Explanation of Grades
Grading Scale for Academic Courses:
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.8 |
| B+ | 3.5 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.8 |
| C+ | 2.5 |
| IP - In Progess | 0 |
| CBE - Credit By Exam | 0 |
| T - Transfer | 0 |
| U - Unsatisfactory | 0 |
| W - Withdrawal | 0 |
Steno Proficiency Tests will require a 95% or greater score; otherwise, a test retake will be necessary. For all Realtime Theory and Realtime Writing courses students must receive satisfactory exit requirements in order to receive a Certificate of Completion.
In Progress "IP": An "IP" will be given to students who have not reached the stated speed benchmarks in the course, but have shown progress toward the end.
Credit by Exam "CBE": "CBE" grades are given for courses students have successfully passed an examination for credit as explained under "Academic Policies."
Transfer "T": "T" grades are given for credits TextStream Institute of Court Reporting, Inc., accepts as transfer credit as explained under "Academic Policies."
Unsatisfactory "U": "U" grades are given when the student's grade for the class is below 2.5. The student will have to retake the class and also be obligated to pay a tuition fee for that particular class.
Withdrawal "W": "W" grade is posted after a student withdraws from a class after the 100% refund deadline. Receiving a "W" does not affect the student's GPA.
Internship:
Upon passing the 200 testimony proficiency test, students will begin an internship course. The internship is among the most valuable courses offered. It allows the student to gain real experience in the actual courtroom, law office, or business environment in which they will eventually work. Although these courses are not held in the classroom, for all purposes they are considered the same as any course scheduled for the classroom (attendance, grading, tuition, etc.) It is the student's responsibility to find internship assignments and to arrange their own transportation to and from said assignments.
Graduation Requirements:
A Certificate of Completion for the Realtime Reporter Program will be awarded to a student who has satisfactorily completed all academic courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and has attained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all Realtime Theory and Realtime Writing courses. Upon completion of the program, the student will have successfully passed with a score of 95% or better on three five-minute proficiency tests in the following categories and speeds according to NCRA’s guidelines for the RPR: testimony at 225 wpm, jury charge at 200 wpm, and Literary at 180 wpm.
An Advanced Realtime Reporter Certificate will be issued to those who have attained the requirements of the Realtime Reporter Certificate in addition to satisfactorily completing the requirements of the PRW 401 and PRW 402 courses along with meeting the exit requirements of passing two 140 wpm literary proficiency tests with an unedited score of 96% according to NCRA’s guidelines for the CRR (Certified Realtime Reporter).
A Professional Realtime Reporter Certificate will be issued to those who have attained the requirements of the Realtime Reporter Certificate or those who have graduated from another program and have enrolled at TextStream Institute in addition to satisfactorily completing the requirements of the PRW 401, PRW 402, PRW 403, and PRW 404 courses along with meeting the exit requirements of passing two 180 wpm literary proficiency tests with an unedited score of 96% according to NCRA’s guidelines for the CRR (Certified Realtime Reporter).
For the Captioning and CART Programs (offered in the near future) the student must satisfactorily complete all courses required for the program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and pass two five-minute proficiency tests with a transcription score of 95% or better in the following: 225 testimony and 200 jury charge. Three five-minute 180 wpm literary proficiency tests must also be passed with an unedited score of 96% according to NCRA’s guidelines for the CRR.
*TextStream Institute is currently pursuing accreditation and NCRA approval; therefore certain courses, grading scales, policies, procedures, and graduation requirements are subject to change.Academic Progress:
A record of grades and other appropriate information is kept in each student's permanent record. Students are expected to meet a minimum standard of 2.5 GPA in all academic classes. Steno proficiency tests are five minutes in length and must be passed within 95% accuracy. The Speedbuilding portion of the program is self-paced, and a student is permitted to progress through the categories and speed levels at his/her own pace. The IP designation (see Explanation of Grades) will be issued until satisfactorily meeting the benchmarks of each course. A student may not proceed to the next speed level until either one five-minute tests in a specific category is passed with a score of 95% or higher at every 10 wpm or two at every 20 wpm. Students who fall below average will be scheduled to counsel with the Director, and if a need is determined, assistance will be provided.
Probation:
Falling below a 2.5 cumulative GPA during a quarter will result in the student being placed on probation. The probationary period shall be no longer than one quarter. Should a student fail to reach the minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the probationary period, academic dismissal will result. Re-entrance eligibility will be determined by the Director of Education.
Placement Counseling/Assistance:
TextStream Institute of Court Reporting, Inc. will provide placement counseling and assistance in the form of resume preparation, job searches, interview preparation and scheduling of interviews to its graduates. Employment is not guaranteed, however.
Tuitions and Fees:
Students must have a steno machine with realtime cables and capability upon arrival of the first day of class. A notebook computer with wireless capability and court reporting software will be required by the end of the Theory II course. A list of system requirements and specific equipment required is available at the office. It is very important to register early as it may take in excess of two weeks to receive the equipment. There are a limited number of steno machines and software available for rent for those students who are waiting for their equipment to come in or who present a significant financial burden.
Refund Policy:
All tuition and fees paid by the applicant, with the exception of the $25 registration fee, will be refunded if the applicant is rejected by the school before enrollment. All tuition and fees paid by the applicant shall be refunded if requested within three business days after signing a contract with the school. All refunds will be returned within 30 days.
Refunds will be processed only after a student has formally withdrawn from the program in writing. After three business days have elapsed after signing the student contract, the amount of the refund to be issued for courses in which the student is currently enrolled is as follows:
| Withdrawal Period | Tuition Returned |
|---|---|
| 1st week of quarter | 75 % |
| 2nd week of quarter | 50 % |
| 3rd week of quarter | 20 % |
*No refunds will be issued for withdrawals from individual courses after the third week of the quarter.
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