General Requirements and Minimum Standards

Council on Approved Student Education

General Requirements and Minimum

Standards

CASE Revision 2008/2009

NCRA Board of Directors Approved 8/4/09

Effective August 1, 2010

National Court Reporters Association

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COUNCIL ON APPROVED STUDENT EDUCATION

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Requirements

I.

Objectives…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2

II.

III.

IV.

Eligibility………………………………………………………………………………….............................3

Initial Application

Reevaluation

Procedures……………………………………………………………………………..4

Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………….7

V.

VI.

VII.

Annual Report Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………..9

Major Changes…………………………………………………………………………………………………….9

Fee Schedule……………………………………………………………………………………………………..11

VIII.

CASE Actions………………………………………………………………………………………………………12

IX.

Appeals Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………………18

X.

Complaint Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………..21

Minimum Standards

I.

Academic Staff……………………………………………………………………………………………………23

II.

III.

Library Resource…………………………………………………………………………………………………23

Business & Professional Standards……………………………………………………………………..24

IV.

V.

VI.

Graduation

Catalog

Syllabi

or

and Awards………………………………………………………………………………………25

Program Information Requirements…………………………………………………..25

Requirements…………………………………………………………………………………………..26

VII.

Judicial Program………………………………………………………………………………………………….27

VIII.

Captioning Program…………………………………………………………………………………………...38

IX.

CART Program…………………………………………………………………………………………………….46

Appendix

1.

Description of Evening and Online Programs and

Courses and Their Relationship to the Certification Process………………………………………56

2.

Elements of a Lesson Plan………………………………………………………………………………………….57

3.

Elements of a Syllabus……………………………………………………………………………………………….61

4.

Timetable of reevaluations………………………………………………………………………………………..64

5.

Fee Schedule……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..65

6.

Punctuation as contained in the current Captioning Styles Guidelines………………………66

7.

“What is an Error?” Grading Guidelines for the RPR/RMR Skills Tests……………………….68

8.

“What is an Error?” Grading Guidelines for the CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Tests…………………72

9.

A Job Analysis for the RPR…………………………………………………………………………………………78

10.

A Job Analysis for the Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC)……………………………………….82

11.

A Job Analysis for the Certified CART Provider (CCP)…………………………………………………86

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General Requirements

I. Objectives

The National Court Reporters Association, a national professional organization with a membership of over 23,000, was founded in 1899.

The mission statement as adopted by the NCRA Board of Directors in November 2004 states: NCRA promotes excellence among those who capture and convert the spoken word to text and is committed to supporting every member in achieving the highest level of professional expertise.

NCRA accomplishes this through ethical standards, testing and certification, educational opportunities, communications, government relations, research and analysis, and fiscal responsibility.

The certification process is one that is intended to assist institutions by setting minimum standards for the realtime educational programs, offered day, evening, and online. All institutions are encouraged to meet and/or exceed these general requirements and minimum standards. The general requirements and minimum standards established by NCRA’s Council on Approved

Student Education (CASE) shall be incorporated in each institution’s certified program’s curriculum and shall be adhered to.

CASE is composed of at least five (5) members, including at least two (2) Registered

Professional Reporters and at least three (3) reporting educators from NCRA-certified programs representing both public and private institutions. CASE shall oversee existing certified programs as well as the process of institutions seeking certification of their educational programs. CASE members are appointed by NCRA’s President with the advice and consent of the Board of

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Directors. Determination of the composition of CASE members shall be consistent with the

NCRA conflict of interest policy and shall strive to ensure all reporting environments are represented.

The General Requirements and Minimum Standards developed by CASE are the same for all realtime programs classified as certified, whether an institution is applying for the first time or applying for re-certification.

CASE publishes in the Journal of Court Reporting and elsewhere, and makes available to the public, a list of institutions whose realtime reporter education programs have met the General

Requirements and Minimum Standards.

CASE’s advice, services, and cooperation are available to all who offer such an educational program.

CASE does not guarantee that students will graduate within specific time frames, that students will be able to obtain employment as realtime reporters, or that the educational institution is financially stable.

An institution’s educational program shall satisfy the following requirements:

II. Eligibility

A. All programs shall be licensed, or certified at the post-secondary or collegiate level by the state in which it operates.

B. The institution shall be accredited by a body recognized by the U. S. Department of

Education within their jurisdiction.

C. The institution shall be eligible for participation in Title IV federal financial aid.

E. The institution shall be legally organized and authorized to conduct its educational program under the laws of its own state and community.

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F. The educational program shall be organized primarily to educate students for realtime reporting careers.

G. The educational program shall be on the post-secondary or collegiate level.

H. Post-secondary education shall be the principal activity of the institution.

I. Each branch, extension center, off-main-campus facility, day, night and online programs leading to graduation are deemed separate programs and require separate certification.

J. Courses offered in the evening, on weekends, or online must meet the educational standards as set forth herein. (See Appendix #1.)

K. The realtime educational program shall meet all of the minimum standards contained herein.

L. CASE’s on-site visitation and evaluation of the realtime educational programs shall be specifically authorized by the chief executive officer of the institution.

M. The enrollment in the realtime educational program shall be sufficient to support regularly scheduled and conducted coursework and to ensure reasonable standards of instruction.

(See Minimum Standard I.)

N. The institution must have and maintain an up-to-date catalog, program information, or catalog addendum. This information must meet CASE Minimum Standards. (See Minimum

Standards)

III. Initial Application Procedures

A. An institution interested in obtaining NCRA certification of its educational program shall initiate correspondence through its chief executive officer. Once NCRA is notified of an

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institution’s interest in obtaining NCRA certification, NCRA staff will provide initial application forms and pertinent information to the institution.

B. The initial application forms and pertinent information are to be completed and submitted to NCRA headquarters together with a current catalog or program information and a nonrefundable initial application fee. The application form shall contain the following statements:

1. With submission of the initial application and any subsequent materials, such as the self-study forms, the applicant affirms that all of the statements contained therein are true and complete and acknowledges that the applicant is aware that NCRA will rely upon submitted data.

2. NCRA reserves the right to revoke any certification granted upon a determination that an institution has submitted false or incomplete information on an application form. a.

Participating programs are not subject to the independent review by CASE.

These programs have stated their commitment in providing realtime reporter education by being able to access all of NCRA’s resources.

C. When the initial application for certification is received at NCRA, a review will be conducted by the staff, and the self-study materials will be forwarded to the institution.

D. The instructional staff of the realtime reporter education program shall be involved in the preparation of the self-study. The self-study is designed to assist the institution in evaluating the quality of its program, staff, and activities and to assist CASE in assessing the total program.

E. When the self-study process has been completed, the documents are submitted on CD with one hard copy to NCRA headquarters, together with a nonrefundable, self-study fee. (See

General Requirements VII.)

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F. The completed self-study will be examined by NCRA’s Education Department staff.

Results will be shared with the institution and the CASE Evaluation Team. The institution will be contacted by the NCRA staff to schedule the on-site evaluation. The institution may make any suggested changes noted by the Education Department staff before the Evaluation Team’s visit.

G. The Evaluation Team for the on-site evaluation shall consist of an NCRA Education

Department staff member and one (1) Certified Program Evaluator selected from among a corps of Certified Program Evaluators. Determination of the composition of the Evaluation Team member shall be consistent with the NCRA conflict of interest policy.

H. Team is subject to challenge by the institution prior to visitation. The institution is permitted up to two (2) challenges. Objections to any Evaluation Team member shall be submitted by the institution in writing to NCRA within seven (7) calendar days of the institution’s receipt of notice of the identity of the Evaluation Team members. By mutual agreement among the team members and the institution as to the date and time of the on-site evaluation visit, the NCRA Education Department staff will schedule the visit.

I. Changes to the self-study information made by the institution after submitting the selfstudy form shall be submitted as an “Update Report” to the Education Department at least ten

(10) calendar days prior to the scheduled visit.

J. The purposes of the Evaluation Team visitation are to verify the institution’s self-study and to review and discuss any findings. Additionally, the team will interview administrative staff, faculty, students, and recent graduates.

K. The Evaluation Team will prepare a Visitation Team Report during the on-site visit. The report will be submitted to NCRA headquarters. The NCRA staff will send an exact copy of the

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report to the institution, which then has thirty (30) calendar days to respond and submit any comments on the entire report to CASE.

L. CASE will review the reports of the Education Department staff, the Evaluation Team, and the institution’s response. These reports and any responses thereto shall be considered and acted upon by CASE at its next scheduled meeting. (See General Requirements VIII. A.)

M. The institution shall be notified in writing of the action taken by CASE within 30 days.

CASE’s decision will not be disclosed prior to the time of such written decision.

IV. Reevaluation Procedures

A. Each institution shall submit a self-study at least once every five (5) years and be reevaluated.

B. CASE self-study forms will be furnished to each institution being reevaluated. The institution must complete and return the self-study documents and materials together with the nonrefundable self-study fee (See General Requirements VII.) to NCRA headquarters according to the time schedule outlined in Appendix #4.

1. With submission of the self-study and any subsequent materials, the applicant affirms that all of the statements contained therein are true and acknowledges that the applicant is aware that NCRA will rely upon submitted data.

2. NCRA reserves the right to revoke any certification granted upon determination that an institution has submitted false information on its self-study.

C. The instructional staff of the realtime reporter education program shall be involved in the preparation of the self-study. The self-study is designed to assist the institution in evaluating the

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quality of its program, staff, and activities and to assist CASE in its assessment of the total program.

D. Failure to submit self-study forms according to the time schedule outlined in Appendix 4 may result in suspension or revocation of certification. (See General Requirements VIII. C.)

E. The completed self-study will be examined by Education Department staff. Results will be shared with the institution and the Evaluation Team. The institution will be contacted by the

NCRA staff to schedule the Evaluation Team on-site visit. The institution may make any suggested changes noted by Education Department staff before the Evaluation Team’s visit.

F. The Evaluation Team for the on-site reevaluation shall consist of an NCRA Education

Department staff member and one (1) Certified Program Evaluator, selected from among a corps of Certified Program Evaluators. Determination of the composition of the Evaluation Team members shall be consistent with the NCRA conflict of interest policy. Team members are subject to challenge by the institution prior to visitation. The institution is permitted up to two (2) challenges. Objections to any Evaluation Team member shall be submitted by the institution in writing to NCRA within seven (7) calendar days of the institution’s receipt of notice of the

Evaluation Team members. By mutual agreement among the team members and the institution as to the date and time of the on-site evaluation visit, the NCRA staff will schedule the visit.

G. Changes made by the institution after submitting the self-study shall be submitted as an

“Update Report” to the evaluation team ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled visit.

H. The purposes of the visitation are to verify the institution’s self-study, and to examine any additional data. Additionally, the team will examine files and interview staff, students, and recent graduates.

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I. The Evaluation Team will submit its written report to NCRA headquarters. The NCRA staff will send an exact copy of the report to the institution, which then has thirty (30) calendar days to submit any comments on the entire report to CASE.

J. CASE will review the reports of Education Department staff and the Evaluation Team as well as the institution’s response. These reports are then considered and acted upon by CASE at its next scheduled meeting. (See General Requirements VIII. B.)

L. The institution shall be notified in writing of the action taken by CASE within thirty (30) days. CASE’s decision will not be disclosed prior to the time of such written notification.

V. Annual Report Procedures

A. NCRA will furnish CASE Annual Report forms to each certified reporting program in mid-October. A report confirming compliance with CASE standards shall be filed by each program by November 30 of each year.

B. NCRA will bill each program for its Annual Fee based on the number of students enrolled in the realtime reporting programs as of November 1 of the year in which the Annual

Report form is filed. Fees shall be payable on or before March 15 of the following year. (See

General Requirements VII.)

C. Failure to submit the Annual Report by November 30 and the Annual Fee by March 15 may result in revocation of certification. (See General Requirements VIII. C.)

