Court Reporter

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of 13 Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works
Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

Although a computer is not required to complete this program, you will need to have access to an IBM® compatible PC with the following hardware and software requirements in order to use the Stenograph® Case CATalyst 4 software: Pentium® II or better processor (Pentium® III preferred), using Microsoft® Windows® XP or later, capable of running Microsoft® Office 2007, using standard parallel port for Security Device (key); serial port for Writer Realtime Connection.

Instruction Set 1
- Learning Strategies
  - The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features or our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
- Introduction to Court and Realtime Reporting
  - The court reporting field; qualifications needed; the history of court reporting.
- Learning Aid:
  - The Art and Skill of Court Reporting
Instruction Set 2

Written Communication 1
- The different parts of speech; sentences and their structure; punctuation; capitalizing words.
Written Communication 2
- Processing routine information requests and correspondence; successful letter and report writing; structuring paragraphs; preparing correspondence for your employer; editing and proofreading materials.
Written Communication 3
- Context clues, prefixes, suffixes; using a dictionary and thesaurus; synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.

Instruction Set 3

Theory Development and Personal Skills 1
- Setting up, inserting paper in, and taking down your shorthand machine; writing letters, short forms, and phrases; reading and transcribing from your shorthand notes; writing on your machine at a minimum of 20 words per minute (wpm); touch typing at a minimum of 10-12 wpm; the six secrets to successful reporting.
- Skill and Speed Test 1 (10-20 wpm) Cassette
Theory Development and Personal Skills 2
- Writing the alphabet and numbers on the steno machine keyboard; writing on your machine to a minimum of 20-30 wpm; touch typing at a minimum of 18 wpm.
- Skill and Speed Test 2 (20-30 wpm) Cassette
Textbooks:
- Realwrite/Realtime Computer Shorthand Theory
- Keyboarding and Word Processing
- Court Reporter’s Language Arts Workbook
- Language Arts Workbook Answer Key
Cassettes:
- Realwrite/Realtime, Lessons 1-16 and Drills 1-8
Learning Aids:
- Steno Key Identification Card
- Keyboarding and Word Processing Study Guide
- Keyboarding Pro Software
Special Shipment:

Equipment: Stentura® Protégé® with USB or serial connectivity, Plug "N" Play drivers, rechargeable battery technology, self-inking ribbon cartridge, EasyLock tripod stand, and wheeled backpack with protective case.

(Note: Prior to shipment of the stentura® Protégé®, $1700 of the program price must be paid. Prior to shipment of software, 50% of the program price must be paid.)

Instruction Set 4

Theory Development and Personal Skills 3
- Forming your own words using realtime theory; writing numbers and short forms; writing on your machine to a minimum of 30-40 wpm; touch typing on the computer keyboard to a minimum of 24 wpm; study techniques for your use.
- Skill and Speed Test 3 (30-40 wpm) Cassette
Theory Development and Personal Skills 4
- Writing specific prefixes and suffixes; writing new words; writing new contractions; writing clock time and dates; writing new short forms and phrases; reading and transcribing notes; writing on your machine to a minimum of 40-50 wpm; touch typing on the keyboard to a minimum of 28 words per minute; techniques to increase the speed and accuracy of your shorthand.
- Skill and Speed Test 4 (40-50 wpm) Cassette
Cassettes:
- Realwrite/Realtime, Lessons 17-32 and Drills 9-16

Instruction Set 5

Theory Practice and Legal Terminology 1
- The z-rule; writing on your machine at a minimum of 50-60 wpm; using legal terms; using special keys and the number pad; touch typing on the computer keyboard to a minimum of 30 wpm; techniques to improve your memory capacity.
- Skill and Speed Test 5 (50-60 wpm) Cassette
Theory Practice and Legal Terminology 2
- Writing courtroom question and answer material; applying rules for “conflict elimination;” writing on your machine at a minimum of 60-70 wpm; how court actions are begun; steps in a typical trial; touch typing to a minimum of 32-35 wpm.
- Skill and Speed Test 6 (60-70 wpm) Cassette
Cassettes:
- Realwrite/Realtime, Lessons 33-48 and Drills 17-24
Textbooks:
- Legal Terminology
- Legal Terminology Answer Key
Learning Aid:
- Keyboarding Skill Development

Back to Top

Instruction Set 6
- Theory Practice and Legal Terminology 3
  - Writing basic words and phrases; writing on your machine at a minimum of 70-80 wpm; touch typing to a minimum of 35-40 wpm; improving your listening ability.
  - Skill and Speed Test 7 (70-80 wpm) Cassette
- Theory Practice and Legal Terminology 4
  - Writing on your machine to a minimum of 80-90 wpm; writing new legal terms and learning their definitions; touch typing at a minimum of 40-45 wpm.
  - Skill and Speed Test 8 (80-90 wpm) Cassette
- Cassettes:
  - Computer Shorthand Skill Building, Lessons 1-20
- Textbook:
  - Computer Shorthand Skill Building and Transcription
Instruction Set 7

