CBS 11 DFW reports on SB 864

[baldeagle]

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/05/09/texa ... quirement/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They interviewed 12 CHL instructors, all of whom said there was no way they could cram all their material into six hours.

Out of dozen interviewed for this story, not a single one supported the idea of reducing class time.

“Doing a six hour course on what we’re trained to teach now would be very, very difficult,” said Tom Mannewitz, at Target Master in Garland.

Mannewitz teaches the state mandated certification course, focused on gun laws, safety and responsibility.

He already finds himself trying to squeeze in all the information.

Dude, if you're trying to squeeze in the information in ten hours, maybe you need to rethink what you're teaching.

[2firfun50]

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/05/09/texa ... quirement/

They interviewed 12 CHL instructors, all of whom said there was no way they could cram all their material into six hours.

Out of dozen interviewed for this story, not a single one supported the idea of reducing class time.

“Doing a six hour course on what we’re trained to teach now would be very, very difficult,” said Tom Mannewitz, at Target Master in Garland.

Mannewitz teaches the state mandated certification course, focused on gun laws, safety and responsibility.

He already finds himself trying to squeeze in all the information.

Dude, if you're trying to squeeze in the information in ten hours, maybe you need to rethink what you're teaching.

I agree with you baldeagle. As a new instructor, I haven't accumulated a lot of material to 'fill" in the time. After conducting my first class, it became obvious that 10 hrs, especially in 1 day, was excessive and counter productive to learning the "need to know" basics. If we stick to the "need to know", cut back on the "nice to know", and make sure learning has taken place, then we will be fine.

I can't see spending 2 or 3 hrs on non-violent despute resolution. Anyone who go past the 8th grade without getting routinely whooped, has a pretty good understanding of that concept.

[jmra]

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/05/09/texa ... quirement/

They interviewed 12 CHL instructors, all of whom said there was no way they could cram all their material into six hours.

Out of dozen interviewed for this story, not a single one supported the idea of reducing class time.

“Doing a six hour course on what we’re trained to teach now would be very, very difficult,” said Tom Mannewitz, at Target Master in Garland.

Mannewitz teaches the state mandated certification course, focused on gun laws, safety and responsibility.

He already finds himself trying to squeeze in all the information.

Dude, if you're trying to squeeze in the information in ten hours, maybe you need to rethink what you're teaching.

I agree with you baldeagle. As a new instructor, I haven't accumulated a lot of material to 'fill" in the time. After conducting my first class, it became obvious that 10 hrs, especially in 1 day, was excessive and counter productive to learning the "need to know" basics. If we stick to the "need to know", cut back on the "nice to know", and make sure learning has taken place, then we will be fine.

I can't see spending 2 or 3 hrs on non-violent despute resolution. Anyone who go past the 8th grade without getting routinely whooped, has a pretty good understanding of that concept.

I think most of these guys are concerned that students are expecting lower prices with the reduction in hours and how that affects the pocketbook.
Also going to be hard now to bring in the sales people pitching prepaid legal services within the new timeframe.

[G26ster]

Both SB 864 and HB 47 have the same language below:

" (j) For license holders seeking to renew their licenses, the
[The] department may offer online, or allow a qualified handgun
instructor to offer online, the classroom instruction part of the
handgun proficiency [continuing education instruction] course and
the written section of the proficiency examination [required to
renew a license]."

So basically, it's up to DPS to set up an on-line course, or individual Instructors to do so. Any insights as to anyone's (DPS or Instructor) plans to do this? I need to renew in the next 10 months so I'd like to have some insight, if available.

[RoyGBiv]

Both SB 864 and HB 47 have the same language below:

" (j) For license holders seeking to renew their licenses, the
[The] department may offer online, or allow a qualified handgun
instructor to offer online, the classroom instruction part of the
handgun proficiency [continuing education instruction] course and
the written section of the proficiency examination [required to
renew a license]."

So basically, it's up to DPS to set up an on-line course, or individual Instructors to do so. Any insights as to anyone's (DPS or Instructor) plans to do this? I need to renew in the next 10 months so I'd like to have some insight, if available.

Sounds like a business opportunity for a smart HTML programmer and a small group of instructors. Just sayin'

[baldeagle]

Both SB 864 and HB 47 have the same language below:

" (j) For license holders seeking to renew their licenses, the
[The] department may offer online, or allow a qualified handgun
instructor to offer online, the classroom instruction part of the
handgun proficiency [continuing education instruction] course and
the written section of the proficiency examination [required to
renew a license]."

So basically, it's up to DPS to set up an on-line course, or individual Instructors to do so. Any insights as to anyone's (DPS or Instructor) plans to do this? I need to renew in the next 10 months so I'd like to have some insight, if available.

