In recent years, many educators in the United States have debated whether or not it is necessary to continue teaching cursive writing in elementary schools, given that most of lessons are now taught with computers. By leaving the decision independent to each school, one might worry about the education of future generations and what effects might occur if classical standards were removed from the school system, replaced with a modern, technological way of teaching. Many parents have expressed their concerned thoughts by writing online blogs, speaking to educators, and even protesting to preserve traditional English language guidelines. Until the 1920s, cursive was the standard writing style in the American education system. It was then that what is now known as print writing was first taught in schools, educators theorizing that children learn to read by looking at manuscripts in printed books. During World War II, both cursive and printed forms of writing were required in all American schools. Until recently, children usually learned print in kindergarten and cursive in second or third grade. From this time through high school, students continually acquired what were once considered skills necessary for their future lives. There also used to be stricter standards for legible writing skills, but this is no longer the case (Time.com, 2009). Dodson 2Illegible writing, once harshly discredited by teachers, allowing students to improve their skills is no longer a necessary educational requirement. Many educators fear that the decline of handwriting has been caused by standardized testing introduced since the No Child Left Behind Act took effect in 2002. Linda Garc...... center of paper...... children , instilling the skills needed to be effective and fully productive in their adult lives. Unfortunately, it may be that only time will tell. Works Cited “Schools Debate Cursive Writing Instruction Nationwide.” The Huffington Post. 30 March 2011. Web. 09 April 2011. .Suddath, Claire. “Mourning the Death of Handwriting – TIME.” TIME. August 3, 2009. Web. April 11, 2011. .State Initiative on Common Core Standards | House. Network. April 11, 2011. "School Preserves Cursive Writing-WYFF Greenville." Greenville News, Greenville, South Carolina News, Weather & Sports - WYFF Greenville Channel 4. March 4, 2011. Web. April 11. 2011. .