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Science of Reading + Writing: See how Handwriting Without Tears ©2025 brings them together. Learn More

Handwriting Without Tears Meets ESSA Tier 2 Evidence Level 

Johns Hopkins Study Shows Impact of Handwriting on Literacy 

handwriting without tears infographic cover

Handwriting plays a foundational role in reading and writing readiness, as validated by a recent Johns Hopkins School of Education efficacy study. The study looked at Handwriting Without Tears® as an evidenced-based intervention.

handwriting without tears infographic cover

Handwriting plays a foundational role in reading and writing readiness, as validated by a recent Johns Hopkins School of Education efficacy study. The study looked at Handwriting Without Tears® as an evidenced-based intervention and found that the students who participated in the program averaged a more than 3-point gain between fall and spring compared to peers who did not participate in the program. Handwriting Without Tears had the biggest impact on first graders and students with Individual Education Plans (IEPS.) As a result, HWT meets ESSA Tier 2 Evidence Level, thanks to its statistically significant impact on student outcomes. The program also earned high marks from teachers, who agreed that the program didn’t just improve handwriting—but also improved student learning. 

See more highlights from the Johns Hopkins study.