D. The Annual Fee for newly certified programs is computed on a pro rata basis. (See

Appendix #5.)

E. CASE may require a reevaluation visit for good cause or request additional written data concerning the institution and its program at any time at the institution’s expense.

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VI. Major Changes

A. Change in Majority Ownership or Control

1. Any change in ownership resulting in a change of control of an institution shall be reported to NCRA in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of such change. The institution is required to file a Change of Ownership document. Failure to comply may result in revocation of certification. (See General Requirements VIII. C.)

2. When such withdrawal of certification occurs, the institution may request reinstatement, with certification of the new management, ownership or majority control.

Reinstatement may be considered by CASE at such time and on such terms and conditions as

CASE deems appropriate.

3. In the event of such change, CASE may conduct an Evaluation Team reevaluation visit of the realtime reporter education program at the institution’s expense.

B. Change in Program

1. Any substantial or significant change in the content of the program shall be reported to NCRA in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of such change. Failure to comply may result in suspension or revocation of certification. (See General Requirements VIII. C.)

2. Addition of a night program or courses shall be reported to NCRA within thirty

(30) calendar days. Failure to comply may result in suspension or revocation of certification.

(See General Requirements VIII. C.)

C. Change in Administration

Any change in program director or realtime reporting department head shall be reported to NCRA in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of such change. Failure to report this

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information may result in suspension or revocation of certification. (See General Requirements

VIII. C.)

D. Change of Name or Address

Any change in the name or address of the institution shall be reported to NCRA in writing within thirty (30) calendar days of such change. Failure to report this information may result in suspension or revocation of certification. (See General Requirements VIII. C.)

E. Change in Accreditation, Licensing/Certification, or Title IV Eligibility

Any change in national accreditation, state licensing or certification, or participation in

Title IV funding shall be reported to NCRA in writing within ten (10) calendar days of such change. Failure to comply shall result in suspension or revocation of certification. Loss of accreditation results in loss of NCRA certification.

(See General Requirements VIII. C.)

F. Reinstatement

An institution may request reinstatement within ninety (90) calendar days of receiving notice of suspension or revocation by providing proof of reaccreditation, reinstatement of certification or licensing by state agency, or reinstatement of eligibility for Title IV funding.

VII. Fee Schedule

A. Initial Application Fee: Is nonrefundable and valid for one year. (See Appendix #5.)

B. Initial Evaluation or Reevaluation Fee: Is nonrefundable and valid for one year only. (See

Appendix #5.)

C. Annual Fee: Becomes delinquent on March 15. The Annual Fee for newly certified programs is computed on a pro-rata basis. (See Appendix #5.)

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D. Evaluation Team Expenses: The institution is responsible for the expenses of the non-

NCRA staff Evaluation Team members and will be billed by NCRA. Evaluation expenses include travel, food, lodging, and honoraria for team members. Documentation will be provided to the institution at the time of billing.

E. Failure to Remit Fees: Failure to pay any fees due within forty-five (45) calendar days of the date of billing may result in suspension or revocation of certification. (See General

Requirements VIII. C.)

VIII. CASE Actions

Upon initial application by a program, CASE may take any of the following actions:

1. Certify the program a. When CASE determines that the realtime reporter education program has demonstrated compliance with the General Requirements and Minimum Standards ,

CASE will grant certification of the program for not more than five (5) years, subject to continued compliance with the General Requirements and Minimum Standards . b. The institution will receive written notice of CASE’s action and a statement of findings forming the basis of such action within thirty (30) days.

Certification is effective upon written notification of such CASE action.

When CASE determines in its discretion that, but for minor, readily correctable findings in a program’s documentation, the program had sufficiently demonstrated compliance with the

General Requirements and Minimum Standards , CASE may grant conditional certification to the

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program, subject to the requirement that the program supply any requested documentation of compliance within such period (not more than thirty (30) calendar days) as CASE shall specify.

If, upon receipt of the documentation supplied by the program, CASE determines that the program has corrected the deficiencies that CASE had previously found, CASE shall grant full certification to the program. If CASE determines that the program has failed to correct these deficiencies, CASE shall notify the program in writing and withdraw its conditional certification.

In no event shall a grant of conditional certification continue beyond CASE’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

3. Defer Action on the Program

CASE may decide to defer action on a program if CASE determines that it doesn’t have sufficient information to either certify or deny. A decision by CASE to defer action on a realtime reporter program is neither a final decision nor a negative action. CASE, after requesting and receiving further information from the institution, will reconsider the application at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

4. Deny Certification of the Program

When CASE denies an initial application for certification, an institution may appeal the decision as provided in General Requirements IX of these General Requirements and Minimum

Standards . In no event may an institution reapply for certification earlier than one (1) year after the date of CASE’s decision.

B. Application for a Renewed Grant of Certification:

Upon receipt of an application for a renewed grant of certification, CASE can take any of the following actions:

1. Certify the program

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a. When CASE determines that the realtime reporter education program has met the General Requirements and Minimum Standards , certification will be issued, normally for five (5) years, subject to continued compliance with the General

Requirements and Minimum Standards . b. The institution will receive written notice of CASE’s action and a statement of findings forming the basis of such action within thirty (30) days of CASE’s decision. Certification is effective upon the mailing of written notification of CASE’s decision or compliance with the stipulation.

When CASE determines in its discretion that, but for minor, readily correctable deficiencies in a program’s documentation, it would otherwise determine that the program had sufficiently demonstrated compliance with the General Requirements and Minimum Standards ,

CASE may grant conditional certification to the program, subject to the requirement that the program supply any required documentation of compliance within such period (not more than thirty (30) calendar days) as CASE shall specify. If, upon receipt of the documentation supplied by the program, CASE determines that the program has corrected the deficiencies in question,

CASE shall grant full certification to the program. If CASE determines that the program has failed to correct these deficiencies, CASE shall notify the program in writing within thirty (30) days and withdraw its conditional certification. In no event shall a grant of conditional certification continue beyond CASE’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

3. Defer Action on the Program

CASE may decide to defer action on a realtime reporter education program if CASE determines it doesn’t have sufficient information to either certify or deny. A decision by CASE

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to defer action on a realtime reporter education program is neither a final decision nor a negative action. CASE shall notify the institution of its decision to defer action within thirty (30) days and may request additional information from the institution before making a final determination.

CASE, after requesting and receiving further information from the institution, will reconsider the application at its next regularly scheduled meeting. A program’s certification that would otherwise expire during the period of deferral shall not expire but shall continue in effect until

CASE has decided at its next regularly scheduled meeting whether to certify or deny the institution’s application.

4. Deny Certification of the Program

CASE’s decision to deny an application for a renewed grant of certification is a final decision by CASE. This action will be taken when CASE determines that: a. The institution or program no longer meets the General Requirements and

Minimum Standards . b. The institution has failed to file an Annual Report or pay fees as required by CASE. c. Any substantial or significant change has not been reported to CASE in matters such as change of program or any other major changes. (See General

Requirements VI.) d. The institution has failed to respond or to aid in completing arrangements for a scheduled evaluation. e. CASE may consider the historical NCRA certification record of the institution. Repeated citations may result in denial of new certification.

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If CASE denies an application for a renewed grant of certification, the institution may appeal the decision as provided in General Requirements IX of these General Requirements and

Minimum Standards and in no event may an institution reapply for certification earlier than one

(1) year after the date of CASE’s decision. (See General Requirements IX.)

Under extraordinary circumstances or upon due cause involving the appearance of substantial violations of these General Requirements and Minimum Standards and a compelling need for prompt action in order to protect against likely substantial injury to the interests of the various publics that rely on CASE’s certification decisions, CASE may direct in writing that an institution appear at the institution’s expense at a special or regularly scheduled meeting not less than forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of the institution’s receipt of the written direction to appear. The directive to appear may be preceded or followed by a directive requiring that the institution respond to CASE’s requests for specific information or by a fact-finding

Evaluation Team visit. CASE’s directive to appear shall identify the specific provisions of the

Standards with which the institution must demonstrate compliance. CASE shall give the institution a reasonable opportunity to demonstrate through oral and written information compliance with the provisions of the Standards referred to in CASE’s directive to appear. After considering such information, CASE may (1) revoke its certification of the institution’s program,

(2) defer its decision pending its receipt of the report of a special visiting team or the institution’s submission of further information in the form of one or more special reports, or (3) determine that there is no need for further action.

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6. Special Reports and Site Visits

At any time in its discretion, CASE may require an institution to submit a report responding to CASE’s inquiries about the institution’s compliance with specific provisions of the

Standards. The institution shall file its report within the time specified by CASE (which shall be not less than twenty (20) calendar days after its receipt of CASE’s request for such report). The institution’s report shall fully and completely respond to CASE’s request. CASE may also at any time in its discretion appoint an Evaluation Team to conduct a fact-finding, on-site visit to any institution at the institution’s expense. CASE shall give the institution not less than twenty (20) calendar days’ advance notice of the planned visit (and the persons appointed to serve on the team). Any objections to any member of the fact-finding Evaluation Team must be made by the institution in writing, identifying the team member(s) objected to, and setting out in detail the nature and basis of the institution’s objection to each member. The objections shall be waived unless received by NCRA’s Executive Director within seven (7) calendar days after the institution’s receipt of the written notice of the identity of proposed team members. Within such time period as CASE shall specify, the fact-finding Evaluation Team shall prepare and submit to

CASE and to the institution a written report of its findings. The institution may submit any comments or response to the Evaluation Team’s report within such time period as CASE shall specify.

1. CASE may also revoke certification at any time upon determination after giving the institution reasonable notice of not less than thirty (30) calendar days and an opportunity to be heard by means of a special or regular meeting, special report, special team visit, or otherwise

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that the program is not in compliance with any of the provisions of the General Requirements and Minimum Standards .

2. If CASE revokes certification, the institution may appeal the decision as provided in General Requirements IX of these General Requirements and Minimum Standards .

3. If the institution does not wish to appeal the decision of CASE, it may reapply for certification after a one (1) year period after CASE’s decision. In no event may an institution reapply for certification earlier than one (1) year after the date of CASE’s decision.

IX. Appeals Procedures

A. Appeals

An institution claiming to be aggrieved by CASE’s denial of certification, denial of continuation of certification, or revocation of certification may appeal to the Appeals Panel as described in General Requirements IX.C. All reasonable and appropriate expenses for the appeal, including the expenses of Appeals Panel, shall be borne by the appellant unless the appeals panel determines at its discretion that the decision from CASE that was being appealed was clearly erroneous.

1. Before an appeal is undertaken, an institution will have received appropriate written notice of CASE’s action and a statement of findings forming the basis for such action.

2. Upon an institution’s notification to NCRA of its wish to appeal CASE’s decision, an Appeals Panel will be appointed to consider the appeal and render a decision as provided below. (See General Requirements IX.C.)

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3. Notice of appeal must be received by NCRA within thirty (30) calendar days of the institution’s receipt of CASE’s action and findings.

4. The institution must file a written statement of the grounds for its appeal within thirty (30) calendar days after mailing the notice of appeal. In preparing the written grounds for appeal, the institution is expected to copy and respond to each numbered item included with

CASE’s statement of findings forming the basis of its actions. Notice of appeal shall be in writing and signed by the chief executive officer of the institution. The appeal must be accompanied by a check for deposit as a partial/full payment of the Appeals Panel’s travel expenses. Any excess will be refunded. (See Appendix #5.)

5. The notice of appeal shall be directed to:

National Association

6. The institution’s file will be forwarded to the Appeals Panel after it is appointed as provided below. At the earliest practicable time, the chairperson of the Appeals Panel will set a mutually agreeable date and location mutually convenient for a meeting to consider the appeal.

