Ninth grade Algebra was a lively, jam packed lesson that began with a full on vocabulary immersion and review of the fundamentals of algebraic concepts and language.

Distinctions between "symmetric" and "uniform" were discussed along with "mode" and "median" followed by identifying a number of dot plots on the board as having either symmetric, skewed, bell-shaped, uniform or bimodal distribution. 

Ms. Grace Liao and Ms. Kelly Husted seamlessly co-taught this class, alternating between leading the discussion in front of the room and then doing spot checks of students' work, assisting one on one along the way as needed. 

Lots of hands were up! Students were eager to answer warm up style questions and willing to take risks in their responses as the questions became more complex. Ms. Liao encouraged this when she stated at the beginning of the class, "I make mistakes, too." 

Emphasizing the importance of embracing technology and reiterating it as one of Principal Blank's eight success skills,  Ms. Husted wrapped the lesson by guiding the students in using their algebra calculators to create a dot plot that represents the distribution of the data.

This is Grace Liao's first year teaching at HSFI and we are pleased to welcome her!  Ms. Liao recently graduated from the University of Michigan, as a certified Math and Mandarin teacher.  She was inspired to become a teacher by her mom and she brings a wonderful energy and passion for teaching and learning to her classroom.  Fun fact,  Ms. Liao was president of the Chinese YoYo team in college.  

Kelly Husted has been teaching for many years at HSFI. She is a teacher in both the math department and the special education department.

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