There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about court reporting. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to contact us if you have any questions.
Program Manager: Gary Shaw
Office Phone Number: (661) 387-1055
Cell Number: (661) 477-4922
Email: garywestec@gmail.com
BEGINNING THEORY
Next Beginning Theory Class
January 19, 2021
If you are interested in the Court Reporting program, please contact:
Gary Shaw
Program Manager
(661) 387-1055, EXT 215 (OFFICE)
(661) 477-4922 (CELL)
for further information
Court reporters, also called shorthand reporters, use a stenotype machine to record verbatim notes of court proceedings, depositions, hearings and meetings. From these notes they produce accurate transcripts.
Court reporters report civil and criminal trials; freelance reporters report depositions, arbitrations, business and convention sessions.
Most reporters now use computer-aided transcription (CAT) where a digital record can be made on a disk or memory unit. This technology allows a translation of steno notes almost instantaneously, which, in turn, provides useful technological support and service to court systems and attorneys.
Interested individuals must be high school graduates (diploma or GED) and be able to type on a keyboard at least 35 words per minute (wpm).
The first class taken in sequence for Court Reporting is Theory. The Theory class is a structured course where students will learn how to write words in the English language using strokes on the steno machine. Students should be able to write between 40 and 60 wpm in steno at the completion of the course.
Upon successfully completing the Theory class, students will start Speed Building. The Speed-Building courses are typically offered year-round. The goal is to reach a speed of 225 to 240 wpm and qualify to take the State examinations.
In order to qualify to take the State of California licensing tests, students must meet certain specific academic and skill-building hours through the Taft College at WESTEC court reporting program.
In order to become eligible to take the state licensing examinations for certified shorthand reporters, students must meet the following requirements -
Requirement Hours Needed
English/Vocabulary 240
Medical 120
Transcript Procedures 25
Apprenticeship 60
Technology 60
Resource Materials 5
Academic Hours 660
Transcription Hours 2300
The above requirements can be met through taking certain academic (i.e. English, Business Law, Anatomy, etc) classes and core court reporting courses
Although our classrooms have changed and we don’t have the opportunity to meet with you in person, the goal is still the same. Which means that even though things appear to be slightly different, the same expectations remain, and your success in the Court Reporting Program at WESTEC is largely dependent on YOU.
You have been, and will continue to be, provided all of the tools necessary to help you on this path that you have chosen toward your future career. It is up to YOU to utilize those tools, practice, attend every class and make every effort in your power to ensure that you reach your destination as a licensed Court Reporter.
Please be aware that ALL DICTATION CLASSES ARE IMPORTANT regardless if you need the tests given in a particular class. Each speed will have a “Lab” period during the day. Take this time to attend a class that is above or below your actual speed class if possible.
· Sit up a speed. This is when you will have the opportunity to get those fingers moving and practice speed-building even though you may not get every word.
· Sit down a speed. This is when you can work on your accuracy and add to your dictionary.
· Stay for the tests regardless of the speed. Every bit of live dictation you get will only make you better.
The classes are designed to improve your writing by repetition, which truly is your best friend.
Another tool that will aid you in your endeavors in reaching this goal is homework. The homework is designed to encourage you to be on your machine as much as possible by teaching that practice and perseverance will definitely make you a better writer.
· The Must-Types teach you to not only write, but to be able to read your own notes and put those notes into a logical and acceptable format.
· The Vocabulary/Spelling homework is designed to increase your knowledge and familiarity with words that stretch you from basic college-level words to legal and medical terminology and beyond. It is not meant to be easy. If it were easy, everyone would be able to do it.
With that said, the Homework policy should be very clear to every student enrolled in the Court Reporting program.
· Homework is due every Thursday. Because the program is online, the homework is due every Thursday unless there is some unusual circumstance that prevents you from completing the homework. The final decision as to whether or not late homework is accepted will be made by the Program Manager.
· You may not pass a speed test unless all of your homework has been turned in and you receive 60% or higher on each assignment.
We want you to be successful! But the most important thing is that YOU want to be successful. It is entirely up to you. Your future is in YOUR hands.
Questions? Contact Lisa P for Vocab/Spelling, Sam for Must-Types and Gary for everything else.
CHECK OUT THE STUDENT BROCHURE FROM THE CALIFORNIA COURT REPORTERS BOARD
WESTEC
WESTEC P.O. Box 1210 5801 E. Lerdo Hwy, Shafter, CA 93263 US SEE THE MAP ON THE HOME PAGE
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