States That Require Cursive in 2026 - Complete Guide
See which states require cursive in 2026, compare grade-level rules across all 50 states, and create free handwriting worksheets for classroom practice.
Which states require cursive in 2026? The short answer is at least 25 states, according to a March 23, 2026 review published by Popular Science. Pennsylvania is one of the newest additions after its 2026 law took effect. Because laws and standards change, treat this page as an annual snapshot and confirm details with your state education agency.
2026 Update: 25+ States Now Require Cursive
The current statewide list includes requirements created by law and requirements embedded in state education standards. The distinction matters. Iowa, for example, requires cursive through state board expectations rather than a handwriting-specific law.
California offers a useful example of a clearly documented requirement: the California Department of Education says instruction in cursive or joined italics is included at appropriate grade levels from grades 1 through 6. Pennsylvania joined the list in 2026.
Full State-by-State Table
The table below uses the March 2026 list from Popular Science and adds a clear status for every state. "No statewide requirement identified" does not mean local schools never teach cursive.
| State | 2026 statewide status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Required in grade 3 |
| Alaska | No statewide requirement identified |
| Arizona | Required by grade 5 |
| Arkansas | Required in grade 3 |
| California | Required in grades 1-6 |
| Colorado | No statewide requirement identified |
| Connecticut | No statewide requirement identified |
| Delaware | Required in grade 3 |
| Florida | Required by grade 5 |
| Georgia | Required by grade 4 |
| Hawaii | No statewide requirement identified |
| Idaho | Verify current implementation date with state guidance |
| Illinois | Required by grade 5 |
| Indiana | Required in elementary school |
| Iowa | Required by state board expectations in grade 3 |
| Kansas | No statewide requirement identified |
| Kentucky | Required by grade 5 |
| Louisiana | Required in grades 3-12 |
| Maine | No statewide requirement identified |
| Maryland | Required by grade 5 |
| Massachusetts | Required by grade 5 |
| Michigan | No statewide requirement identified |
| Minnesota | No statewide requirement identified |
| Mississippi | Required in grades 2-8 |
| Missouri | Cursive appears in state standards; no handwriting-specific law |
| Montana | No statewide requirement identified |
| Nebraska | No statewide requirement identified |
| Nevada | No statewide requirement identified |
| New Hampshire | Required by grade 5 |
| New Jersey | Verify current implementation date with state guidance |
| New Mexico | No statewide requirement identified |
| New York | No statewide requirement identified |
| North Carolina | Required by grade 5 |
| North Dakota | No statewide requirement identified |
| Ohio | Required in grades 1-5 |
| Oklahoma | Required by grade 5 |
| Oregon | No statewide requirement identified |
| Pennsylvania | Required in grades 2-3 |
| Rhode Island | No statewide requirement identified |
| South Carolina | Required by grade 5 |
| South Dakota | No statewide requirement identified |
| Tennessee | Required by grade 5 |
| Texas | Required in grade 3 |
| Utah | No statewide requirement identified |
| Vermont | No statewide requirement identified |
| Virginia | Required by grade 5 |
| Washington | No statewide requirement identified |
| West Virginia | Required by grade 4 |
| Wisconsin | No statewide requirement identified |
| Wyoming | No statewide requirement identified |
Important update note: Zaner-Bloser's March 2026 policy overview says Idaho and New Jersey are among the newest states to pass handwriting laws. They are not included in the Popular Science 25-state grade list above, so teachers in those states should verify implementation dates with their state education agencies. This page will be refreshed for the 2027 school year.
The Movement to Restore Cursive
The Common Core standards emphasized keyboarding without specifically requiring cursive. Since then, states have restored handwriting expectations through laws, standards, and local curriculum decisions.
The reasons are practical as well as educational. Students still encounter handwritten source material, signatures, family records, and teacher notes. Handwriting practice also remains a distinct learning activity. For a careful research summary, read why cursive still matters in 2026.
Resources for Teachers and Parents
A requirement becomes useful only when students get consistent practice. Start with one model, keep sessions short, and print targeted sheets for names, difficult letters, and classroom vocabulary.
Create Free Classroom Cursive Worksheets
Generate printable cursive tracing sheets for names, vocabulary words, and short sentences. No sign-up required.
Open free tool →Use the cursive alphabet chart as a desk reference and compare D'Nealian vs Zaner-Bloser before choosing a worksheet style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states require cursive in 2026?
A March 23, 2026 review lists at least 25 states with statewide cursive requirements. Additional recent laws may have implementation dates that require state-level confirmation.
Is cursive required by federal law?
No. Curriculum requirements are set through state law, state standards, and local school decisions.
Does a state without a mandate still teach cursive?
Often, yes. A missing statewide requirement does not prevent a district or teacher from including cursive practice.
When did Pennsylvania require cursive?
Pennsylvania joined the statewide list in 2026. Its requirement covers cursive instruction in grades 2 and 3.
Where can teachers create worksheets?
Use the free cursive worksheet generator for printable name, word, and sentence practice.