Emma Dearborn originated the Speedwriting Alphabetic Shorthand in 1924. The system became well known in 1928 when it became the first shorthand system publicized for dual use in verbatim recording and selected notetaking. For the next 50 years, speedwriting was marketed in a franchise arrangement with proprietary schools. It became available to both secondary and postsecondary public schools for the first time in the 1970s. The feasibility of teaching speedwriting for purposes of verbatim recording in a one-year course or for purposes of notetaking in a half-year course is well proved. Historically, symbol shorthand instruction has been characterized by high failure, high dropout, and low achievement rates. After adopting the speedwriting system, however, many instructors report a doubling of their student retention rates. Moreover, most are quite pleased with the competencies their students develop. Because of the wealth of supportive materials that now exist for teachers wanting to switch from teaching symbol shorthand to speedwriting, the problems of switching are minimal. The speedwriting principles text contains only 36 theory lessons and 6 review/reinforcement lessons. The system is flexible, adaptable to various formats, and gives full attention to language arts and vocabulary building. An additional set of 60 dictation/transcription lessons covering 12 areas of business is also available for advanced study. Speedwriting has been well received by educators and employers alike. (MN)