Apparently with all the prep needed for standardized tests, there is no need for students to learn cursive writing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/us/28cursive.html?_r=1
This basically means that they are entirely cut off from looking at original written documents, whether historical or personal.
It is also likely to discourage first written drafts, as it's a pain to print.
A pity,
Joanna