Des Moines Area Community College.

Civil Engineering Technology Skills Grid

Reading Skills

Skill Level
1. Recognize common words and meanings. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Recognize task-related words with technical meanings. TAUGHT in the program
3. Recognize meanings of common abbreviations, acronyms, codes, and symbols. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
4. Identify factual details within text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Follow sequential directions to complete a task MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Determine the main idea of a passage. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
7. Use table of contents, index, appendices, glossary, section headings and subheadings. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
8. Locate pages, titles, paragraphs, figures, or charts needed to answer questions or solve problems. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
9. Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information in text or visuals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
10. Skim or scan to determine whether or not text contains relevant information. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
11. Cross-reference within and across source materials to select information to perform a routine. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
12. Use information entered on a form to complete a task. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
13. Combine information from multiple sources that contribute to the completion of a task. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
14. Select parts of text or visual materials to complete a task. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
15. Read column charts to obtain information. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
16. Locate chart information from a grid of rows and columns. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
17. Cross-reference charted material with text. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
18. Apply information from tables or graphs to locate malfunctions or select actions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
19. Use flow charts and organizational charts to sequence events, arrive at a decision, or problem solve. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
20. Identify components within a schematic. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
21. Isolate problem components in schematics, tracing to cause of problem and interpreting symbols. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
22. Identify details, labels numbers, parts of an illustration, and parts from a key or legend. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
23. Follow sequenced illustrations as a guide. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
24. Interpret three-dimensional drawings of objects for assembly or disassembly. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
25. Determine meanings of figurative/idiomatic/technical usage of terms, using context clues as reference. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
26. Make inferences from text. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
27. Organize information from multiple sources. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
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Language Skills

Skill Level
1. Articulate words clearly when speaking. TAUGHT in the program
2. Make standard English usage choices. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
3. Adjust language level to the audience and the situation. TAUGHT in the program
4. Spell general vocabulary words correctly. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Write key technical words accurately on forms. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
6. Spell task-related words and abbreviations correctly. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
7. Write complete sentences. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
8. Punctuate sentences correctly. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
9. Enter appropriate information onto a form. TAUGHT in the program
10. Record essential information in phrases or simple sentences. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
11. Transfer numbers, codes, dates and figures onto appropriate sections of forms. TAUGHT in the program
12. Select relevant details for a written communication. TAUGHT in the program
13. Outline a situation by identifying key ideas and support details. TAUGHT in the program
14. Write brief, descriptive accounts of activities or transactions performed. TAUGHT in the program
15. State general impressions of an event or situation as they relate to specific reporting goals. TAUGHT in the program
16. Summarize events and dialogue in an accurate, complete, and objective manner. TAUGHT in the program
17. Summarize the major points presented in a written communication. TAUGHT in the program
18. Generate a written communication according to a specific format (e.g., memo). TAUGHT in the program
19. Write a report including necessary support documentation. TAUGHT in the program
20. Identify intent, target audience, and essential details. TAUGHT in the program
21. Generate a written communication, arranging sections logically. TAUGHT in the program
22. Write a brief justification for actions taken and provide good reasons for rejecting alternative actions. TAUGHT in the program
23. Appraise a written communication and make adjustments to improve clarity. TAUGHT in the program
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Math Skills - Whole Numbers

Skill Level
1. Read and write whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Round whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Add whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Subtract whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Multiply whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Divide whole numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
7. Apply divisibility tests. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Use correct order of operations. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Recognize prime and composite numbers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
10. Do calculations mentally. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
11. Estimate answers. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Fractions

Skill Level
12. Read and write fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
13. Round to the nearest 1/2 or whole. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
14. Arrange fractions in order. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
15. Reduce fractions to lowest terms. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
16. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
17. Change fractions to equivalent fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
18. Add fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
19. Subtract fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
20. Multiply fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
21. Divide fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
22. Estimate answers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)

Math Skills - Decimals

Skill Level
23. Read and write decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
24. Round decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
25. Arrange decimals in order. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
26. Add decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
27. Subtract decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
28. Multiply decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
29. Divide decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
30. Change fractions to decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
31. Change decimals to fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
32. Use scientific notation. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)

