Alternative Approaches to Training David W. Hutchison, SC December 5, 2017

The Goal is Certified Counselors… …the means to achieve this goal is training Traditional approach Remote training (webinars, etc.) Self-study CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

No Single Approach Fits All Self-starting volunteers may be satisfied with self-study Should have strong software skills Should have analytical skills Other volunteers may wish to attend instructor-led classroom training Logistic concerns may dictate approach CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

“Traditional” Training Traditional training consists of classroom instruction on tax law, tax preparation software, and other topics Many approaches in CO1 Several districts together Decentralized to sites Common attribute is the classroom with one or more instructors Both passive and active learning CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

Remote Training Broadcast traditional training Webinars or other group meeting software Skype Works best with passive training CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

AARP Tax-Aide Self-Study Program Train on tax law and tax software outside of the classroom Some find the self-study approach an attractive option because: It can supplement the classroom experience For example, it may help a student catch up when they miss a class. It can replace the classroom experience The classroom schedule may not work for some Students with a strong commitment to study can learn with assistance of a coach or an Instructor. It can work as a self-directed curriculum for small groups For example, in rural or ethnic communities District should review and adjust the syllabus for their needs May mix or complement self-study with other learning activities and approaches CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

The NTTC Self-Study Program Where to Find It OneSupport Help Center (OSHC) Tax Training > Materials/Presentations Self Study Syllabus TY2017.zip TrC and DC make modifications to suit their training program TrC makes updated package available to volunteers in self-study program CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

The NTTC Self-Study Program What Modifications? The self-study program only contains lessons on Federal tax law Districts should add the following: What’s new in tax law State tax information Required training on program policies and procedures Scope Required workbook problems (with solutions) Other as determined by the DC CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

The NTTC Self-Study Program What is in the 2017 Program Orientation Income Module (8 lessons) Intake, Scope, Filing Status, and Dependents Module (6 lessons) Adjustments, Deductions, and Credits Module (9 lessons) Healthcare and ACA Module (1 lesson) Taxes, Payments, Refunds, and eFiling Module (3 lessons) CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

The NTTC Self-Study Program What is in the 2017 Program NTTC plans to add instructional videos (future) Self-study interactive exercises (future) Districts must decide on the role and method of mentoring CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

The NTTC Self-Study Program Key Resources Pub 4491 VITA/TCE Training Guide. The NTTC updates the IRS version with Tax-Aide specific information each year. It can be found on OneSupport. Pub 4012 Volunteer Resource Guide. The NTTC updates the IRS version with Tax- Aide specific information each year. It can be found on OneSupport. Practice Lab. TaxSlayerPro training application provided by the IRS. 2017 NTTC Workbook. Practice tax return exercises and quizzes. Link & Learn Taxes Online eLearning application. The web-based version of lessons, examples, and exercises provided by the IRS. Other resources: Publication 17 - Your Federal Income Tax Form 6744 VITA/TCE Volunteer Assistor’s Test/Retest Link & Learn Central (Certification Tests, Link & Learn Taxes Lessons, Volunteer Standards of Conduct Training, Intake/Interview and Quality Review Training) TaxSlayer videos CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

Support and Supervision Self-study students work best with the support of a coach, Instructor, Local Coordinator, or other experienced Counselor The coach can answer questions and support the student through the learning process Self-study students must accomplish the same learning objectives, test, and certification requirements as other volunteers Self-study replaces much or all of the classroom time All volunteers must pass the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct, Intake/Quality Review and Advanced Certification Tests CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016

What are the Rules? Who can self-study? How do we insure self-study Counselors are progressing and not frustrated? How do we insure self-study Counselors are adequately trained? Is the Link & Learn Certification the only measure? You (DCs, TrCs, and Instructors) make the rules CO1 Instructor Workshop 2016