Developing an Effective Construction Training Program for American Supervisors with Hispanic Craft Workers, 2005

In the construction industry, Hispanics have the highest rate of fatal work injuries among the racial/ethnic groups, and productivity in the field is limited by the language barrier between Hispanic workers and their supervisors and the level of education of many Hispanic craft workers. This research developed a training program designed to facilitate the integration process between American supervisors and Hispanic craft workers in a practical and cost-effective way, thus improving productivity and lowering fatality rates. The Iowa State University research team conducted a survey of 38 American supervisors, representing 14 Iowa construction companies. Survey results confirm that communication is the main problem experienced by American supervisors in the job site. Many American supervisors also use or depend on a link-person (an individual who interprets tasks to the rest of the Hispanic crew) to communicate to the Hispanic crew members. Research findings show that language differences affect productivity and workplace safety in the construction industry. Additionally, the educational levels of Hispanic workers indicate that they may not have the literacy skills necessary to understand training materials. This research developed two training courses designed to expand the Spanish communication skills of American supervisors. The research team modified the English-as-a-second-language course developed in Phase I into the Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) Survival Course. A series of technical training courses were also developed, titled Concrete Pavement Construction Basics (CPCB), that cover general practices in concrete pavement construction. They are much shorter and more specialized than the SSL course. The CPCB courses provide American supervisors simple and practical communication tools on a variety of topics to choose from according to their specific needs.

The Annual Condition of Education Report, 2002

Statistics about public edcuation in the state of Iowa including graduation rates, No Child Left Behind Act,

Iowa Department of Education - Iowa Public Television, Agency Performance Plan

Annual Report, Agency Performance Plan

Iowa Department of Education Annual Report, Agency Performance Plan

Annual Report, Agency Performance Plan

The Annual Report of Education Report, 2001

Report of education in Iowa

Sexism in Education, Does Gender Equity Exist in Your Community School District?

Sexism in Education brochure produced by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women

Report of Recommendations to the Iowa Department of Education, June 30, 2002

State Agency Audit Report

Iowa Federal Family Education Loan Program Division, Iowa College Student Aid Commission, June 30, 2002

State Agency Audit Report

The Annual Condition of Education Report, 2003

Statistics about public education in the state of Iowa including graduation rates and No Child Left Behind Act.

Iowa Federal Family Education Loan Program Division, Iowa College Student Aid Commission - Independent Auditor's Reports Basic Financial Statements and Supplementary Information, June 30, 2003

State Agency Audit Report

Report of Recommendations to the Iowa Department of Education, June 30, 2003

State Agency Audit Report

ITE Education News, November/December 2003

Newsletter produced by the Iowa Information Technology Enterprise

ITE Education News, May/June 2004

Newsletter produced by the Iowa Information Technology Enterprise

ITE Education News, September/October 2004

Newsletter produced by the Iowa Information Technology Enterprise

Update & Career Technical Education, 2000

Departmental report produced by the Department of Education.