About the Summit
Handwriting in the 21st Century? An Educational Summit
On January 23, 2012, 150 researchers and education thought leaders convened for Handwriting in the 21st Century? An Educational Summit to discuss the role of handwriting instruction in the 21st century classroom. Presenters shared cross-disciplinary handwriting research and attendees voiced their opinions about whether—and how—this skill should be taught. A white paper summarizing the research presented at the Summit, published by Saperstein Associates, Inc., is now available for download. Watch videos of the researchers' presentations to learn more.
An overwhelming majority of participants agreed that—even in our technology-focused society—teaching handwriting is essential for advancing students' academic success. View all survey results. Yet, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) include keyboarding as a skill that students must acquire, while only minimally acknowledging manuscript handwriting—and excluding cursive altogether. Summit attendees and researchers expressed a growing concern about the lack of attention that handwriting instruction is receiving in the education community. Most participants concurred about the evident need for a set of benchmarked, developmentally appropriate handwriting standards that will provide all students with equal access to this foundational skill. Read more about the standards.
Participants asked questions of the researchers at the Summit. The questions that could not be answered due to time limitations are available—with answers—for download here.