7. The institution, at its option and expense, shall have the right to appear and make a presentation and shall also have the right to counsel. Such oral presentation shall be limited to forty-five (45) minutes. NCRA at its own expense shall be represented by legal counsel at the appeal.

8. The Executive Director will, by letter, notify the institution of the action of the

Appeals Panel within thirty (30) days of the Appeal Panel’s meeting.

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9. The institution, at its option and expense, shall have the right to a transcript of the appeal hearing, and it may arrange to have a qualified realtime reporter present to make a verbatim record of the appeal hearing.

10. The Appeals Panel shall sustain CASE’s decision unless the institution shows that

CASE’s decision is clearly erroneous. The Panel shall not receive information, documents, or testimony concerning events or alleged progress made by a program after the CASE decision from which the institution has appealed.

11. The Appeals Panel will make one of the following decisions by majority vote: a. Sustain the decision of CASE. b. Reverse the decision and thereby certify or continue the certification of the program, with or without conditions or stipulations.

12. The decision of the Appeals Panel shall be final and not subject to any further appeal or review.

13. CASE will give public notice of any action from which an appeal can be taken by indicating that the institution’s status is under review. Until CASE’s decision has become final either by conclusion of the appeals process or the expiration of the time for appeal, NCRA will, upon inquiry, state that the institution’s status is under review.

14. If a program has certification at the time that CASE makes a decision from which an appeal can be taken, its certification will continue until CASE’s decision has become final either by the conclusion of the appeal process or by the expiration of the time for appeal.

1. Candidates serving on the Appeals Panel shall have knowledge of certification processes and procedures. These candidates shall be Certified Program Evaluators, former CASE

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members, and/or past presidents of NCRA. Determination of the composition of the panel shall be consistent with NCRA’s conflict of interest policy.

2. Whenever a notice of appeal is received, the NCRA President shall select five (5) or more persons from among the eligible candidates and shall notify the institution that the

Appeals Panel will be selected from among these persons. For reasonable cause, the institution may object to up to two (2) candidates serving on the Appeals Panel. Any such objection shall be in writing, shall clearly state the cause or causes for the objection, and must be received by

NCRA within seven (7) calendar days after the list of possible Panel members is received by the institution.

3. The NCRA President shall review any objections, and then designate three (3) persons (including one person designated to chair the panel) who may reasonably serve as an

Appeals Panel for a particular institution’s appeal and may designate one or more alternates to serve in case of inability of any member of the panel to serve. If the appeal of more than one institution is scheduled during the same twelve-month period, and if a Panel has been properly selected and designated as provided above, the same Panel may hear the appeal of all such institutions.

4. An institution will be notified of the final selected members of the Appeals Panel when a time and location are selected for the appeal proceeding.

5. Whenever possible, NCRA will group the scheduling of any institutions making an oral presentation, allowing sufficient time for the Appeals Panel to hear oral presentations, make proper deliberations, and forward its decisions to NCRA.

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X. Complaint Procedures

Each institution with a certified program shall publish a procedure for resolving/handling student complaints including provisions for a final written decision.

A. Complaints must be handled in the following manner:

1. The student must file the complaint in accordance with the institution’s published grievance procedure. The institution shall respond to the student’s complaint within the timeframe stated in the grievance procedure. If the institution does not respond to the student in accordance with the grievance procedure, then the student may file a CASE complaint form.

The student must submit 1) copy of the complaint submitted to the school; 2) proof that the complaint was received by the school. (Use Certified or Registered Mail.)

2. If the final written decision of the institution is deemed unsatisfactory by the student, then the student must file a CASE Complaint Form. The CASE Complaint Form must be accompanied by the final written decision of the institution.

3. The CASE Complaint Form will be submitted to CASE for consideration. If it appears that the General Requirements and Minimum Standards have been violated, CASE will discuss the seriousness of the alleged violation and determine whether any further action is necessary or indicated. Repeated complaints may result in a CASE visitation at the institution’s expense.

4. Once a complaint is accepted for processing, NCRA will send all written communications to the person making the complaint and the program complained against, along with a copy of these complaint procedures, and a copy of the General Requirements and

Minimum Standards, and a request that the program respond to the complaint in writing within thirty (30) days. A copy of any response received shall be forwarded to the complaining party.

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Minimum Standards

I. Academic Staff

A. There shall be professional involvement on the part of the faculty as shown by membership and participation in educational associations, business and industry, professional associations, continuing education programs, certification (such as Certified Reporting

Instructor), or concurrent related business, industry experience.

B. Currently enrolled students shall not teach other students. Currently enrolled students may serve as second-voice readers but cannot assume the responsibility of teaching.

C. The institution shall have a current copy of the General Requirements and Minimum

Standards.

II. Library Resource

A. The institution shall maintain resource facilities, accessible for faculty and student use, which serve the needs of the realtime educational program.

B. The following minimum reference materials shall be available for student use by hard copy, software, or preferably Internet access such as:

• Anatomy references

• Diverse religious references

• Books of quotations

• City directories (where available)

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• Prescription and nonprescription reference book(s)

• English dictionaries

• Grammar reference books

• Legal dictionaries

• Books of local and federal rules of court

• Medical dictionaries

• National daily newspaper

• Slang dictionaries

• A Uniform System of Citation and/or the State’s System of Citation

• Journal of Court Reporting

• State procedures manual (if available)

C. The institution shall make available practice dictation from various audio or visual media

(for example cassette tapes, CD-ROMS, Internet download or streaming) .

III. Business & Professional Standards

A. Any advertisement or promotional literature used by an institution shall be completely factual. It shall be prepared and presented with dignity and in such manner as to avoid leaving any false, misleading, or exaggerated impressions with respect to the institution, its personnel, its courses and services, or the occupational opportunities for its graduates. It shall not make guarantees about the length of the program for graduation or the employment opportunities that may be realized.

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B. All advertising and promotional literature used by an institution shall clearly indicate that education, not employment, is being offered.

C. Any employment opportunities or salary claims shall be substantiated by industry standards.

D. Certified programs are permitted to use the NCRA logo in their advertising.

E. Certified programs shall not advertise a realtime reporting program as being less than two

(2) years in length.

IV. Graduation and Awards

A. Only those students who have satisfactorily completed all of the published CASE minimum standards for graduation shall be considered a graduate of an NCRA Certified

Program .

B. Certificates of completion, diplomas, or degrees shall not contain the NCRA logo.

Schools should use their own logo and not NCRA’s.

C. The institution shall not confer certificates or other awards bearing the same or similar name to those offered by NCRA.

V. Catalog or Program Information Requirements

The institution is required to maintain the following information regarding program requirements. This information may be maintained in some form of institutionally published document such as their catalog, program information document, curriculum document or other approved brochure.

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A. General Catalog or Program Information Requirements shall be in compliance with the

Institution’s accrediting agency in the most recent catalog, program information, or catalog addendum.

1. A listing of courses required, including, but not limited to: a. Concise description of contents or topics covered b. Credit or Clock Hours c. Course title and course number d. Prerequisites (if any)

B. General Catalog or Program Information Requirements Specifically for Judicial

Reporting, Broadcast Captioning and CART shall be in compliance with the institution’s accrediting agency in the most recent catalog, program information, or catalog addendum.

In addition to the general catalog or program information requirements, the graduation requirements shall be included in the most recent catalog, program information, or catalog addendum. This information, shall be made available to each student enrolled in realtime reporter education programs.

VI. Syllabi Requirements

A. Course syllabi shall be prepared for each course and shall reflect that the skills and knowledge defined below are acquired through the realtime curriculum. (See Appendix #3.)

Course descriptions on syllabi shall be specific, and course syllabi shall state the skills, knowledge, standards, evaluation criteria, and outcomes as required in CASE’s General

Requirements and Minimum Standards. Unless these skills, knowledge, standards, evaluation

27

criteria, and outcomes are stated on all course syllabi, CASE will assume that the required skills, objectives, competencies, and outcomes are not taught by the institution. Individual course syllabi shall be distributed to each student at the beginning of each course.

VII. Judicial Program

The certified realtime reporter education program shall offer at least the following instruction in the Judicial Institutional Standards A-H: a realtime translation theory and speedbuilding, English, law/legal terminology, anatomy/medical terminology, judicial reporting procedures, technology, current events, and internship.

A. Machine Shorthand for Judicial Reporting

Institutional Standards:

Machine steno classes shall include:

1. Instruction in writing the spoken word with punctuation by means of a realtime translation theory.

2. Theory instruction with the use of electronic media and/or realtime technology and teacher interaction .

3. Speed and accuracy development.

4. Dictation shall include (live, online, or by electronic media), but not be limited to twovoice and multi-voice testimony (including medical and technical material), literary, jury charge, and current events.

5. Testing at incremental speeds on unfamiliar material. The same test shall not be repeated more than once every six (6) months to the same student.

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6. Readback and analysis of paper or electronic steno notes.

7. Once-a-week transcription by all students from their steno notes .

This may include homework notes, projects, and so forth.

8. Speed test transcription shall be monitored and timed. Test data shall be deleted immediately.

9. Follow the minimum grading criteria found in What Is An Error ? (See Appendix #7.)

10. A simulated State Certification Test, qualifying examination or RPR skills test.

Transcription time shall be completed within the allotted test guidelines .

Outcomes:

Students shall be able to:

1.

2.

Write a realtime translation theory.

Read distinctly and with authority from steno notes or from realtime screens, quickly locating portions to be read, maintaining composure while reading.

3. Transcribe a minimum of three five-minute, two-voice testimony tests with a minimum of 95% accuracy dictated at a minimum speed of 225 wpm.

4. Transcribe a minimum of three five-minute jury charge tests with a minimum of 95% accuracy dictated at a minimum of 200 wpm.

5. Transcribe a minimum of three five-minute literary tests with a minimum of 95% accuracy dictated at a minimum of 180 wpm.

6. Transcribe a simulated state certification test, state qualifying exam or RPR skills test within the allotted test transcription guidelines.

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B. English


English shall include instruction in:

1. Basic rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

3. Activities or exercises through which students develop their spelling and vocabulary skills.

(Inclusion of English instruction in a steno dictation course does not meet the standard.)

Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate ability to apply the rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization to sentences, paragraphs, and transcripts through systematic testing and/or projects.


Law and Legal Terminology shall include instruction in:

3. The judicial system (discovery, trial, and appellate processes).

5. Methods of researching legal citations.

(Inclusion of law and legal terminology in steno dictation classes does not meet the standard.)

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Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate an understanding and application of law and legal terminology.


Anatomy and/or Medical Terminology shall include instruction in:

1.

2.

3.

The body systems and functions.

Psychological and physical diseases and drugs.

Methods of researching medical information. (Inclusion of anatomy and/or medical terminology in steno dictation classes does not meet the standard.)

Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate understanding and application of anatomy and/or medical terminology.

2.

3.

4.

E. Judicial Reporting Procedures


Realtime Reporting Procedures shall include instruction in:

1. Role of the reporter in trials, depositions (i.e., telephonic, discovery, perpetuation/evidentiary, and in aid of execution), administrative hearings, and other judicial proceedings.

Marking and handling of exhibits.

Indexing and archiving of steno notes, paper and electronic.

Reporting techniques, which shall include but not be limited to, when and/or how to:

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• Interrupt a speaker

• Obtain spellings of proper names

• Identify speakers in a multi-speaker situation

• Swear or affirm witnesses and interpreters

• Handle discussions off the record

• Indicate nonverbal actions

• Certify questions

• Report with an interpreter

• Report sidebar discussions

• Handle reading and signing of depositions

6.

7.

8.

