Idaho Students May Have to Learn Cursive

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The House threw its weight behind a measure directing the State Board of Education to require cursive handwriting in Idaho schools. In Tuesday's vote, just two lawmakers of 70 voted against Rep. Linden Bateman's measure that, at least so far, has captured the 2013 Legislature's heart. The measure now heads to the Senate.

Bateman, an Idaho Falls Republican, has argued cursive instruction will not only help the mental development of students, but also give them a lifelong means of communicating with grace and elegance. Of the two representatives who would have rather thrown a curse on cursive, Democratic Rep. Holli High Woodings of Boise said she felt it was inappropriate for lawmakers to pile on mandates on teachers who already have plenty on their plates to educate their young charges.