Two hundred and fifty years ago in Pennsylvania, the Declaration of Independence was written and signed in cursive. Now, schools across the commonwealth are mandated to teach that style of handwriting.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law this week a bipartisan measure that requires schools to teach K-12 students to write in cursive. While many schools have and continue to teach writing, proponents of the legislation said the practice improves students’ cognitive development and connects students to American history.

“Cursive writing fosters fine motor skills, enhances memory retention and equips students to read foundational documents in their original form,” said state Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Johnstown. “In doing so, we ensure future generations are prepared both intellectually and practically.”

The law went into effect upon the governor’s signing on Wednesday. According to Mycursive.com, a website devoted to teaching and learning handwriting, Pennsylvania's mandate means that more than half of the states in the U.S. require cursive as part of a school curriculum, including Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education said in a statement that it was developing guidance for schools on the legislation.