All 12 Carroll County elementary schools have been awarded the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon this year, the Georgia Department of Education announced today, joining only 307 schools statewide receiving the honor for proficiency in cursive writing.
Recognizing that cursive writing strengthens student confidence, connects learners to history, and supports essential cognitive development, the Georgia DOE honors schools that demonstrate excellence in cursive instruction through the John Hancock Award.
The award celebrates elementary, middle, and high schools that go above and beyond in teaching cursive writing – a skill that builds fine motor strength, enhances literacy, and allows students to engage meaningfully with historical texts in their original form. As part of Georgia’s English Language Arts standards, cursive writing plays a vital role in preparing students for academic success and lifelong learning.
"Cursive writing is about much more than penmanship — it supports the development of skills students use throughout their learning," said Dr. April Aldridge, GaDOE Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. "It also gives students the ability to encounter documents like the U.S. Constitution as they were originally written, creating a tangible connection between literacy, history, and civic understanding. We are proud of the Georgia educators who continue to provide students with these important learning opportunities."
Cursive instruction supports students by developing fine motor skills, strengthening spelling and writing fluency, supporting memory and cognitive development, and allowing students to develop a distinctive personal signature.
Schools are recognized for the John Hancock Banner based on the cursive proficiency of their students. The schools where 90 percent of students can write their name in cursive receive the John Hancock Banner and Proficiency Ribbon. Schools where 90 percent of students can write both their name and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive are awarded the John Hancock Banner and Ribbon of Distinction.