Library and reference materials which includes software and Internet search engines used in transcript production

The profession and related job opportunities

How to report and transcribe voir dire of the jury and witnesses and the polling of the jury

9. Proofreading skills

10. Ethics, including the distribution of the NCRA Code of Professional Ethics

11. Knowledge of and involvement in professional associations

12. The importance of continuing education and life-long learning

13. Professional image and dress

14. Development of portfolios and/or resumes

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Outcomes:

1. Students shall be able to assume the role of the realtime reporter through simulated trials and depositions in performing the following functions: a. Administering an oath/affirmation b. Marking and handling exhibits d. Indexing and storing notes f. g. h.

Obtaining spellings of proper names

Identifying speakers in a multi-speaker situation

Handling discussions off the record and sidebar

2. l. Handling, reading, and signing depositions

Students shall be able to apply the NCRA Code of Professional Ethics in simulated situations and case studies.

3. Students shall be able to identify the appropriate reference sources used in transcript preparation. up-to-date computer-aided realtime transcription systems dedicated to classroom instructional purposes . Online distance education students must provide their own access to a CAT system

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and the Internet .

Equipment utilized by students in classroom instruction shall be maintained in good working order.


1. Technology classes shall include hands-on instruction in:

(1) Instruction in operating a computer-aided transcription system

(2) Instruction in the basic care and maintenance of the electronic writer, including key adjustments, stroke depth, and realtime-related hardware

(3) Instruction in system support (customer service, software support, etc.)

(4) Understanding of computer-aided transcription terminology

(5) Application of computer functions:

(a) Producing a transcript: reading, translating, editing, printing, using parentheticals and template files.

(b) Dictionary management to include creating job dictionaries, loading job dictionaries in proper sequence, editing of dictionary entries, adding new entries, and archival of dictionary files.

2. Instruction in the following may include lecture, videotape, or hands-on instruction to provide familiarity in: a. Computer Operating Systems/Computer Literacy

(1) Survey of different computer operating systems

(2) Windows-based operating systems

(3) Creating files in various formats, such as ASCII or RTF, and transferring to other media, e.g. CD, disk, jump drive, zip drive, or other state-of-the-art media format

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(4) Computer terminology

(5) Internet applications

(1) Instruction in operating a realtime translation system

(2) Instruction in setting up and operating realtime-related hardware

(3) Role of the realtime reporter in proceedings:

(a) Speaker identification

(b) Realtime transcript, composition, and formatting

(4) Research and preparation for writing realtime

(5) Litigation support in the Judicial environment

(a) An overview of the reporter’s role in providing litigation support

(b) An overview of hardware and software, including ASCII files or RTF files or other state-of-the-art format

(6) An overview of the reporter’s role in CART

(a) Equipment setup, hardware and software

(b) CART environment and consumer expectations

(7) An overview in Broadcast Captioning captioning

(8) Videotaping

(a) An overview of the use of video equipment in trials and depositions.

(b) An overview of NCRA’s Certified Legal Video Specialist program.

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Outcomes:

1. The student shall be able to produce a complete and accurate transcript of at least ten pages on a computer-aided transcription system from the student’s own stenographic notes, including: b. Index c. d.

Jury charge/opening and/or closing statements if applicable

Direct and cross-examination e. Parentheticals

f. Colloquy g. Certification page h. Such other entries as may appear in a given case, i.e., signature page

Student shall be able to produce a five-page, first-pass transcript with a goal of 95% 2. translation rate using a realtime system.

3. Student shall be able to demonstrate knowledge of and application of realtime translation technology through systematic testing and/or projects.


The student shall be introduced to:

Current events such as: local events, national events, international events, local and regional geography.

(Inclusion of current events instruction in a machine steno dictation class(es) does meet the standard.)

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Outcomes:

Student shall be able to demonstrate understanding of current events through quizzes and/or dictation.

H. Judicial Reporting Internship

The objective of the internship is to gain experience and knowledge through observation of the working reporter in the judicial and educational environment. Students should also participate by writing in actual situations relating to the freelance, courtroom, and the realtime environments.


1. Internship shall not commence until a student completes the institution’s 180- word-perminute testimony requirements.

2. The institution is responsible for assisting the student in arranging the internship experience.

3. The internship shall include official, freelance, and realtime reporting experience where possible.

4. The student shall not serve in the capacity of the actual reporter during participation in this internship period.

5. Internship shall include a minimum of 40 hours of actual writing time under the supervision of a practicing reporter using machine steno technology.

6. sold.

A transcript shall be produced for educational and grading purposes only and shall not be

7. Records must be maintained to verify the internship experience including: a. internship verification form

37

b. narrative report (minimum of one page) c.

Outcomes: transcript of internship experience

The student shall:

1. Submit a written narrative report summarizing the internship experience. The written narrative shall be a minimum of one page and include such things as a diary, new terminology encountered, new experiences, and activities/processes observed.

2. Prepare 40 pages of a complete and accurate transcript for course evaluation taken from the freelance, the official, or the realtime reporting internship.

3. Submit the signed 40 hours of internship verification form(s) .

I. Catalog or Program Information Requirements Specifically for Judicial Reporting:

Institutional Standards :

In addition to the general catalog requirements (see Minimum Standards V), the following elements shall be included in the catalog or its addendum or program information, which shall be made available to each student enrolled in a Judicial Reporting program:

1. An explanation of specific graduation requirements for judicial reporting students shall include the following minimum standards: a. The student shall pass three (3) five-minute tests with 95 percent accuracy at each of the following speeds: 225 words per minute testimony (two-voice), 200 wpm jury charge, and

180 wpm literary. b. The student shall complete at least 40 verified hours of actual writing time during the internship experience.

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VIII Captioning Program

The certified realtime reporter education program shall at a minimum offer the following instruction/dictation in the Captioning Institutional Standards A-D: a realtime translation theory and speedbuilding, English, law/legal terminology, anatomy/medical terminology, technology, current events, and internship. Core courses as suggested in the General Education Elective

Courses may be included.

A. Machine Shorthand for Captioning


1. Theory instruction with the use of electronic media and/or realtime technology and teacher interaction.

2.

3.

Speed and accuracy development.

Dictation shall include (live, online, or by electronic media), multi-voice (including medical, legal and technical material), literary, and current events.


5.

6.

Readback and analysis of paper or electronic steno notes.

Once-a-week transcription by all students from their steno notes. This may include homework notes, projects, and so forth.


8. Follow the minimum grading criteria found in “What Is An Error?” (See Appendix #8.)

39

9. Instruction in writing the spoken word with punctuation by means of a realtime translation theory to provide realtime translation, with special emphasis on dictionary development and maintenance of dictionary entries to include: a. All necessary steno outlines defined such as punctuation, caption conventions, formats and alphabets as contained in Appendix #6 (See Appendix #6.) b. Translation of numbers, which may include use of the number bar. c. Environmental sounds descriptors (stenographic outlines to convey environmental sounds associated with live broadcast; for example: applause, laughter, background noise, etc.) d. Ability to write Web site and Internet addresses e. Prefixes and suffixes f. Use of phonetic translator g. Dictionary development to include understanding and maintenance of dictionary entries containing broad-based vocabulary content specific to the captioning environment.

Vocabulary shall include but not be limited to the following general areas: sports; meteorology; geography; common proper names; government/politics; foods; arts; animals; criminology; entertainment; military installations; slang; current national names in the news; literature; science; and religion.

10. Practice from taped broadcast news productions from network, cable, public access and/or education satellite downlinks for hands-on application.

11. Review and line-by-line edit/analysis of steno notes.

12. Build endurance by writing 15-minute broadcast news programs with a goal of 96 percent verbatim accuracy (when possible, instructor observation should take place).

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Outcomes:


1. Write a realtime translation theory.

2. Transcribe a minimum of two five-minute, two-voice, non-realtime tests with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, dictated at a minimum speed of 225 wpm. If the program has a judicial track, the 225 Q&A testing material will satisfy this requirement.

4. Transcribe a minimum of three five-minute literary tests with a minimum of 96 percent verbatim accuracy, dictated at a minimum of 180 wpm.

5. Write three 15-minute literary broadcast material takes at 180 wpm (syllabic and/or word count) at 96 percent verbatim accuracy, following NCRA’s “What is an Error?” guidelines. (See

Appendix #8.) The instructor will grade a random five-minute selection from each 15-minute take.

B. English




3. skills.

Activities or exercises through which students develop their spelling and vocabulary


Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate ability to apply the rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization through systematic testing and/or projects.

41


Law and Legal Terminology shall include:

1. Dictation in legal terminologies (including civil, criminal).

Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate an understanding and application of legal terminology.


Anatomy and/or Medical Terminology shall include:

1. Dictation in medical terminologies (including anatomy, psychology, diseases and drugs)

Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate understanding and application of medical terminology.

E. CAPTIONING TECHNOLOGY


1. Captioning technology classes shall include lecture, taped broadcast news and other general programming, and hands-on instruction in: a. Operation of on-line captioning translation system functions including editing of phonetic translator b. Instruction in the basic care and maintenance of the computerized steno writer, including steno key adjustments and stroke depth c. Instruction in the basic setup and maintenance of broadcast captioning equipment

42

d. Instruction in how to obtain system support

2. Instruction in the following may include lecture, videotape, other media format, or handson instruction to provide familiarity in: a. Broadcast news production preparation b. Prescripting to include text preparation, format, and software functions c. Knowledge of on-air captioning and finger spelling of words. d. History of captioning and related regulations, Decoder Circuitry Act, and FCC requirements

(1) Deaf culture/awareness

(2) Quality control/evaluation

Outcomes:


1. Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to perform the basic setup and maintenance of broadcast captioning equipment.

2. Build and maintain realtime dictionary, as well as manage job dictionaries.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of and be able to pass written exams in broadcast captioning history, deaf culture, terminology related to the captioning environment, and broadcast news production functions.

4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professional ethics and Guidelines for

Professional Practice for Captioners.

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F. INTERNSHIP

The objective of the captioning internship is to provide an opportunity for the student to spend time and then apply learned skills and knowledge to real-world/simulated applications as available.


1. The internship shall not commence until the student has completed the program’s 160 wpm literary requirement.

2. The institution is responsible for coordinating the student’s internship experience. The internship experience may be conducted on campus utilizing the captioning suite(s), or off-site at an on-air caption provider’s facility.

3. The student shall not serve in the capacity of the actual captioner during participation in either an off-site or on-campus captioning internship.

4. The internship shall include a minimum of 25 hours of writing and 15 hours of research and dictionary preparation under the supervision of a practicing captioner off-site, or institutional instructor for the on-campus captioning internship experience.

5. The student shall submit an unedited realtime captioned translation of three 15-minute program segments on varied topics.

6. Records must be maintained to verify the internship experience including: a. Internship verification form. b. Narrative report, a minimum of one page. c. Transcript of internship experience.

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Outcomes:

The student shall:

1. Submit an unedited captioned translation of three 15-minute program segments on varied topics for course evaluation taken from the internship experience.

2. Submit a narrative report summarizing the internship experience, including such things as a diary, new terminology encountered, new experiences, and activities/processes observed.

3. Submit signed internship verification form.

G. CATALOG OR PROGRAM INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICALLY

FOR CAPTIONING

In addition to the general catalog requirements, (see Minimum Standard V), the following elements shall be included in the catalog or its addendum or program information, which shall be made available to each student enrolled in a realtime reporter education program.


1. An explanation of specific graduation requirements for captioning students shall include the following minimum standards: a. Write three five-minute, literary broadcast material takes at 180 wpm (syllabic and/or word count) at 96 percent verbatim accuracy. b. Transcribe a minimum of two five-minute, two-voice, non-realtime tests with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, dictated at a minimum speed of 225 wpm. If the program has a judicial track, the 225 Q&A testing material will satisfy this requirement. c. Submit unedited captioned translations of three 15-minute programs on varied topics for course evaluation taken from the internship experience.

45

d. The student shall complete at least 25 verified hours of actual writing and 15 hours of research and dictionary preparation during the internship experience.

