Des Moines Area Community College.

Legal Assistant 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in 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. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need 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 (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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
3. Adjust language level to the audience and the situation. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
4. Spell general vocabulary words correctly. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
5. Write key technical words accurately on forms. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
6. Spell task-related words and abbreviations correctly. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
7. Write complete sentences. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
8. Punctuate sentences correctly. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
9. Enter appropriate information onto a form. MASTERED (will not be retaught in 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
12. Select relevant details for a written communication. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
13. Outline a situation by identifying key ideas and support details. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
17. Summarize the major points presented in a written communication. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
18. Generate a written communication according to a specific format (e.g., memo). MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
19. Write a report including necessary support documentation. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
20. Identify intent, target audience, and essential details. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
21. Generate a written communication, arranging sections logically. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
22. Write a brief justification for actions taken and provide good reasons for rejecting alternative actions. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
23. Appraise a written communication and make adjustments to improve clarity. MASTERED (will not be retaught 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)

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. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
47. Use inches, feet, yards, miles. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
48. Measure to the nearest millimeter. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
49. Use millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer. NOT APPLICABLE to 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. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
56. Measure circumference. NOT APPLICABLE to 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
59. Convert from English to Metric units. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in 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. 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. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
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. NOT APPLICABLE to 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). 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. NOT APPLICABLE to the program

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Learning Skills

Skill Level

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. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
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. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
9. Make accurate observations. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
10. Identify significant similarities and differences between two or more items. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
11. Classify or match items by their distinguishing features. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
12. Draw logical inferences based on observations. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
13. Identify cause and effect relationships. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
14. Given a problem, analyze the situation and identify and evaluate possible causes. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)
15. Given a problem, identify and evaluate alternative solutions and arrive at a workable solution. MASTERED (will not be retaught in the program)

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Computer Skills

Skill Level

1. Operate a microcomputer system. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
2. Demonstrate keyboarding skills. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
3. Use a word processing program. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
4. Use a desktop publishing program. NOT APPLICABLE to the program
5. Use a spreadsheet program. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
6. Use a data base program. REVIEWED briefly in the program (familiarity need before program entry)
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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