Realtime Skill Development and Vocabulary Building 1
- Learning new short forms and phrases; writing on your machine at a minimum of 90-100 wpm; writing new medical terms and learning their definitions; touch typing to a minimum of 45-50 wpm; techniques to improve your vocabulary.
- Skill and Speed Test 9 (90-100 wpm) Cassette
Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Breakdown of basic word parts; the meanings of medical terms and their pronunciations; medical terms associated with the human body; anatomical positions and directional terms, body planes and body cavities.
Realtime Skill Development and Vocabulary Building 2
- Writing on your machine at a minimum of 100-110 wpm; touch typing to a minimum of 50-55 wpm.
- Skill and Speed Test 10 (100-110 wpm) Cassette
Learning Aid:
- Keyboarding Speed Development
Cassettes:
- Computer Shorthand Skill Building, Lessons 21-40
- Word Play, Tapes 1-4
- Medical Terminology Pronunciation Tape 1

Instruction Set 8
- Realtime Skill Development and Vocabulary Building 3
  - Writing on your machine to a minimum of 110-120 wpm; speed development exercises for keyboard.
  - Skill and Speed Test 11 (110-120 wpm) Cassette
- Realtime Skill Development and Vocabulary Building 4
  - Skill development for realtime writing; speed development exercises.
  - Skill and Speed Test 12 (120-130 wpm) Cassette
- Textbook:
  - Computer Shorthand Speed Building and Transcription
- Cassettes:
  - Computer Shorthand Skill Building, Lessons 41-50
  - Computer Shorthand Speed Building, Lessons 1-10
- Proctored Exam 1
Instruction Set 9

Realtime Skill and Professional Development
- Writing on your machine at a minimum of 130-140 wpm; developing professionalism.
- Skill and Speed Test 13 (130-140 wpm) Cassette
Speed Development and Advanced Realtime Skills 1
- Writing on your machine to a minimum of 140-150 wpm; introduction to computer concepts and dictionary building.
- Skill and Speed Test 14 (140-150 wpm) Cassette
Cassettes:
- Computer Shorthand Speed Building, Lessons 11-30
Learning Aids:

Basic Computer Concepts
Technical Terminology

Instruction Set 10
- Speed Development and Advanced Realtime Skills 2
  - Introduction to realtime software; technical terminology; dictionary building; listening exercises.
  - Skill and Speed Test 15 (150-160 wpm) Cassette
- Speed Development and Advanced Realtime Skills 3
  - Speed development for realtime writing; software application for immediate transcription.
  - Skill and Speed Test 16 (160-170 wpm) Cassette
- Cassettes:
  - Computer Shorthand Speed Building, Lessons 31-50
- Software:
  - Case CATalyst™ Student Software Voucher
    (Note: 50% of the total program price must be paid before shipment of this software.)

Instruction Set 11
- Professionalism and Speed Development 1
  - Continuation of speed development, software application, technical terminology, and building listening skills.
  - Skill and Speed Test 17 (170-180 wpm) Cassette
- Professionalism and Speed Development 2
  - Speed development; court and realtime procedures; current events assignments.
  - Skill and Speed Test 18 (180-190 wpm) Cassette
- Cassettes:
  - Literary, Jury Charge and Two-Voice Dictation (Speed Takes 1-20)
- Textbook:
  - The Complete Court Reporter’s Handbook
- Learning Aids:
  - Expert Dictation
  - Professional Assignment and Practical Experience

Instruction Set 12
- Professionalism and Speed Development 3
  - Speed development; court and realtime procedures; current events assignments.
  - Skill and Speed Test 19 (190-200 wpm) Cassette
- Professionalism and Speed Development 4
  - Becoming a professional reporter; current event assignments.
  - Skill and Speed Test 20 (200-210 wpm) Cassette
- Cassettes:
  - Literary, Jury Charge and Two-Voice Dictation (Speed Takes 21-40)

Instruction Set 13

Speed Development and Practical Experience 1
- Development of an awareness of today’s culture by reading and writing about up-to-date topics and current events.
- Skill and Speed Test 21 (210-220 wpm) Cassette
Speed Development and Practical Experience 2
- Producing a final transcript; how to find employment; working with a reporter to gain practical experience; concentration on speed techniques to a minimum of 225 wpm.
- Skill and Speed Test 22 (225 wpm) Cassette
Cassettes:
- Literary, Jury Charge and Two-Voice Dictation (Speed Takes 41-56)
Proctored Examination 2
Work Experience Option

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.
Stenograph and Stentura are trademarks of Stenograph L.L.C. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Case CATalyst and EasyLock are trademarks of Stenograph L.L.C. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
IBM is a trademark of IBM Corporation and its subsidiaries registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation and its subsidiaries registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.