Suggested Captioning General Education Elective Courses

American history; biology; broadcast production, which includes broadcast terminology, caption format, placement and other current conventions, program technical sheet, Caption Style

Guidelines, program research, preparation and organization, current peripheral equipment and software for the captioning suite; business practices, which includes office procedures and organization, financial or business software packages, (or) business applications software, such as spreadsheets and word processing, scheduling, and job tracking; chemistry; information systems encompassing current computer operating systems; linguistics; political science; religions; sociology; Internet research; world geography.

IX CART Program

The certified realtime reporter education program shall offer at least the following instruction/dictation in the CART Institutional Standards A-D: a realtime translation theory and speedbuilding, English, law/legal terminology, anatomy/medical terminology, technology, current events, and internship. Core courses as suggested in the General Education Elective

Courses may be included.

COMMUNICATION ACCESS REALTIME TRANSLATION (CART)

A. Machine Shorthand for CART


CART classes shall include:

46

1. Theory instruction with the use of electronic media and/or realtime technology and teacher interaction.

2. Speed and accuracy development.

3. Dictation shall include (live, online, or by electronic media), multi-voice (including medical, legal and technical material), literary, and current events.


5. Readback and analysis of paper or electronic steno notes.

6. Once-a-week transcription by all students from their steno notes. This may include homework notes, projects, and so forth.


8. Follow the minimum grading criteria found in What Is An Error? (See Appendix #7.)

9. Instruction in writing the spoken word with punctuation by means of a realtime translation theory to provide realtime translation, with special emphasis on dictionary development and maintenance of dictionary entries to include: a. All necessary punctuation formats and alphabets included in Appendix #6 (upper and lower case alphabets) b. Translation of numbers, which may include the use of the number bar c. Environmental sounds descriptors (stenographic outlines to convey environmental sounds associated with CART environments, for example: applause, laughter, background noise, etc.) d. Ability to write Web site and Internet addresses

47

e. Prefixes and suffixes f. Use and editing of phonetic translator g. Developing and maintaining a broad-based vocabulary dictionary for the CART environments. Dictionary entries might include, but not be limited to: math, geography, science, political science, history, English literature, current events, medical, computer terminology and common proper names h. Paraphrase in realtime i. Use phonetic translator j. Build and maintain a realtime dictionary k. Manage and load job dictionaries for proper translation

2. Review and line-by-line edit/analysis of steno notes.

3. Practice from a simulated Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) and/or other specialty certification exams, Internet radio shows, recorded educational classes, convention speeches and/or motivational presentations.

4. Build endurance by writing two, 30-minute class lectures, meeting/seminar programs or web cast meeting segments with a goal of 96 percent verbatim accuracy, or higher, variable speeds of 180-200 wpm (word count). When possible, instructor observation should take place.

5. Develop speed and accuracy measured by random sampling of verbatim translations.

Outcomes:


1. Write a realtime translation theory.

2. Read distinctly and with authority from steno notes or from realtime screens, quickly locating portions to be read, maintaining composure while reading.

48

3. Transcribe a minimum of two five-minute, two-voice, non-realtime tests with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, dictated at a minimum speed of 225 wpm. If the program has a judicial track, the 225 Q&A testing material will satisfy this requirement.

4. Write three (3) five-minute, 180-wpm literary takes (syllabic and/or word count) at 96 percent verbatim accuracy following NCRA’s What is an Error?

guidelines. (See Appendix #8.)

B. English




3. Activities or exercises through which students develop their spelling and vocabulary skills.


Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate ability to apply the rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization to sentences, paragraphs, and transcripts through systematic testing and/or projects.


Law and Legal Terminology shall include:

1. Dictation in legal terminologies (including civil, criminal).

49

Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate an understanding and application of legal terminology.


Anatomy and/or Medical Terminology shall include:

1. Dictation in medical terminologies (including anatomy, psychology, diseases and drugs)

Outcomes:

Students shall be able to demonstrate understanding and application of medical terminology.

E. CART TECHNOLOGY


1. CART technology classes shall include reference to the current CART Provider’s Manual through lecture, tape, or other media format educational materials, and hands-on instruction in: a. The basic care and maintenance of the computerized steno machine, including key adjustments and stroke depth. b. The basic setup of the computer hardware and realtime peripherals, including current remote software applications for text transmission and audio acquisition. c. Instruction on how to obtain system support. d. The application of computer functions and current software packages. e. The application of CAT functions.

(1) Screen setup and display to include colors, font type, and font size

(2) Creating a realtime file

50

(3) Manage and load job dictionaries for proper translations

(4) On-screen globaling and defining

(5) Dictionary building and management

(6) Use and editing of phonetic translator

(7) Word substitution in realtime

(8) Accurately finger spell words

Outcomes:


1. Demonstrate knowledge of the current NCRA CART Provider’s Manual .

2. Demonstrate ability to set up equipment and provide realtime translation for maximum benefit of CART recipients.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of realtime software and computer functions.

F. GENERAL INSTRUCTION

The following may include lecture or other media format educational materials, and hands-on instruction to provide familiarity in:


1. Understanding realtime terminology.

2. ADA laws and applicable civil rights laws.

3. Deaf culture and awareness of CART consumers, to include various associations/organizations and their preferred modes of communication access and accommodation.

4. Familiarity with accommodations:

51

a. Hearing aids b. TTY access c. Sound amplifiers d. Assistive listening devices

5. Know differences in Deaf and hard-of-hearing cultures. a. Types of hearing loss:

(1) Conductive

(2) Sensorineural (hearing loss due to sensory nerve damage)

(3) Mixed b. Degrees of hearing loss c. Ear anatomy d. Cochlear implants e. Sign interpreters, oral interpreters and transliterators (Person who changes letters or words to corresponding letters or words in another language.)

6. Environments where CART is an appropriate accommodation, such as the courtroom, personal situations, educational setting, conventions/meetings, church, theater, civic life, and remote applications via telecommunications or the Internet. (Any environment involving a person with a hearing loss.) a. Current NCRA CART Provider’s Manual . b. Ethics, current NCRA Guidelines for Professional Practice for CART Providers. c. Research and dictionary development for job preparation, such as library, media, and

Internet searches for each CART assignment.

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Outcomes:


1. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate communication by various providers, including sign language interpreters, oral interpreters, C-print and CART providers.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the current NCRA Guidelines for Professional Practice.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of Deaf and hard-of-hearing culture and types of accommodation.

G. INTERNSHIP

The objective of the CART internship is to provide an opportunity for the student to spend time applying learned skills and knowledge to the real world/simulated applications as available.


1. The internship shall not commence until the student has completed the program’s 160wpm literary requirement.

2. The institution is responsible for coordinating the student’s internship experience. The internship experience may be conducted in classes on campus, with the permission of the school and the professor, or off site with a CART provider present.

3. The student shall not serve in the capacity of the actual CART provider during participation in the internship.

4. The internship shall include a minimum of 15 hours of research and dictionary preparation and 25 hours of writing (for a total of 40 hours internship experience) on-site or remote in an academic, web cast or public environment under the supervision of a practicing

CART provider or on campus in a simulated academic or public environment using live or multi-

53

media presentations, supervised by the institutional instructor responsible for the internship experience.

5. The student shall submit an unedited realtime translation of two 30-minute segments of

CART services on varied topics for educational and analysis purposes only.

6. Records must be maintained to verify the internship experience, including: a. Internship verification form b. One page narrative report c. Transcript of internship experience

Outcomes:

The student shall:

1. Submit an unedited realtime translation of two 30-minute segments of CART services on varied topics for course evaluation taken from the internship experience.

2. Submit a narrative report summarizing the internship experience, including such things as a diary, new terminology encountered, new experiences, and activities/processes observed.

3. Submit signed internship verification form.

H. CATALOG OR PROGRAM INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICALLY

FOR COMMUNICATION ACCESS REALTIME TRANSLATION (CART):


In addition to the general catalog requirements, (see Minimum Standards V), the following elements shall be included in the catalog or its addendum or program information, which shall be made available to each student enrolled in a CART education program:

54

1. An explanation of specific graduation requirements for communication access realtime translation (CART) students shall include the following minimum standards: a. Write three five-minute, 180-wpm realtime literary material takes with 96 percent verbatim accuracy. b. Transcribe a minimum of two five-minute, two-voice, non-realtime tests with a minimum of 95 percent accuracy, dictated at a minimum speed of 225 wpm. If the program has a judicial track, the 225 Q&A testing material will satisfy this requirement.

c. Prepare a realtime translation of two 30-minute segments of CART services on varied topics for course evaluation taken from the internship experience. d. The student shall complete 15 hours of research and dictionary preparation and 25 hours of writing, for a total of 40 hours internship experience.

Suggested CART General Education Elective Courses

The following general education courses are suggested as electives: American history;

American literature; American Sign Language I or other Deaf culture course; biology; business practices, which includes office procedures and organization, financial or business software packages; or business applications software, such as spreadsheets and word processing, scheduling and job tracking; chemistry; information systems encompassing current computer operating systems; macroeconomics; linguistics; physiology; sociology, political science, art history, and religions.

55

Appendix 1

Description of Evening and Online Programs and Courses and Their Relationship to the

Certification Process

A complete curriculum includes all courses, machine and academic. A copy of the national accreditation approval for these curricula must be submitted to NCRA within the selfstudy. Definitions:

Evening Program : A complete curriculum leading to a diploma or certificate in realtime reporting.

Evening Courses : Individual courses offered in the evening to supplement the daytime program or provide introductory, advanced, or additional education for interested students. These courses, when combined, do not lead to a diploma or certificate in realtime reporting. These courses which an institution wishes to offer in the evenings must be equivalent to the courses offered during the daytime; i.e., they must meet CASE standards.

Online Program : A complete curriculum online leading to a diploma or certificate in realtime reporting, captioning or CART . Online programs shall be fully licensed and accredited.

Evening and Online Programs and the Certification Process

If the institution has a certified daytime program and wishes to institute a certified evening or online program, it must seek separate certification as soon as it meets all of the eligibility requirements and standards as set forth in the General Requirements and Minimum Standards .

CASE must be notified and provided materials which verify that the evening or online program is a complete program leading to a diploma or certificate. If the evening and online programs are certified, the list of certified programs in the Journal of Court Reporting will indicate that the institution has a certified daytime , certified night, and a certified online program.

56

Appendix 2

Elements of a Lesson Plan

Course: _____________________ Lesson: ________________________

I.

Date: _____________________ Lesson Outcome: _________________

Special Equipment/Materials Required: ______________________________

______________________________________________________________

Introduction

A. Attention: How will I get the students’ attention?

B. Performance outcome(s) and purpose: What do I want the students to be able to do as a result of this lesson?

At the close of this lesson, the students will be able to:

C. Prior knowledge: How does previously learned material relate to what we will do today? Is there previous work to be checked? What do students already know about this area?

II.

Development

A. Modes: What mode(s) of instruction will I use?

Small group? Lecture? Discussion? Dictation?

B. Activities: What sequence of activities will I use? When will I model the intended outcome? (List the activities in sequential order.)

C. Guided Practice: How will I lead the class in applying the new information or skill?

D. Independent Practice: What similar applications will I expect students to be able to make on their own? How much practice will students need? How can I arrange more practice if students need it? How will I elicit feedback from learners?

57

III.

Consolidation

A. Assessment: How will I know if the students achieved the performance outcome?

(This should relate to I.B. above.)

B. Review: What are the main points of the lesson that I need to review?

C. Transfer: What can I do to get students to think critically about today’s lesson— how it relates to previously learned materials and how it fits into the “big picture”?

D. Evaluation: How will I reteach if the lesson was unsuccessful? How will I motivate learners to “reattempt” the lesson?

