Des Moines Area Community College.

Journalism Academic Skills Grid

Reading Skills

Skill Level

1. Recognize common words and meanings. MASTERED (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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Identify factual details within text. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Follow sequential directions to complete a task MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Determine the main idea of a passage. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
7. Use table of contents, index, appendices, glossary, section headings and subheadings. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Locate pages, titles, paragraphs, figures, or charts needed to answer questions or solve problems. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information in text or visuals (especially on the Internet). REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
10. Skim or scan to determine whether or not text contains relevant information. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
11. Cross-reference within and across source materials to select information to perform a routine. MASTERED (will not be retaught 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
14. Select parts of text or visual materials to complete a task. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
15. Read column charts to obtain information. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
16. Locate chart information from a grid of rows and columns. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
17. Cross-reference charted material with text. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
18. Apply information from tables or graphs to locate malfunctions or select actions. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
19. Use flow charts and organizational charts to sequence events, arrive at a decision, or problem solve. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
23. Follow sequenced illustrations as a guide. MASTERED (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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
26. Make inferences from text. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
27. Organize information from multiple sources. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)

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Language Skills

Skill Level

1. Articulate words clearly when speaking. MASTERED (will not be retaught 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. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
4. Spell general vocabulary words correctly. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity needed before program entry)
5. Write key technical words accurately on forms. MASTERED (will not be retaught 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 (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Punctuate sentences correctly. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
9. Enter appropriate information onto a form. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
10. Record essential information in phrases or simple sentences. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the 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. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
14. Write brief, descriptive accounts of activities or transactions performed. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
15. State general impressions of an event or situation as they relate to specific reporting goals. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
16. Summarize events and dialogue in an accurate, complete, and objective manner. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
17. Summarize the major points presented in a written communication. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
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. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
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 (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Round whole numbers. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Add whole numbers. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Subtract whole numbers. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Multiply whole numbers. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Divide whole numbers. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
7. Apply divisibility tests. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Use correct order of operations. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Recognize prime and composite numbers. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
10. Do calculations mentally. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
11. Estimate answers. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Fractions

Skill Level

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

Math Skills - Decimals

Skill Level

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

Math Skills - Percent

Skill Level

33. Read and write percents. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
34. Change percents to decimals. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
35. Change decimals to percents. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
36. Change percents to fractions. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
37. Change fractions to percents. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
38. Use ratio and proportion. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
39. Compute a percent of a number. EX: What is 6% of 40? MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
40. Find what percent one number is of another. EX: 6 is what % of 8? MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
41. Find the base. EX: 8 is 10% of what? MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
42. Compute: discounts, markup, tax, commission. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
43. Compute simple interest. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
44. Compute compound interest. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
45. Compute percentages mentally. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Direct Measurement

Skill Level

46. Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
47. Use inches, feet, yards, miles. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
48. Measure to the nearest millimeter. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
49. Use millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
50. Measure weight to the nearest ounce. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
51. Measure weight to the nearest gram. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
52. Measure angles to the nearest degree. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
53. Measure temperature (Fahrenheit). MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
54. Measure temperature (Celsius). MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught in the program)
55. Measure perimeter. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
56. Measure circumference. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
57. Use an architect's/engineer's scale. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Computed Measurement

Skill Level

58. Convert from Metric to English units. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
59. Convert from English to Metric units. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
60. Compute areas of squares, rectangles, and parallelograms. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
61. Compute areas of triangles. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
62. Compute areas of trapezoids. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
63. Compute areas of circles. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
64. Use square inches, feet, and yards. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
65. Use square millimeters, centimeters, and meters. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
66. Compute volume of rectangular solids. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
67. Compute volume of cylindrical solids. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
68. Use cubic inches, feet, and yards. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
69. Use cubic millimeters, centimeters, and meters. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
70. Compute mass from volume and density. MASTERED prior to enrollment (will not be retaught 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
74. Do geometric constructions. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

Math Skills - Statistics

Skill Level

75. Calculate mean. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
76. Find median. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
77. Find mode. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
78. Construct line, bar, circle, and picture graphs. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
79. Interpret graphs. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
80. Calculate simple probabilities. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Algebra

Skill Level

81. Use exponential notation. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
82. Use algebraic expressions (Ohms Law, gas laws, etc.). MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
83. Simplify algebraic expressions. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
84. Solve linear equations. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
85. Have the equivalent of 1 year of High School algebra. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)

Math Skills - Trigonometry

Skill Level

86. Use trig tables. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
87. Compute missing angles of triangles using trig. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
88. Compute missing sides of triangles using trig. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)

Math Skills - Miscellaneous

 
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 (will not be retaught in the program)
91. Use a calculator for basic operations with fractions. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
92. Use special features of a calculator such as memory and constant. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
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Learning Skills

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

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Computer Skills

Skill Level

1. Operate a microcomputer system. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
2. Demonstrate keyboarding skills. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Use a word processing program. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Use a desktop publishing program. TAUGHT in 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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