Before the state of student handwriting can be improved, children and their teachers must be thoroughly educated in sound handwriting skills. If a legible script is taught with sufficient vigor in the first six grades and in junior high school as well, children will be equipped for life with a valuable tool. To fortify these skills in the classroom, teachers should insist upon high standards for all handwritten assignments and motivate students to achieve an efficient, rapid script by rewarding legible work, by keeping files of student handwriting samples to check progress, and by providing students with numerous good examples in their own chalkboard work or handwritten comments. However, because superb instruction in handwriting skills cannot be demanded of ill-equipped teachers, both preservice and inservice teacher education should be supplemented with the best of new ideas in handwriting manuals, texts, practice cards, and other visual aids. (JB)