7 YEARS THE "NORM" FOR A STENO WRITER TO FINISH SCHOOL??????

[Montrell Vann]

Just curious. Has anyone heard of 7 years being the "norm" for an individual to complete schooling as a steno writer? Anyone heard of this statistic being given before? I ran across a statement by a member on this site indicating 7 years is the "norm" for a steno writer to finish school, but maybe it was only sarcasm. I certainly don't want this egregious misconception to be advertised to any prospective students for them to be discouraged by such a statement. Let's correct the record just in case!

[Montrell Vann]

We're not talking about becoming a brain surgeon. We're talking about becoming a steno writer court reporter. 7 years is not the norm.

[Montrell Vann]

Those CR students still striving after five, six or seven years and beyond, if you still want it, go for it!

[Monica Gerard]

Sorry, maybe my thoughts were not clearly expressed - I meant to imply that I think 7 years is reasonable and even required for the education and training of a brain surgeon, but that might seem an excessive norm for a court reporter, especially since many do graduate in 2 - 4 years or less.

My personal opinion is in line with yours - that 7 years is not the nationwide norm.

I'm skeptical of any school that would tell prospective students that 7 years is the norm. Maybe for THAT school, but then people should be aware of the fact that the nation's typical graduate takes considerably less time than that.

[Patricia Babits]

I don't think any schools are telling students 7 years is average!!!! No one would sign up!

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I was four years. I was raised with very low self esteem. I got enrolled in the program with the idea that I wouldn't finish. I still did it in four years - mainly because the first school was bad.

[Monica Gerard]

I can certainly see that the quality and regularity of instruction is an important component to many student's success.

In my opinion, a good court reporting instructor has to do more than simply give dictation. They need to be able to inspire, troubleshoot, encourage and inform. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to find people with those qualities. A person who has been a court reporter for many years is not necessarily a good instructor. Teaching is an art in itself.

I teach violin and math and I went through years of training on how to do it - it's hard work - you really have to know your customer!!

A good teacher teaches the student how to teach themselves and how to practice for results.

What good is it to simply dictate and then let the students bash away with no structure in hopes that they'll eventually pass a test they've heard a million times before?

I could go on (but I won't!)

[Montrell Vann]

I do believe a good instructor helps in CR school and is an important component, but a student's overall success depends on their own dedication and initiative. CR school is unique and it's unlike any other vocational training in certain aspects. No one else can give or teach you the ability to write 225 wpm. It comes from within. A teacher can't make a student's fingers write faster. A student has to achieve that on their own.

And in certain aspects, just like students at a university or any other college, students don't get their hands held and a pat on the back and pushed along like in kindergarten. No one in CR school should expect that either. You're an adult. Sometimes in life you must inspire and encourage yourself. There's not necessarily always going to be someone there to do that. Once you learn the basics in CR, you're off and you're speedbuilding. Of course an intructor can advise you and give you techniques along the way, but you're basically on your own to practice and achieve the skill. I saw a lot of students in CR school constantly trying to shift the blame on anyone but themselves as to why they couldn't finish, and many people go through life always blaming others and refusing to accept responsibility for their own success. I do realize there are some bad schools, just like anything else there's good and bad, but you must do your research and get the facts to make sure you're in the right school.

[Monica Gerard]

How true what you are saying, Montrell. I hear many students in my school claim that they don't practice. It's obvious in some cases, but I suppose there are a few who can breeze through without practicing. I'm not really impressed with that because I think that it reflects on the true work ethic of the student and how they may function in the actual marketplace.

It's very easy to blame teachers, schools, other students, etc, when things are not going well in spite of one's best efforts. Goodness knows, I've questioned the "externals" myself in my darkest moments, before I understood much about the process of learning this.

I mentioned before that there are TONS of wonderful resources and experienced reporters out there to help students in their pursuit of this dream, no matter where you go to school. But you have to want this bad enough to want to reach out and take advantage of them.

I think the hardest thing for most students to accept is that this is a process - it's not cut and dry like other vocations. It really is an art, like learning the violin. Give 100 random people a violin to learn, tell them they can learn it if they stick with it, can work and make a good living if they can master the most difficult pieces written for it and I guarantee you that only 5 people will be somewhat viable after 3 years of study (and countless hours of dedicated practice).

Maybe that's why seasoned reporters tend to be very nurturing to current students, particularly ones that are very serious - they understand the discipline, perseverance and sacrifice that goes in to learning this craft.

[Montrell Vann]

In response to Patricia's statement: "I don't think any schools are telling students 7 years is average!!!!" Again, my initial post did not say schools were saying 7 years is average and my post had nothing to do with that. A member of this site (a court reporter practicing an alternative method) posted a comment that 7 years was the "norm" for steno writer CR school. I merely raised this issue to counter that comment and put that "7-year norm" myth to rest.

[Patricia Babits]

My comment was responding to Monica.

[Montrell Vann]

Oh, I see. My fault. I should have looked more closely at the thread. Thanks! : )