5. Go to wdr.doleta.gov/SCANS/, a Web site for the U.S. Department of Labor Employee and Training Administration that includes reports of the SCANS commission (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). Look at the report, “What Work Requires of Schools.” What competencies does the report identify as being necessary for effective job performance? What foundational skills underlie these competencies?

Identify a company that you, a friend, a neighbor, or a relative works for. Set up an interview with a manager, trainer, or human resource representative at the company. Ask this person to discuss with you the extent to which he or she believes that the employees at this company possess these five competencies. Which competencies are most strongly represented in the work force? Which competencies are weaknesses in the work force?