The goal is to equip the student to function well in all disciplines, including scribing free-hand. Typing is important; printing is important; quick, legable cursive is essential for note-taking. It's unlikely that any instructor could be heard in a lecture hall when thirty or more students are clupping away on their laptops. Not realistic.
I remember reading somewhere that development of a scripted writing is important in creating synapses that augment brain function. That aside, cursive is an essential, necessary tool for collecting data when there's no electricity or keyboards handy.
Along with the "ten minute pencil sketch", my students were required to render, in cursive, entire books (history, law, e.g.) in their cursive hand from my dictations. Skills developed were the ability to listen, cogitate, assemble then write the text legibly, quickly. Speed was increased over time. Spelling, syntax, and grammar were addressed as questions came up. They developed an organic sense of construction in addition to the cognitive.
I did not neglect typing, and block print and colligraphy was exercised.
The students, now in college, have a real leg-up because of the ability to take notes and sketch. Common sense.
The goal is to equip the student to function well in all disciplines, including scribing free-hand.
As a former teacher for 22 years I was tempted to comment on this thread, but it seems the both of you have stated exactly what I was going to say!
Thank you!