Lesson Plan Model

Date: Week 6, Day 2 Lesson Outcome: Recognizing and

Special Equipment/Materials Required:

Primetime Lit Book

Video of Presidential Address

Videotape of C-Span Coverage of Congress

Tape Player

I.

Introduction

A. Attention:

1. Play a section of video showing speaker from Pakistan discussing peace international relations.

Psychological Principle: Students learn best when the subject is made of interest to them.

By seeing this tape, students will recognize that speakers will have different patterns of speech, and they will need to be able to recognize and write from all types.

1. At the end of this lesson, the students will have developed some techniques for recognizing changing speech patterns.

58

2. At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to take dictation at 160 words per minutes on literary material from speakers with accents and on specialized vocabulary and read it back with reasonable ease.

1. Have you talked with friends/relatives for whom English is not a first language? What techniques do you use to assist you in understanding their conversation?

Psychological Principle: Students learn best when they have an understanding of principles or procedures underlying the initial task which will then result in greater transfer to a different activity. If students see that they, in their everyday life, have encountered individuals with different speech patterns, they will transfer those skills to recording the speech in steno.

II.

Development of the Lesson

A. Modes of Instruction:

2. Dictation from Videos

3. Discussion/Interaction

B. Activities:

1. Play five minutes of tape of Presidential Address

2. Discussion of speech patterns and phonetic sounds from videos of

3.

4.

5.

6.

President’s speech .

Drill in steno on those patterns

Live dictation by instructor of Presidential speech

7.

8.

Readback of dictation

Students take dictation from video of speech

Same process with video of Congress from C-Span

Dictation from Primetime Lit text; discussion of accent/speech patterns on selected words

9. Follow same process for drill

10. Time last readback: praise those who do well

Psychological Principles:

1.

Students learn best when the instructor provides the learner not only with opportunities to practice under the conditions designed, but also with cue and response conditions that vary from time to time. By having three different types of material with speech patterns, students have the conditions needed to learn.

59

2.

Students learn best when they receive positive reinforcement through rewards of praise for acceptable behavior. Give positive feedback to those who can read/write from varying speech patterns.

3.

Students learn best when some tension is placed on them by the instructor.

Here, the students were timed on each dictation and then timed on their readback.

In this lesson, students were guided through each type of dictation material while speech patterns were pointed out and discussed; that is, they were guided during the lesson.

Psychological Principle: Students learn best when the instructor sets up the learning situation so that the desired responses can occur as close as possible to their cues.

Students practiced the material immediately after discussion of the speech patterns.

1.

2.

3.

Students are to practice at least one hour from the C-Span tapes placed in the dictation lab.

Hand out word sheets and phonetic pronunciation tables and discuss again.

After their first attempt at the dictation, identify at least 3 speech patterns of the speaker. List in steno notes.

As the students take additional dictation by the same speaker, “zero in” on those speech patterns identified.

4.

1. Students retain material best when they over-practice a new concept or skill. This additional activity should reinforce and lead to over-practice of speech sounds.

2. Students learn best when they are prepared for their individual practice.

III.

Consolidation

A. Review:

1. Principles of phonetics and pronunciation. Ask students.

2. Methods to focus on speech patterns. Question students.

B. Assessment:

1. Dictation to end the day’s lesson at about 160 words per minute for five minutes with examples of speech patterns/accents. Ask for student readback. Praise those who do well.

60

Psychological Principle: Students learn best when they receive immediate feedback on their in-class activities. Evaluate their readback.

C. Transfer:

1.

Discuss that opportunities have grown for reporting on an international level.

The need for accuracy on all reporting has grown. Opportunities to apply their reporting skills depend on being aware of the complexities of today’s speech patterns.

Psychological Principle: Students learn best when they see how their learning transfers to other situations.

D. Evaluation:

1.

2.

Were all students able to grasp the idea of phonetic sounds and speech patterns? If not, tomorrow a student can explain the concept in his/her words.

Did students see the importance of this lesson? If they appeared bored and disinterested, bring in a realtime reporter guest speaker who does closed captioning on C-span or takes dictation from individuals with unusual speech patterns.

Appendix 3

Elements of a Syllabus

I.

What is it?

A. A written document

B. A condensed outline of the class

II.

What is its purpose?

A. Answer common student questions

2.

3. objectives of course required text and materials

4. outline of content with daily/weekly proposed schedule

5. evaluation

6. your rules and procedures

B. Reduces the possibility of misunderstanding between students and instructor.

61

C. Assures that students in other (multiple) sections of the same course accomplish the same objectives.

III.

How is it used?

A. Discussed with students on first day of class

B. Used as a resource for student and instructor throughout the course.

IV. How important is it?

B. Basic right of each student to be given a syllabus

C. Professional responsibility of instructor to prepare a complete syllabus

Syllabus Model

(Institution and/or Department/Unit)

I. Information about the Course

A. Name, Number, Prerequisite, and Description

1. Description may be bulletin/catalogue description and/or a more complete description including a rationale for studying that subject

B. Lab Hours Required:

Course Offered: Fall semester only

II. Information Specific for this Instructor

A.

Instructor’s name, office hours, office location, telephone number, fax number, e-mail address, etc.

III. Textbooks and Other Materials

A. Texts and materials needed such as disks, steno machine, dictionary, etc.

1. For texts, include author, title, location of publisher, publisher, and date of publication. a. Examples: Smith, Helene (1995). Machine steno for beginners. Ulm,

Michigan: Yellow Publishing Company.

IV. Objectives

A. Introduce by the statement: At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Examples: a. Read from steno homework notes at a minimum of 180 words per minutes for one minute. b. Punctuate a typical court document of ten or more pages with 80 percent accuracy.

62

A.

List methodologies used in this course such as lecture, hands-on practice, etc.

VI. Course Outline/Semester Calendar

A. Provide a weekly outline of topics with an indication of how much time -- weeks or partial weeks -- to be spent on each. Often this is similar to the table of contents of the required text with appropriate modifications.

B. Weekly/daily outline should also include:

2. Due dates for major papers/projects

VII. Evaluation

A. Components which determine final grade and weight (percent) of each.

1. Examples of possible components:

• examinations

• quizzes (what will they be like?)

2. Include as much information as possible, such as how many exams, how much homework, etc.

B. Policies and procedures related to evaluation such as make-up policies.

VIII. Rules and Regulations

A.

Other policies not covered elsewhere—attendance, late work, makeup work/exams, etc.

IX. Other

You may also want to include a bibliography, list of handouts, etc.

Prepared by: (for Master Syllabus)

Date:

63

Appendix 4

Timetable for Reevaluations

For Program certification expiring January 30:

1.

2.

Self-study due January 30 of previous year

Education Department staff reviews February 1 to March 15

3.

4.

Staff forwards report to institution March 15 to April 15

Program implements changes April 15 to June 15

6.

7.

Evaluation Team report due October 31

Program response due November 30

4.

5.

6.

7.

For Program certification expiring July 30:

1.

2.

3.

Self-study due July 30 of previous year

Education Department staff reviews August 1 to September 15

Staff forwards report to institution October 15 to November 15

Program implements changes October 15 to December 15

Evaluation Team Visits December 1 to March 15

Evaluation Team report due March 31

Program response due April 30

64

Appendix 5

Fee Schedule

Nonrefundable & valid for one (1) year only

Initial Evaluation or Reevaluation Fee:

Nonrefundable & valid for one (1) year only

Program $300

Additional Options:

Evaluation Team Expenses:

The institution is responsible for the expenses of the non-NCRA staff evaluation team members and will be billed for those expenses by NCRA. Evaluation expenses include travel, food, lodging, and honoraria for the non-NCRA staff team members.

Honoraria:

Honoraria for non-NCRA staff visitation team members $200

Annual Fee :

The Annual Fee for certified programs is established by NCRA at $5 per student, with a minimum payment of $300 and a maximum payment of $1,300. This fee is based on the number of students enrolled in the institution’s realtime education program as of November 1 of each year and becomes delinquent on March 15. The Annual Fee for newly certified programs is computed on a pro-rata basis; programs certified in January pay for a full year; programs certified in June pay for a half-year.

65

Appendix 6

Punctuation as contained in the current Captioning Style Guidelines, which include:

All alphabets defined such as a, A, A. (for letter by letter spelling, middle initials and acronyms, and mixed-case translation, as for “RBIs”).

Exclamation point (!)

Delete space stroke and add space stroke

Feet and inches stroke (5’6”)

Forward slash (/)

Backward slash (\)

Dash ( -- )

At sign (@)

Prefix/suffix decimal point (1.2 million)

Prefix decimal point (.22 caliber)

Prefix/suffix colon (6:00)

Prefix/suffix comma (1,750)

Prefix apostrophe (‘98)

Quotation marks (“Hello”)

66

NEW speaker identification (>>)

New story identification, (>>>)

Force stroke to push translation onto the screen (vendor specific)

Force stroke to force the next words written to start on a new line

Blanking stroke to blank and pass captions from the screen

Placement strokes to move caption location on the screen

67

Appendix #7

What is an Error?

Grading Guidelines for the RPR/RMR Skills Tests

Revised January 2007

Please visit www.NCRAonline.org/testing for the most recent grading guidelines.

Automatic Fails:

•

Single-spaced transcripts

•

Handwritten transcripts

Use of all capitals, or all lowercase

Allowable errors for exams:

Literary 45 50

Jury Charge 50 60

Testimony 65

NOTE: RPR & RMR Skills Tests are developed based on the rules of punctuation set forth in the Gregg Reference Manual, 9 th

ed.

and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, 11 th

ed.

The following list of errors should be used as a guideline for correcting test papers. In all cases of dispute, the Chief Examiner, guided by all the principles set forth herein, will render the final decision, subject to appeal to the Chair of the Council of the Academy of Professional Reporters.


1.

a) Each wrong word.

Dictated: I didn’t see the car until we hit.

Transcribed: I didn’t notice any vehicle until we hit.

NOTE: Each wrong and/or substituted word counts as

only 1 error not 2. b) Each plural read as singular and vice versa.

Dictated: Let me check the dates.

Transcribed: Let me check the date.

c) Each present-tense verb read as past tense and vice

versa.

Dictated: In other words, you acted as a clerk.

Transcribed: In other words, you act as a clerk.

2.

Each omitted word.

Dictated: I drove and he slept.

Transcribed: I drove. He slept.

3Errors not 6

1 Error

1 Error

1 Error

68

NOTE: The essential error is the omission of the word “and.” No error for the period, no error for the capital

H.

3.

Each added word.

Dictated: Yes.

Transcribed: Yes, sir. 1 Error

4. Transposition.

(Note: If one or more words are transposed from one part of the sentence to another, each transposed word is an error.)

: Then when he started

Transcribed: When he then started

Dictated: Before I went to Chicago, I went home.

Transcribed: I went home before I went to Chicago.

1 Error

3 Errors

5. Each misspelled word (including typographical errors or strikeovers).

Dictated: hospital

Transcribed: hotpital

Dictated: That doctor is not my doctor.

Transcribed: That docter is not my docter.

1 Error

2 Errors

NOTE: The same misspelled word is an error each time it

occurs.

Dictated: It would come in time.

Transcribed: It would come in time.

1 Error

Dictated: It would come in time.

Transcribed: It would come come in time.

6.

Each wrong name.

0 Errors

Dictated: Mr. Smith followed me home.

Transcribed: Mr. Jones followed me home.

1 Error

7.

Each omitted period or comma that is required by the rules of punctuation.

Dictated: I couldn’t, I was asleep.

Transcribed: I couldn’t I was asleep.

1 Error

Dictated: It results from a misinterpretation of several cases which Brown cites. In

Grant v. United the point was made.

Transcribed: It results from a misinterpretation of several cases which Brown cites in

Grant v. United. The point was made.

1 Error

Dictated: September 20, 1993, will be the first

day of classes.

