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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.

REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)

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.

REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)

5.

Follow sequential directions to complete a task.

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)

6.

Determine the main idea of a passage.

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)

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.

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)

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.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
13. Combine information from multiple sources that contribute to the completion of a task. REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
14. Select parts of text or visual materials to complete a task.  REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
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 or rows and columns. MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
17. Cross-reference charted material with text.  MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
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. REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
21.  Isolate problem components in schematics, tracing to cause of problem and interpreting symbols.  REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
22. Identify details, labels, numbers, parts of an illustration, and parts from a key or legend. REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
23. Follow sequenced illustrations as a guide.  REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
24. Interpret three-dimensional drawings of objects for assembly
or disassembly. 		 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
25. Determine meanings of figurative, idiomatic, or technical usage of terms, using context clues as reference. REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
26.  Make inferences from text.  REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
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.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)

2.

Make standard English usage choices.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)

3.

Adjust language level to the audience and the situation.
 

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught 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. 

 TAUGHT in the program
6.

Spell task-related words and abbreviations correctly.  

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
7.

Write complete sentences   

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
8.

Punctuate sentences correctly. 

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
9.

Enter appropriate information onto a form.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
10.

Record essential information in phrases or simple sentences.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
11.

Transfer numbers, codes, dates and figures onto appropriate sections of forms.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
12.

Select relevant details for a written communication.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
13. Outline a situation by identifying key ideas and support details.   MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
14. Write brief, descriptive accounts of activities or transactions
performed. 		 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
15. State general impressions of an event or situation as they relate to specific reporting goals.  MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
16. Summarize events and dialogue in an accurate, complete,
and objective manner.		 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
17. Summarize the major points presented in a written communication. MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
18. Generate a written communication according to a specific format (e.g., memo) MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
19.  Write a report including necessary support documentation. REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
20.  Identify intent, target audience, and essential details.  MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
21. Generate a written communication, arranging sections logically. MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
22. Write a brief justification for actions taken and provide good reason for rejecting alternative actions.   MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
23. Appraise a written communication and make adjustments to improve clarity. MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
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Math Skills – Whole Numbers

Skill Level
1.

Read and write whole numbers. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
2.

Round whole numbers.

REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
3.

Add whole numbers 

REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
4.

Subtract whole numbers.

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
5.

Multiply whole numbers. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
 6.

Divide whole numbers.

REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
7.

Apply divisibility tests.   

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
8.

Use correct order of operations. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
9.

Recognize prime and composite numbers.

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
10.

Do calculations mentally. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
11.

Estimate answers.

REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
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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 ½ 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)
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Math Skills – Decimials

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)
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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 % pf 8?) 

REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
41.

Find the base. (EX: 9 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. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
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Math Skills – Direct Measurement

Skill Level
46.

Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. 

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
47.

Use inches, feet, yards, miles.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
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. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
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

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
56.

Measure circumference. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program

57.

Use an architects/engineers scale.

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
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Math Skills – Computed Measurement

Skill Level
58.

Convert from Metric to English units. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
59.

Convert from English to Metric units.

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
60.

Compute areas of squares, rectangles, and parallelograms.  

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
61.

Compute areas of triangles.  

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
62.

Compute areas of trapezoids. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
63.

Compute areas of circles.

NOT APPLICABLE to the program
64.

Use square inches, feet, and yards. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
65.

Use square millimeters, centimeters, and meters. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
66.

Compute volume of rectangular solids. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
67.

Compute volume of cylindrical solids. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
68.

Use cubic inches, feet, and yards. 

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)

69.

Use cubic millimeters, centimeters, and meters.

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
70. Compute mass from volume and density. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
71. Find degree of precision/accuracy of calculations and measurements. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
72. Identify significant digits.  NOT APPLICABLE to the program
73. Use the Pythagorean theorem  NOT APPLICABLE to the program
74. Do geometric constructions. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
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Math Skills – Statistics

Skill Level
75.

Calculate mean. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
76.

Find median. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
77.

Find mode. 

NOT APPLICABLE to 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. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
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Math Skills – Algebra

Skill Level
81.

Use exponential notation.  

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
82.

Use algebraic expressions. (Ohms Law, gas laws, etc.) 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
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. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program
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Math Skills – Miscellaneous

Skill Level
86.

Use a calculator for basic operations on whole numbers and decimals. 

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
87.

Use a calculator for basic operations with fractions. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to 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 entry)
 2.

Take competent notes from lecture.

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
3.

Take tests in objective formats. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
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. 

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
7.

Follow sequential instructions.  

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
8.

Develop sequential instructions. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
9.

Make accurate observations.  

 TAUGHT in the program
10.

Identify significant similarities and differences between two or more items.  

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
11.

Classify or match items by their distinguishing features. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
12.

Draw logical inferences based on observations. 

 REVIEWED briefly in the program
(familiarity needed before program entry)
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. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program 
2.

Demonstrate keyboarding skills.  

 MASTERED prior to enrollment
(will not be retaught in the program)
3.

Use a word processing program 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program 
4.

Use a desktop publishing program.  

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program 
5.

Use a spreadsheet program. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to the program 
6.

Use a data base program. 

 NOT APPLICABLE to 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 manufacturing program. 

NOT APPLICABLE to the program 
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Campuses in Algona, Emmetsburg, Estherville, Spencer and Spirit Lake.
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Questions or comments? Please email us at info@iowalakes.edu or call (712) 362-2604 or 1-800-521-5054.
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