Des Moines Area Community College.

Electrical Construction Trades

Reading Skills

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

Skill Level
1. Articulate words clearly when speaking. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
2. Make standard English usage choices. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
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 program)
5. Write key technical words accurately on forms. TAUGHT in the program
6. Spell task-related words and abbreviations correctly. TAUGHT in the program
7. Write complete sentences. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
8. Punctuate sentences correctly. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
9. Enter appropriate information onto a form. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
10. Record essential information in phrases or simple sentences. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
11. Transfer numbers, codes, dates and figures onto appropriate sections of forms. NOT APPLICABLE to 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. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
16. Summarize events and dialogue in an accurate, complete, and objective manner. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before 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. NOT APPLICABLE to 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 program)
2. Round whole numbers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
3. Add whole numbers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
4. Subtract whole numbers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
5. Multiply whole numbers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
6. Divide whole numbers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
7. Apply divisibility tests. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
8. Use correct order of operations. TAUGHT in the program
9. Recognize prime and composite numbers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
10. Do calculations mentally. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
11. Estimate answers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)

Math Skills -
Fractions

Skill Level
12. Read and write fractions. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
13. Round to the nearest 1/2 or whole. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
14. Arrange fractions in order. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
15. Reduce fractions to lowest terms. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
16. Change mixed numbers to improper fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
17. Change fractions to equivalent fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
18. Add fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
19. Subtract fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
20. Multiply fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
21. Divide fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
22. Estimate answers. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)

Math Skills -
Decimals

Skill Level
23. Read and write decimals. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
24. Round decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
25. Arrange decimals in order. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
26. Add decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
27. Subtract decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
28. Multiply decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
29. Divide decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
30. Change fractions to decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
31. Change decimals to fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
32. Use scientific notation. TAUGHT in the program

Math Skills -
Percent

Skill Level
33. Read and write percents. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
34. Change percents to decimals. TAUGHT in the program
35. Change decimals to percents. TAUGHT in the program
36. Change percents to fractions. TAUGHT in the program
37. Change fractions to percents. TAUGHT in the program
38. Use ratio and proportion. TAUGHT in the program
39. Compute a percent of a number. EX: What is 6% of 40? TAUGHT in the program
40. Find what percent one number is of another. EX: 6 is what % of 8? TAUGHT in the program
41. Find the base. EX: 8 is 10% of what? TAUGHT in the program
42. Compute: discounts, markup, tax, commission. TAUGHT in the program
43. Compute simple interest. TAUGHT in the program
44. Compute compound interest. TAUGHT in the program
45. Compute percentages mentally. TAUGHT in the program

Math Skills -
Direct Measurement

Skill Level
46. Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
47. Use inches, feet, yards, miles. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
48. Measure to the nearest millimeter. TAUGHT in the program
49. Use millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer. TAUGHT in the program
50. Measure weight to the nearest ounce. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
51. Measure weight to the nearest gram. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
52. Measure angles to the nearest degree. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
53. Measure temperature ( Fahrenheit ). NOT APPLICABLE to the program
54. Measure temperature ( Celsius ). NOT APPLICABLE to the program
55. Measure perimeter. TAUGHT in the program
56. Measure circumference. TAUGHT in the program
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. TAUGHT in the program
65. Use square millimeters, centimeters, and meters. TAUGHT 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.  
78. Construct line, bar, circle, and picture graphs. TAUGHT in the program
79. Interpret graphs. TAUGHT in the program
80. Calculate simple probabilities.  

Math Skills -
Algebra

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

Math Skills -
Trigonometry

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

Math Skills -
Miscellaneous

Skill Level
89. Work with non-decimal numeration systems (binary, hexadecimal). TAUGHT in the program
90. Use a calculator for basic operations on whole numbers and decimals. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
91. Use a calculator for basic operations with fractions. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
92. Use special features of a calculator such as memory and constant. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
93. Enter order of operations on a calculator TAUGHT in the program
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Learning Skills

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

Skill Level
1. Operate a microcomputer system. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
2. Demonstrate keyboarding skills. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program)
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. TAUGHT in the program
7. Use a graphics program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
8. Use a computer aided drafting program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
9. Use a computer assisted instructional program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
10. Use e-mail and attachments. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in program)
11. Use internet search engines NOT APPLICABLE to the program
12. Use a presentation program (e.g. PowerPoint) NOT APPLICABLE to the program
13. Use Programmable Logic Controllers software TAUGHT in the program
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