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Learning Program Knocks Down Language Barrier for Hispanics
A new self-paced learning program is now available to help the home building industry’s 2.5 million Hispanic workers learn to speak English. Sed de Saber™-Construction Edition, sponsored by Lowe’s, was created by the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the workforce development arm of NAHB, to address job site communication and safety challenges presented by the language barrier.
Sed de Saber™-Construction Edition uses the Quantum LeapPad™ plus a microphone and seven interactive books to teach Spanish-speaking workers more than 500 words and 340 phrases, providing a functional level of English language conversation and comprehension in an average of four months.
The system enables users to record, play back and compare their pronunciation to the correct pronunciation of the words and phrases they are learning. The curriculum teaches sentence structure and covers workplace scenarios such as communicating with customers, co-workers and supervisors, as well as life skills, such as visiting the doctor, filling a prescription or participating in a parent-teacher conference.
To address safety-related issues, the seventh book in the program focuses entirely on safety practices, following "NAHB/Occupational Safety and Health Administration Job Site Safety Handbook" protocols.
“Sed de Saber™-Construction Edition is an opportunity for builders to take a leadership role in a critical workforce issue for our industry,” said Mike Sivage, HBI’s immediate past chairman and a leading force behind the effort. “Empowering workers to learn English can impact safety, communication and quality, as well as boost loyalty, recruitment and morale.”
The program allows workers to practice at their own pace, on their own time (off the clock) and in the privacy of their home, which boosts English language proficiency for the entire family. Each learning system comes with a skills assessment that enables builders to evaluate their employees’ progress.
“What’s so unique about this program is that it helps us give back to builders in a way that can positively affect the way they do business,” said Mike Horn, vice president of commercial sales at Lowe’s. “Yes, it’s about overcoming language barriers — but for Lowe’s, it’s also about enhancing our commitment to our customers and becoming the valued partner we know they deserve.”
In December 2006, HBI and Retention Education initiated a five-week test of Sed de Saber™-Construction Edition in Washington, D.C., Seattle, Indianapolis and Las Vegas. Eighty two participants completed the first book in the program with an average English language proficiency score improvement of 40%.
“Using the program on job sites resulted in an increase in productivity and efficiency," said Oliver Prock of Rehabitat Northwest, a Seattle-based home builder. “Our employees were able to work better as a team due to the decreased language barrier.”
Developed by a group of superintendents, trade skills experts, builders and remodelers, Sed de Saber™-Construction Edition meets standards of adult assessment systems approved and validated by the Department of Education and the Department of Labor.
In addition to the Quantum LeapPad™, microphone, books and cartridges, the kit includes a headset, power adapter, carrying case and first-user skills assessments.
Sed de Saber™-Construction Edition will be available for delivery beginning March 1 and orders may be placed by clicking here (www.seddesaberconstruction.com). The system retails for $395 for NAHB members and $495 for non-members. Additional skills assessment packages can be purchased for $75 each.
For more information e-mail Ashley Mills at HBI, or call her at 800-795-7955 x8926; or contact Maria McIntyre, x8912.
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