Re: [LM_NET] Are alphabetizing & cursive writing dying skills?

[Nicholas Netzel <netzel@GLENELG.ORG>]

I sure don't remember having to copy things into cursive or have a flat
calculator when I took the SATs. It really sounds like they want to
emphasize the Follow Directions part of learning rather than the
Accumulate and Process Knowledge part.

I think we are rapidly losing the need to teach cursive. Good penmanship
(or at least legible penmanship)will always be necessary, but cursive
can join calligraphy as far as I'm concerned. Of course, it takes me
twice as long to read or write anything in cursive...

Learning Alphabetization, however, is still a useful basic skill similar
to counting. As long as things continue to be arranged in some form of
alphabetical order, the need to understand it will remain. 

Nic Netzel
Assistant Upper School Librarian
Glenelg Country School
Glenelg, MD
x2424


>>>>Date:    Mon, 7 Feb 2005 12:38:23 -0700
From:    Vicki Sherouse <vsherouse@MCPS.K12.MT.US>
Subject: Re: Are alphabetizing & cursive writing dying skills?

If a student is going to take the SAT they need to know some cursive.  =
There is a paragraph they must copy in cursive to be able to take the =
test.  The directions are very specific--no printing is allowed.  I =
proctor the test 3-4 times a year and notice that this upsets many =
students, so practicing in English would be a good idea.  Also students
=
are required to keep their calculators flat on their desk during the
math =
portion.  I had to remind one poor boy 8 times. It was very interruptive
=
to him, but required.  Students in math class should practice taking
tests =
with their calculators flat.<<<<<<


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