Writing on Wall for Many Students

The concession by some doctors that their illegible handwriting poses potential dangers to patients (“Rx for Physicians’ Unhealthy Handwriting,” Jan. 21) places them ahead of many school people in this regard. It is clear that high-quality handwriting by students is not standard in today’s schools.

At present, schools maintain no grade level goals in handwriting. Worse yet, school officials have no idea whether teachers write legibly. Teacher educators also avoid enforcing such requirements.

Moreover, the new “whole language” approach to writing that has invaded our schools maintains that along with “invented spelling,” students should be encouraged to use “invented handwriting.” Here children write the letters of the alphabet in any shape they immediately find comfortable. Those of us who protest this ominous practice are assured that “eventually” students will develop legible styles of handwriting.

The fact is that the majority of students do not. As a consequence, companies lose millions annually as the result of their employees’ bad handwriting.

One can only hope that physicians as a group resolve to handwrite more legibly. Their prestige in the society might stimulate the schools to follow their example.

PATRICK GROFF, Professor

School of Teacher Education

College of Education

San Diego State University

San Diego