JJVP wrote:baldeagle wrote:JJVP wrote:I don't think proper handgun use; and safe and proper storage of handguns and ammunition is what needs to be covered at all in a CHL class. Those topics belong on a firearm safety class. The only requirements for the CHL class are non-violent dispute resolution, use of force, and CHL laws.
Don't argue with me. Argue with DPS -
https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/faqs/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There are four (4) required topics: use of force; non violent dispute resolution; handgun use; and safe and proper storage of handguns and ammunition. Additional topics may be taught as well.
You'll notice, I hope, that CHL laws are NOT included.
I find it strange that someone being taught a CHL class is not required to learn the laws which govern that license. I don't recall, when I took my CHL class 4 years ago, that the topic about storage of handguns and ammunition, other than related to the law about keeping unattended guns away from children, was discussed. We however, discussed at lengths the CHL laws that we were now required to abide by. I have talked to other CHL'ers, that have taken classes with other instructors, and other that conflict resolution, the CHL laws was the major topic.
I also fail to understand how covering the use of force does not require knowing the law that covers the use of force. But then again, it is the government, so it does not have to make sense.
So I think we need to make sure we are comparing apples to apples. In my class, I have only one 30-minute module that I call fluff - it is my module on concealment options. Everything else is information found in either the the required 4 topics, or found on the test. I am required to teach Non-Violent Dispute Resolution, Safe Storage, Handgun Use/Proficiency, and the laws that relate to carrying a handgun/laws that relate to deadly force. But guess what. A majority of the test questions do not fall into either 4 of these groups. That is 36% of the tested questions would be bypassed if you are only teaching these 4 topics. This 36% is CHL regulations. Not laws, but regulations. Like, how many days do you have to report an address change, or how many times can you violate the same regulation before you get suspended or revoked. So I make sure that my students know everything on the test, not just the 4 topics I am required to teach. With the reduction in hours, I will be teaching the test, and definitely leaving out some other things like concealment options. Or, I will be opting for the whole, here's a booklet with some more info, approach. I am a teacher by trade, so I will just have to sit down, weigh the options, and take a hacksaw to it! Or maybe DPS will issue some different guidelines before that time comes.
baldeagle wrote:Next I would do non violent dispute resolution. I would finish with use of force. That way the class begins by stressing proper and safe handling of firearms, leads into non violent dispute resolution (because I just taught them how serious firearm ownership is and how easily someone can be hurt through improper handling and therefore deadly force should be a deliberate choice as well as the last resort.) Then, the last section of the class would be structured like this: You've learned proper handling and safety, you've learned how to avoid violent encounters, now let's talk about what you can and should do and what the law permits you to do when you have no options left and must use deadly force.
I'd probably do the range work between non violent dispute resolution and use of force. So, class begins at 8:30. Break at 9:30. Resume at 9:45 and go to 11:15 with a break at the half-way point. Break for lunch. Meet at the range at 1:15. Shoot until done. Resume class for 1 and 1/2 hours to complete the use of force section. Then administer the test and hand out certificates.
And with your time allotments, you have left out 36% of the test questions. Not picking on Bald Eagle, but this is what people who are not instructors don't see. So now it is up to DPS to either revamp the requirements for curriculum, or revamp the requirements for the test.
And as far as fees are concerned, most are correct in their statements that half the time doesn't necessarily mean half of the expense. It really depends on your set-up. I rent classroom and range space, so half the time doesn't mean I only have half the rental space expense. A class is only as good as the person teaching it; doesn't matter what the curriculum is, so you are paying (somewhat) for the experience and teaching ability of the instructor. When I left my initial CHL class, I had all kinds of questions, and felt like the class was a let-down. But I can tell you that a high percentage of my students from my last class liked Non-Violent Dispute the most. Why? Because of how I teach it. And that's how I want my students to feel when they walk away - like they got the best that their money could buy, and that it was WORTH it.
I think the reduction in class hours, coupled with the elimination of the renewal class, is going to separate the hobbyists from the instructors. There's nothing wrong with being a hobby instructor, because doing what makes you happy shows. But it will be the instructors who dedicate a little more time and effort who will hold on in the long run.
TBM
And believe me, that instructor was not teaching the full 10 hours of an initial. 
The instructor had the renewals arrive at lunch, gave them the info we had already covered in the morning, and then carried on. But you have to remember that renewals have already seen this information once before; it truly is a refresher. You aren't teaching renewals brand new information like you are initials. It's the initials that have the potential to be losing out. I'm not trying to make a case for no reduction - I believe in the reduction of the hours. But there will have to be some change in the way I present the material. And now that my hand is forced, I'll be making those changes sooner rather than later.