printing is slower, cursive is faster, once learned. But I guess
   i can see maybe teaching touch typing BEFORE cursive (like,
   teach cursive in 7th grade and typing in 3rd grade) that would
   make sense nowadays. I guess I can see it being made optional -
   still, it seems strange - maybe it takes too long to learn
   cursive when math/science could get priorities... be curious to
   find out the reasons. "