This paper investigates the state of the art of handwriting and lists 11 recommendations that were made to improve handwriting instruction in one public school system's language arts curriculum. The following topics are discussed: historical perspectives of the art of handwriting, the nature of handwriting instruction, methods and approaches to instruction (theories of learning, readiness and preparation for writing, styles of penmanship, extent of time for instruction and practice, teaching techniques and procedures, and components of legibility), handedness (sinistral, dextral, or ambidextrous), special learning disabilities, the evaluation process and its implications, and preparation and training of teachers. A bibliography is included. (RL)