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

2. 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

3. 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

4. “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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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