Transcribed: September 20 1993, will be the first

day of classes.

Dictated: If you read the note, you will see he lied.

Transcribed: If you read the note you will see he lied.

1 Error

1 Error

69

8.

Each obvious question mark omitted from an interrogative sentence or added to a noninterrogative sentence .

Dictated: Q. What is your name?

Transcribed: Q. What is your name.

1 Error

9.

Each contraction transcribed as two words and vice versa.

Dictated: I don’t know.

Transcribed: I do not know.

10.

Each omission of Q and A.

Dictated: A. Do you mean now?

Q. Yes.

Transcribed: A. Do you mean now?

Yes.

1 Error

NOTE: One error for the omitted Q.

Dictated: A. Do you mean now?

Q. Yes.

A. That is right.

Transcribed: A. Do you mean now?

1 Error

__ That is right.

3 Errors

NOTE: One error for the omitted Q. One error for the omitted Yes, one error for the omitted A.

11. Each incorrect number or money figure represented by

a word.

Dictated: May one, nineteen fifty one.

Transcribed: May 1, 1815.

3 Errors rather than 1

Transcribed: May 2, 1815

Dictated: One hundred forty three dollars, sixty cents.

Transcribed: 143.60 (omitted $ sign)

Transcribed: $142.40

Transcribed: $143.06

12. Each omitted capital letter clearly needed.

Transcribed: cleveland, Ohio

13.

Corrections made with pen or pencil.

14.

Words used in place of an acronym and vice versa.

Dictated: CIA

Transcribed: Central Intelligence Agency

Dictated: I have worked for the FBI for three years.

Transcribed: I have worked for the CIA for three years.

4 Errors

1 Error

2 Errors

1 Error

1 Error

3 Errors

3 Errors

70

15.

Each compound word written as two words and vice versa.

Dictated: The high school dropout rate has increased the last two years.

Dictated:

Transcribed: The high school drop out rate has increased the last two years.

1 Error

The second common mistake is usually one of selection. One can see a harried clerical person rushing to send out two overnight parcels. The contents are well marked. Yet the parcels are somehow switched. Although the worker no doubt knew where each package was to go, a selection error transpired.

Transcribed:

1 2 3

The next common mistake is usually one of select. Once can

4 5 6 be a harried clerical person running out to send two overnight

7 8 9 10 11 parcels. The parcels and the contents are well-marked, yet the

12 13 14 15 16 contents are well marked, yet the contents are somehow

17 18 19 20 switched. A selection error transpired, although the worker no

21 doubt knew where each pckge was to go.

Description of Errors:

1.

2.

Incorrect word – 1 error


3.

4.

5.

6.

Typo – 1 error


Incorrect word – 1 error per word

Transposed word – 1 error

7-9.

Added words – 1 error per word

10-15.

Added words – 1 error per word

16. Wrong word – 1 error

17-20.

Transposed words – 1 error per word

21.

Typo – 1 error

NOTE: When grading an actual test paper, errors are not to be numbered.

These Will Not Be Counted as Errors

A.

Misplaced commas (except listed in Error No. 7)

B.

Optional capitalization of certain words (e.g. President, State).

C.

X-ing out of errors if done by typewriter. (No pen or pencil.)

D.

In dates, ordinal numbers for cardinal numbers and vice versa: either May 1 or May 1 st

; May 22 or May 22 nd

.

E.

Spelling names that sound alike.

Dictated: Harley Schmidt

Transcribed: Hardey Schmitt

F.

Punctuation which was part of a drop.

G.

Missing hyphens.

H.

Placing “The Court:” at the beginning of the Jury Charge exam.

I.

Dictated words or phrases not in the dictionary.

71

Appendix #8


Grading Guidelines for the CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Tests

Revised January 2007, updated information is in bold italics

• The CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Test consists of five minutes of professionally recorded audio dictation material (straight matter) at 180 words per minute. Passing is 96%. Allowable number of errors is 36.

• The CRR/CBC/CCP Skills Test is developed based on the rules of punctuation set forth in The Gregg Reference Manual.

and Merriam Webster’s Dictionary. Paragraphing is recommended but not required.

• Automatic Fails: o

Two drops of 10 or more words. o o

A submitted ASCII diskette that does not contain printable data.

At the conclusion of the dictation, you will be instructed to move away from your o equipment. To touch either keyboard before being instructed to do so by the

Chief Examiner will result in an automatic fail.

Single-spaced transcripts.

• The following list of errors will be used as a guideline for correcting tests. In all cases of dispute, the Chief Examiner, guided by all the principles set forth herein, will render the final decision, subject to appeal to the Chair of the Realtime Certification Committee.

Please see the bottom of the page for an explanation of errors.

ERROR GUIDELINES

(D=dictated, T=translated)

4.

Each plural dictated as singular and vice versa.

(D): Let me check the dates.

(T): Let me check the date

2

.

2. Each present-tense verb dictated as past tense and vice

1 Error

versa.

(D): In other words, you acted as a clerk.

(T): In other words, you act

2

as a clerk.

3.

Each misspelled word, each time it occurs .

(D): baked

(T): bakeed

8

1 Error

1 Error

72

4. Each wrong word, common name, or mistranslated stroke.

(D): Mr. Smith followed me home.

(T): Mr. Johnson

2

followed me home.

(T): Mr. John

2

_son

9

(T): Mr. John

2

son

9

followed me home.

-in

9

-law

9

followed me home.

1 Error

2 Errors

4 Errors

(D): I didn’t see the car until we hit.

(T): I didn’t notice2 any2 vehicle2 until we hit.3 Errors

(D): I went down the street.

(T): I went do2 you9 know9 the street?

(D): humanity

(T): hugh2 man9 it9 tie9

(T): human2 {teu}11

(D): firsthand

(T): first2 hasn’t9

(T): firsthasn’t2

5a. Each obvious omitted comma that is required by the

rules of punctuation and/or grammar.

Dates:

(D): September 20, 1993, is the date.

(T): September 20

6

1993

6

is the date.

Items in a series:

3 Errors

4 Errors

2 Errors

2 Errors

1 Errors

2 Errors

(D): The library has books, magazines, newspapers and tapes.

(T): The library has books

6 magazines, newspapers

1 Error

(D): Yes, sir.

(T): Yes

6

sir. 1 Error

73

City and state:

(D): I moved to Vienna, Virginia, last year.

(T): I moved to Vienna

6

Virginia last year. 2 Errors

5b. Each obvious omitted period that is required by the

rules of punctuation and/or grammar.

(D): I couldn’t. He was asleep.

(T): I couldn’t

6

he

10

was asleep.

(T): I couldn’t {FPL}

11

he

10 was asleep.

2 Errors

2 Errors

6.Each obvious question mark omitted from an interrogative sentence or added to a noninterrogative sentence.

(D): Who wants to go?

(T): Who wants to go.

6

1 Error

7a. Each incorrect number or money figure represented by

a word.

(D): May one, nineteen fifty one.

(T): May 1, 1815. (18

2

15

2,7

(T): May 2

2

, 18 15 (18

2,1

15

)

2,7

)

3 Errors

5 Errors

(D): One hundred forty three dollars.

(T): $143.00 or $143 or 143 dollars.

(T):

6

143.00 (omitted $ or “dollars”)

(T): $134

2

.00 or $134

2

0 Errors

1 Error

2 Errors

7b . Numbers zero through nine (0-9) should be written out. Eleven (11) and above, the numbers should be written as numerals. Ten (10) can be written either way.

(D): one hundred fifty

(T): one hundred 50

12

(T): one hundred fifty

12

(T): 150

(T): one twenty

2

(T): 129 Main Street

(T): 192

5

Main Street

(D): one two nine Main Street

nine Main Street

1 Error

1 Error

0 Errors

1 Error

0 Errors

1 Error

74

(D): I have five boys.

(T): I have 5

12

boys.

*NOTE: Ages from 1-10 can be expressed in words or numerals.

1 Error

7c. Numbers containing six or more consecutive zeros should have the zeros expressed in words. Numbers ten and below can be written out or expressed as a numeral. Numbers 11 and above should be expressed as a numeral.

(D): six million

(T): 6 million or six million 0 Errors

(D): Two hundred forty thousand

(T): 240,000

(T): 200,40,000

12

(T): 200

1

40,000

12

(T): 200

1

40 thousand

12

(T): 240 thousand

12

8. Misspelled or noncapitalized names.

(D): Harley Schmidt

(T): Hardey

2

Schmitt

2

(D): Bill Frank

(T): bill

10

frank

10

9.

Each contraction written as two words and vice versa.

(D) I don’t know.

(T): I do not

13

know.

(D): they are

(T): they’re13

10. Each untranslate.

0 Errors

1 Error

2 Errors

2 Errors

1 Error

2 Errors

2 Errors

1 Error

1 Error

(D): Did you stay at the Marriott?

(T): Did you stay at the MAR11 YOT11?

11. Each omitted apostrophe that designates possession.

2 Errors

(D): The dog ate the cat’s food.

(T): The dog ate the cats6 food. 1 Error

75

12. Each conflict and/or any extra words contained in the conflict translation.

(D): I can take only one pair of shoes.

(T): I can take only one pear2 of shoes.

(D): If you remember, please give us the time.

(T): {fur9; if9 you9 are9; if you remember},

please give us the time.

( D): This drug will alleviate your pain.

(T): This drug will a2 {leave9;leaf9} ate9

your pain.

(T): This drug will Aleve2 ate9 your pain.

13a. Compound words with a space, changing meaning.

(D): I walked away from the ballpark.

(T): I walked a1 way from the ball park.

13b. Two words connected that should not be connected.

(D): He is over the hill.

(T): He is overthe1 hill.

14. Acronyms or initialisms should not contain spaces

Hyphens, or words.

(D): IRS

(T):

(T):

(T):

(T):

I.R.S.

I R S (I 1R 1S)

15. Stacking errors.

I-R-S (I-3R-3S)

I H S (I 1H2 1S)

(T): Iare S (Iare2 1S)

(T): I are S (I1 are2 S1)

( D): I went home. The victim was there.

(T): I went home6 T2 victim was there.

(D): He asked for you. I said you went out.

(T): He asked for U2,6 I said you went out.

(T): He asked for. 6 You10 I said you went out. 2 “

1 Error

4 Errors

4 Errors

2 Errors

1 Error

1 Error

0 Errors

2 Errors

2 Errors

3 Errors

3 Errors

2 Errors

2 Errors

2 Errors

76

16.

Transposition.

(D): She was once a CEO.

(T): She once

5

was a CEO.

17.

Each omitted word.

(D): I drove and he slept.

(T): I drove

7

. He slept.

1 Error

1 Error

*NOTE: The essential error is the omission of the word “and.” No error for the period, no error for the capital H.

18.

Each added word.

(D): Yes.

(T): Yes, sir

9

. 1 Error

These Will Not Be Counted As Errors:

A.

Use of the word “dollars” instead of the $ symbol.

B.

Use of the word “percent” instead of the % sign.

C.

Omitted sets of quotation marks or parentheses. (If an opening quote or parenthesis is used, a closing quote or parenthesis must also be used.)

D. A word that does not translate but forms the correct English word (NOTE: Translation may be in brackets):

(D): Hub

(T): {HUB}

E. Tests in all uppercase.

77

Appendix #9

THE REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL REPORTER (RPR)

A J

OB

A

NALYSIS

This job analysis has been prepared by the National Court Reporters Association Task Force in cooperation with the Professional Examination Service, a not-for-profit testing corporation. In

June 1989, a panel of seven experts in the reporting field, along with PES staff, revised the entrylevel reporter job analysis produced in 1978 and revised in 1985. The resulting document describes the overall professional practice domains and associated tasks as well as the underlying knowledge and skills that are essential for a registered professional reporter.

