The Georgia Department of Education released the list of schools recognized for excellence in cursive writing through the John Hancock Award. R.B. Wright Elementary received the Proficiency Ribbon recognition for student outcomes in cursive writing during the 2024-2025 school year.
According to the press release from the Ga Department of Education, “ this award celebrates elementary, middle, and high schools that go above and beyond in teaching cursive writing – a skill that builds fine motor strength, enhances literacy, and allows students to engage meaningfully with historical texts in their original form. As part of Georgia’s English Language Arts (ELA) standards, cursive writing plays a vital role in preparing students for academic success and lifelong learning.”
In the release, Superintendent Woods states, “As Georgia’s State School Superintendent and a former classroom teacher, I firmly believe learning cursive is more than just a writing skill – it’s a connection to history, critical thinking, and personal expression. In an age of digital communication, the ability to read and write in cursive remains essential. It allows students to engage with foundational documents, develop fine motor skills, and write with individuality and fluency. Cursive writing builds cognitive connections that support literacy and learning across subjects. That’s why Georgia has preserved and prioritized cursive instruction as part of a well-rounded education. We’re committed to developing students who are not only college- and career-ready but also confident in their ability to read, write, and think for themselves.”
Schools earn the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon by having 90% of the students able to write their name in cursive. To earn the Distinction Ribbon, schools must show that 90% of students can write their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive. A complete list of award winners can be found at https://gadoe.org/press-releases/gadoe-recognizes-john-hancock-award-schools/