The House Committee on Education voted Do Pass recommendations on three bills this morning.

Cursive Writing Requirement

Rep. Kim Hendren presented HB 1044 that would make teaching cursive writing a requirement for language arts in elementary schools. Cursive writing instruction is included in many Arkansas schools but is not a requirement. Committee members discussed the importance of learning both to read and to write in cursive. The bill passed easily and moves on to the House of Representatives.

School Vacation and Inclement Weather Policies

Two bills already passed by the Senate were approved by the House education committee. SB 160 would allow year-round schools to have a maximum seven-week vacation rather than six weeks. SB 180 would give superintendents flexibility to start the school day late or dismiss early up to five times without losing credit for the school day. Both bills move on to the House.