Epoch Times did an awesome article about a year or so ago, maybe two?... about the importance of cursive writing. it included analysis of how it impacts the brain's ability to process information and make connections when learning to write cursive.

I only had it in print, and would love to find a digital copy for permanent storage.

Yes, from that research, it seems clear to me that the decision not to teach cursive writing anymore is another part of the dumbing down process.