Huntington Adopts Philosophy of Handwriting
A formal philosophy of elementary handwriting has been established in the Huntington School District after School Board members approved an Education Development Committee recommendation.
The EDC acted after it sensed a “need to establish consistent handwriting instruction and expectations,” according to a supporting document presented to trustees. The EDC noted there were “inconsistencies from school to school and level to level.”
“A philosophy for instruction was established, identifying the Vertical Manuscript alphabet as the instructional process of choice district-wide over the Italic D’Nealian alphabet, which was used in at least one primary school,” said former Assistant Superintendent Michael O’Brien in a memo to trustees last month before he left his post of two years. School Board members unanimously supported the EDC recommendation.
The approval by trustees of the EDC recommendation means that the Vertical Manuscript alphabet will now be the form of handwriting instruction in all kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms in the Huntington School District. “The committee decided upon a rubric for student evaluation and allowed for concessions and accommodations based on clear evidence and collected data,” Mr. O’Brien said.
To help advance its handwriting goals for students, the district will purchase copies of the book, “Handwriting without Tears” for the K-3 level. The publisher of the textbook will provide teachers with after school professional development support sessions.
“The expectation is for all students to transition from manuscript to cursive as they move from second to third grade, with observations on what works best for individual students,” Mr. O’Brien said.
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office