NEW YORK — New York City has signed cursive writing back into its curriculum.

Chancellor Carmen Fariña is committed to bringing the style of handwriting back to New York City public schools, according to Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R, SI).

“It is very unfortunate that there is a generation of students who did not learn to write and read cursive, but today we have been assured that this wrong has been corrected,” Malliotakis said.

Knowledge of cursive allows students to read historic documents like the Declaration of Independence, Malliotakis said. The Assembly woman also believes the skill is vital for students to learn cursive so they can sign legal documents and checks.

A Department of Education handbook on teaching cursive writing recommends the skill be taught in third grade with continued instruction in the fourth grade. The DOE is working with superintendents and school leaders to incorporate cursive instruction into curriculum, though it is not mandated.

Cursive has not been a mandatory part of education curriculum in New York State for about 20 years, according to an NYC DOE spokesperson. Many people believe the mode of writing is outdated.