Math Skills - Percent

Skill Level
33. Read and write percents. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
34. Change percents to decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
35. Change decimals to percents. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
36. Change percents to fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
37. Change fractions to percents. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
38. Use ratio and proportion. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
39. Compute a percent of a number. EX: What is 6% of 40? REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
40. Find what percent one number is of another. EX: 6 is what % of 8? REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
41. Find the base. EX: 8 is 10% of what? REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
42. Compute: discounts, markup, tax, commission. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
43. Compute simple interest. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
44. Compute compound interest. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
45. Compute percentages mentally. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)

Math Skills - Direct Measurement

Skill Level
46. Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
47. Use inches, feet, yards, miles. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
48. Measure to the nearest millimeter. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
49. Use millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
50. Measure weight to the nearest ounce. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
51. Measure weight to the nearest gram. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
52. Measure angles to the nearest degree. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
53. Measure temperature ( Fahrenheit ). REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
54. Measure temperature ( Celsius ). REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
55. Measure perimeter. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
56. Measure circumference. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
57. Use an architect's/engineer's scale. TAUGHT in the program

Math Skills - Computed Measurement

Skill Level
58. Convert from Metric to English units. TAUGHT in the program
59. Convert from English to Metric units. TAUGHT in the program
60. Compute areas of squares, rectangles, and parallelograms. TAUGHT in the program
61. Compute areas of triangles. TAUGHT in the program
62. Compute areas of trapezoids. TAUGHT in the program
63. Compute areas of circles. TAUGHT in the program
64. Use square inches, feet, and yards. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
65. Use square millimeters, centimeters, and meters. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
66. Compute volume of rectangular solids. TAUGHT in the program
67. Compute volume of cylindrical solids. TAUGHT in the program
68. Use cubic inches, feet, and yards. TAUGHT in the program
69. Use cubic millimeters, centimeters, and meters. TAUGHT in the program
70. Compute mass from volume and density. TAUGHT in the program
71. Find degree of precision/accuracy of calculations and measurements. TAUGHT in the program
72. Identify significant digits. TAUGHT in the program
73. Use the Pythagorean theorem. TAUGHT in the program
74. Do geometric constructions. TAUGHT in the program

Math Skills - Statistics

Skill Level
75. Calculate mean. TAUGHT in the program
76. Find median. TAUGHT in the program
77. Find mode. TAUGHT in the program
78. Construct line, bar, circle, and picture graphs. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
79. Interpret graphs. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
80. Calculate simple probabilities. TAUGHT in the program

Math Skills - Algebra

Skill Level
81. Use exponential notation. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
82. Use algebraic expressions (Ohms Law, gas laws, etc.). REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
83. Simplify algebraic expressions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
84. Solve linear equations. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
85. Have the equivalent of 1 year of High School algebra. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)

Math Skills - Trigonometry

Skill Level
86. Use trig tables. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
87. Compute missing angles of triangles using trig. TAUGHT in the program
88. Compute missing sides of triangles using trig. TAUGHT in the program

Math Skills - Miscellaneous

Skill Level
89. Work with non-decimal numeration systems (binary, hexadecimal). NOT APPLICABLE to the program
90. Use a calculator for basic operations on whole numbers and decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
91. Use a calculator for basic operations with fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
92. Use special features of a calculator such as memory and constant. TAUGHT in the program
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Learning Skills

Skill Level
1. Use effective textbook study techniques. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Take competent notes from lecture. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Take tests in objective formats. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Take essay tests. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Locate materials in library. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
6. Plan a reasonable study schedule. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
7. Follow sequential instructions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
8. Develop sequential instructions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Make accurate observations. TAUGHT in the program
10. Identify significant similarities and differences between two or more items. TAUGHT in the program
11. Classify or match items by their distinguishing features. TAUGHT in the program
12. Draw logical inferences based on observations. TAUGHT in the program
13. Identify cause and effect relationships. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
14. Given a problem, analyze the situation and identify and evaluate possible causes. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
15. Given a problem, identify and evaluate alternative solutions and arrive at a workable solution. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
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Computer Skills

Skill Level
1. Operate a microcomputer system. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
2. Demonstrate keyboarding skills. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
3. Use a word processing program. TAUGHT in the program
4. Use a desktop publishing program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
5. Use a spreadsheet program. TAUGHT in the program
6. Use a data base program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
7. Use a graphics program. TAUGHT in the program
8. Use a computer aided drafting program. TAUGHT in the program
9. Use a computer assisted manufacturing program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
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