I could be wrong, but I kind of doubt that DPS will set anything up. It will up to enterprising instructors to come up with an online format that works. Personally I would setup a training course with modules and tests at the end to ensure you've learned the material. Then the final step would be a signup forum to schedule your handgun proficiency test, perhaps with available times if the instructor needs to do that.

[RX8er]

Both SB 864 and HB 47 have the same language below:

" (j) For license holders seeking to renew their licenses, the
[The] department may offer online, or allow a qualified handgun
instructor to offer online, the classroom instruction part of the
handgun proficiency [continuing education instruction] course and
the written section of the proficiency examination [required to
renew a license]."

So basically, it's up to DPS to set up an on-line course, or individual Instructors to do so. Any insights as to anyone's (DPS or Instructor) plans to do this? I need to renew in the next 10 months so I'd like to have some insight, if available.

Isn't the current law written that way, or very close to it already? The law "may allow" online but DPS has yet to allow so this won't change anything as far as online classes?!?

[mojo84]

We had a small group in our class. On top of that, the folks we had were already pretty knowledgeable and not the type that was interested in showing the rest of the class how much they knew. We covered the required material in much less than ten hours and spent quite a bit of time discussing scenarios and other related material to fill the time. It was pretty ridiculous because it was obvious we were just having to fill the time.

Now with that said, there was some good information covered and it wasn't a complete waste of time but it was unnecessary. About four to six hours should be plenty unless you have a really large class of people that are extremely new to guns.

[jmra]

About four to six hours should be plenty unless you have a really large class of people that are extremely new to guns.

That's the problem IMHO. A CHL class is not an "Introduction to Guns" class.

[mojo84]

About four to six hours should be plenty unless you have a really large class of people that are extremely new to guns.

That's the problem IMHO. A CHL class is not an "Introduction to Guns" class.

I agree. However, some people very new to guns take the CHL class and their questions sometimes lead off into chasing rabbits or discussing some very basic info.

I also can see someone coming up with some way to do it online if allowed. They do it with professional CE all the time. However, I still usually opt to go to a class as I think it is better quality and I have a better chance of actually getting something out of it.

[snorri]

Both SB 864 and HB 47 have the same language below:

" (j) For license holders seeking to renew their licenses, the
[The] department may offer online, or allow a qualified handgun
instructor to offer online, the classroom instruction part of the
handgun proficiency [continuing education instruction] course and
the written section of the proficiency examination [required to
renew a license]."

So basically, it's up to DPS to set up an on-line course, or individual Instructors to do so. Any insights as to anyone's (DPS or Instructor) plans to do this? I need to renew in the next 10 months so I'd like to have some insight, if available.

Isn't the current law written that way, or very close to it already? The law "may allow" online but DPS has yet to allow so this won't change anything as far as online classes?!?

That's how I see it. Here's the current law.

GC §411.188. HANDGUN PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT.
(j) The department may offer online, or allow a qualified handgun instructor to offer online, the continuing education instruction course and written section of the proficiency examination required to renew a license.

[G26ster]

OK, then nothing really changed when it comes to renewals. Guess I was chasing a rabbit from another thread which spoke of online renewals as something new.

[RX8er]

OK, then nothing really changed when it comes to renewals. Guess I was chasing a rabbit from another thread which spoke of online renewals as something new.

IMHO, I think it should be offered up. I would love to create an online CHL initial class and then schedule a monthly qualification day at the range. I could see pricing dropping quickly. I can see the liability aspect of it though and am surprised that DPS offers online for defensive driving. Could you imagine the first person that is caught having his wife take the class?

[jmra]

OK, then nothing really changed when it comes to renewals. Guess I was chasing a rabbit from another thread which spoke of online renewals as something new.

IMHO, I think it should be offered up. I would love to create an online CHL initial class and then schedule a monthly qualification day at the range. I could see pricing dropping quickly. I can see the liability aspect of it though and am surprised that DPS offers online for defensive driving. Could you imagine the first person that is caught having his wife take the class?

I wonder if anyone has actually approached DPS with a plan to provide the training online.

[RX8er]

OK, then nothing really changed when it comes to renewals. Guess I was chasing a rabbit from another thread which spoke of online renewals as something new.

IMHO, I think it should be offered up. I would love to create an online CHL initial class and then schedule a monthly qualification day at the range. I could see pricing dropping quickly. I can see the liability aspect of it though and am surprised that DPS offers online for defensive driving. Could you imagine the first person that is caught having his wife take the class?

I wonder if anyone has actually approached DPS with a plan to provide the training online.

My understanding is that DPS has been approached several times and turned it down.