The Registered Professional Reporter abides by all rules and regulations affecting the court reporting profession and is in compliance with the NCRA code of Professional Ethics at all times.

A registered professional reporter is one who possesses the knowledge, skill, ability to produce a verbatim record of proceedings, basic knowledge of reporter-related terminology and technology. A "verbatim record" is one which accurately reflects the spoken word and nonverbal communication and action.

THE REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL REPORTER JOB DOMAINS

10.00 48% R EPORTING

10.01 3% Ascertaining Captions and Appearances

10.03 6% Reporting Actions

10.04 3% Reading

10.05 3% Determining Distribution and Ancillary Service Distribution

10.06 4% Record

20.00 44% T RANSCRIPT P RODUCTION

20.01 3% Information

20.04 7% Research

20.05 12% Proofreading

30.00 PERATING P RACTICES

30.01 2% Filing, Storage and Destruction of Notes

30.02 2% Record

78

40.00 4% P ROFESSIONAL I SSUES A ND C ONTINUING E DUCATION

40.01 3% Professional

40.02 1% Continuing

10.00 REPORTING

Ascertain caption or style of the case, number, jurisdiction, and venue, to ensure accurate identification of the proceeding by reference to case documents (e.g., docket, complaint, indictment, information sheet, notice). Ascertain names, addresses, and titles of counsel and whom they represent, to establish those present at the proceeding by inquiring of counsel or by documentation (business cards or pleadings).

Knowledge of:

K-1 The court and quasi-judicial systems

K-2 Pleadings notices

K-3 Docket

10.02 Reporting Spoken Words

Writes spoken words, with punctuation, by means of a conflict-free reporting theory to preserve a verbatim record. (As used herein, the term "conflict-free" means a reporting theory that can be adjusted for realtime reporting.)

Knowledge of:

K-1 Conflict-free Reporting Theory

K-2 English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary

K-3 The role of the reporter in proceedings

K-4 Speaker

K-5 Reporting overlapping speech situations

K-6 Medical, legal, and other technical terminology

K-7 Legal

K-8 The composition and format of a verbatim record

K-9 The use of computer-aided transcription equipment

K-10 Reporting interpreted proceedings

K-11 Geography and current events

79

Skills:

S-1 Reporting at the rate of at least 225 words per minute on a 5-minute actual word-count test of twovoice testimony, with a minimum of 95% accuracy

S-2 Reporting at the rate of at least 200 words per minute on a 5-minute actual word-count test of a charge to the jury with a minimum of 95% accuracy

S-3 Reporting at the rate of at least 180 words per minute on a 5-minute actual word-count test of literary (straight) matter with a minimum of 95% accuracy

Reports and/or notes succinct and objective descriptions of nonverbal actions to preserve an accurate record.

Examples are:

•

•

•

•

Swearing or affirmation of witness

Type of examination (e.g., direct, cross, voir dire)

Indication of whether proceedings are in the presence or absence of the jury

Discussions off the record

• Recesses

• Indication of the time

Knowledge of:

K-1 Legal procedures, rules of evidence, statutes, etc. Examples are:

•

•

•

•

•

Sequential numbering or lettering systems and techniques for marking various exhibits

Rules governing the marking, custody and disposition of exhibits, including those not available for public inspection

• The distinction between marking an exhibit for identification and for introduction into evidence

•

The oath/affirmation administered during interpreted proceedings

• The oath/affirmation administered in a given jurisdiction

When in the proceedings the oath/affirmation may be administered

Eliciting appropriate response to the oath/affirmation

Those governing stipulations, such as waiving of filing, certification, and signing and sealing

K-2 The composition of a verbatim record

K-3 When and how to indicate actions in a proceeding

K-4 The role of the reporter in proceeding

80

Reads back distinctly and with composure.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Medical, legal, and other technical terminology

K-2 Marking notes log, or realtime output, for readback

K-3 How and what to read back

81

Appendix #10

THE CERTIFIED BROADCAST CAPTIONER (CBC)

A JOB ANALYSIS

This job analysis was prepared by the National Court Reporters Association Task Force. In

January 2003, a panel of experts in the Broadcast Captioning field revised this job analysis originally produced in December 2000. The resulting document describes the overall professional practice domains and associated tasks, as well as the underlying knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for a Certified Broadcast Captioner.

The Certified Broadcast Captioner abides by all rules and regulations affecting the captioning profession and is in compliance with the NCRA Code of Professional Ethics at all times.

The Certified Broadcast Captioner possesses the knowledge, skill, and ability to produce accurate, simultaneous translation and display of broadcasts utilizing realtime translation software.

Rubric for Certified Broadcast Captioner (Developed January 2003)

10.02

10.04

10.07

10.08

10.10

Role of the broadcast captioner

Style and format for realtime translation

Dictionary development and maintenance

Writing realtime, 180 words per minute on literary matter for five minutes at

96% accuracy

Writing numbers, roman, cardinal, ordinal

20.01

20.02

20.03

English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary

Terminology specific to the broadcast

Listening and writing for continuity, sense, and detail of the broadcast

82

25% 30.00 REALTIME WRITING IN THE BROADCAST ENVIRONMENT

30.01

30.02

30.03

Role of technical personnel

Role of support staff

Available hardware and software technology

30.08 File review/post production procedures

30.16

30.17

30.18

30.19

Work well with others

Simultaneously listen to broadcast, write realtime, and read translation output

Use word substitutions without altering the meaning of the broadcast

15% 40.00 RESEARCH

40.01 How to locate appropriate research material

40.03

40.04

40.05

How to enter information into computer dictionary

Use information while writing realtime

Retain and recall information while writing realtime

The Certified Broadcast Captioner

A Job Analysis

An entry-level certified broadcast captioner possesses the knowledge, skill, and ability to produce accurate, simultaneous translation and display of live broadcasts utilizing realtime translation software.

I WRITING REALTIME

Writes spoken words, with punctuation, by means of a conflict-free

Reporting system to provide instantaneous translation.

Knowledge of:

K-2 Role of the broadcast captioner

83

III

K-4 Style, and format for realtime translation

K-7 Dictionary development and maintenance

Skills:

S-1 Writing realtime at 180 words per minute

on literary matter for five minutes at 96% accuracy

S-3 Writing numbers, roman, cardinal, ordinal

Abilities:

II LANGUAGE

Detects and corrects mishearings during realtime translation and anticipates and prevents mistranslations.

Knowledge of:

K-1 English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and vocabulary

K-2 Terminology specific to the broadcast

Skills:

S-1 Listening and writing for continuity, sense, and detail of the broadcast

REALTIME WRITING IN THE BROADCAST ENVIRONMENT

Possesses the knowledge or procedures applicable to this specific realtime environment.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Role of technical personnel

K-2 Role of support staff

K-3 Available hardware and software technology

K-8 File review/post production procedures

84

Abilities:

A-2 Work well with others

A-3 Simultaneously listen to broadcast, write realtime, and read translation output

A-5 Use word substitutions without altering the meaning of the broadcast

IV RESEARCH

Utilizing all available resources to prepare for realtime.

Knowledge of:

K-1 How to locate appropriate research material

K-3 How to enter information into computer dictionary

K-4 Use information while writing realtime

Abilities:

A-1 Retain and recall information while writing realtime

85

Appendix #11

THE CERTIFIED CART PROVIDER (CCP)

A JOB ANALYSIS

This job analysis was prepared by the National Court Reporters Association Task Force. In

January 2003, a panel of experts in the realtime reporting field revised this job analysis originally produced in December 2000. The resulting document describes the overall professional practice domains and associated tasks as well as the underlying knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential for a Certified CART Provider.

The Certified CART Provider abides by all rules and regulations affecting the communication access realtime profession and is in compliance with the NCRA Code of Professional Ethics and

Sections III and IV of the General Guidelines for Professional Practice at all times.

A Certified CART Provider possesses the knowledge, skill, and ability to produce complete, accurate, simultaneous translation and display of live proceedings utilizing computer-aided translation.

Rubric for Certified CART Provider (Developed January 2003)

25% 10.00 WRITING

10.01 Realtime translation system l0.02 Role of the CART Provider in live proceedings

10.04 Composition, style, and format for realtime translation

10.05 Dictionary development and maintenance

10.06 Appropriate environmental cues

10.07 Writing realtime, 180 words per minute on literary matter for five minutes at 96% accuracy

10.08 Writing conflict-free theory

10.09 Writing numbers: Roman, cardinal, ordinal

10.12 Conceptualize translation prior to input (to control output)

15% 20.00 RESEARCH

20.01 Locating appropriate research material

20.02 Extracting appropriate information

20.03 Entering information into computer dictionary

20.04 Using information while writing realtime

20.05 Organizing and utilizing prepped material

20.06 Retain and recall information while writing realtime

30.01 English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, vocabulary

30.02 Applicable terminology of subject matter

30.03 Listening and writing for continuity, sense and detail of the proceedings

86

30.04 Recognizing and preventing potential errors in translation

30.05 Incorporate knowledge of the English language while writing realtime

45% 40.00 COMMUNICATION ACCESS REALTIME TRANSLATION (CART)

40.01 Available hardware and software

40.02 Equipment set-up and room layout

40.05 Interacting with consumers and participants

40.06 Role of sign language and the sign language interpreter

40.08 Diversity and sensitivity issues

40.09 Need to coordinate with support staff (including audio/visual)

40.10 NCRA’s guidelines for Professional Practice and the Code of Professional Ethics

40.11 File production, retention/deletion

40.13 CART Provider’s Manual

40.14 Confidentiality

40.16 Planning, organization and recordkeeping

40.17 Marketing

40.18 Troubleshooting

40.19 Communicating effectively with consumers, participants, and support staff

40.20 Telecommunicating

The Certified CART Provider

A Job Analysis

An entry-level CART Provider possesses the knowledge, skill, and ability to produce accurate, simultaneous translation and display of live proceedings utilizing computer-aided translation. The following job analysis was initially prepared by NCRA’s CRR Certifications Task Force, and consists of four “Job Domains.”

I WRITING REALTIME

Writes spoken words and environmental cues, with punctuation, by means of a conflict-free reporting system to provide complete and simultaneous translation.

Knowledge of:

K-2 Role of the CART Provider in live proceedings

K-4 Composition, style, and format for realtime translation

Skills:

S-1 Writing realtime at 180 words per minute on literary matter for five minutes at 96% accuracy

Abilities:

87

A-1 Conceptualize translation prior to input (to control output)

II RESEARCH

Utilizes all available resources to prepare for writing realtime in the

Knowledge of:

IV

K-3 Entering information into computer dictionary

K-4 Using information while writing realtime

Skills:

S-1 Organizing and utilizing prepped material

Abilities:

A-1 Retain and recall information while writing realtime

III LANGUAGE

Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the English language in order to detect and correct mishearings during realtime translation and anticipate and prevent mistranslations.

Knowledge of:

K-1 English, including grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling and vocabulary

K-2 Applicable terminology of subject matter

Skills:

S-1 Listening and writing for continuity, sense and detail of the proceedings

Abilities:

A-1 Incorporate knowledge of the English language while writing realtime

COMMUNICATION ACCESS REALTIME TRANSLATION (CART)

Possesses the knowledge and procedures applicable to this specific

Realtime environment.

Knowledge of:

K-1 Available hardware and software

K-2 Equipment set-up and room layout

K-5 Interacting with consumers and participants

K-6 Role of sign language and the sign language interpreter

K-8 Diversity and sensitivity issues

K-9 Need to coordinate with support staff (including audio/visual)

K-10 NCRA’s Guidelines for Professional Practice and the Code of

K-11 retention/deletion

88

Skills:

S-1 Planning, organization and recordkeeping

Abilities:

A-2 Communicating effectively with consumers, participants, and support staff

89

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Standards

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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS

What is an Error?

What is an Error?

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