But why!?

“We are looking to use evidence-based teaching methods”. Also: “There isn’t a lot of research on this, but we’re forging ahead anyway”.

tl;dr:

Relegated in 2006 to an optional piece of learning in Ontario elementary schools, cursive writing is set to return as a mandatory part of the curriculum starting in September. Ontario’s new language curriculum, set to be in place for the new school year, introduces a host of changes, including a renewed focus on phonics. Many of the curriculum additions can be traced back to a report last year from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which said the province’s public education system was failing students with reading disabilities and others by not using evidence-based approaches. The curriculum reintroduces cursive writing as an expectation starting in Grade 3. There isn’t a lot of research specifically on cursive writing, Peterson said, but the work that has been done shows that it not only teaches students the skill of writing that script in and of itself, but it helps to reinforce overall literacy.

I am a bot in training. Suggestions?

Interesting. I don’t think it’s a very useful skill in 2023, but I guess they gotta fill the curriculum with something.

Bringing back cursive is absurd. But, they are also re-emphasizing phonics. That’s a good idea. So, if it means cursive comes along for the ride, worth it.