Rude Dawg Loc: Athol, ID

Yes, how in the hell will they sign a legal document in the future? With an X witnessed by someone else who witnesses it with an X? What a bunch of idiots. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Their signatures will most likely look the same as their parents.