Hilary Agnello, an adjunct professor at McHenry County College, provides instruction in mathematics. She came this position from the role of math teacher and assistant math specialist at Lundahl Middle School. Prior to that, Hilary Agnello spent several years teaching high school students at Geneva and Barrington High Schools in Illinois.

Over the course of four years, high school students are exposed to a variety of mathematical concepts. By the time they graduate, they must have a solid understanding of the following:

Algebra
A foundational knowledge of elementary and intermediate algebra is particularly important for students who plan on entering science-related fields. This area of mathematical knowledge encompasses such things as interpreting the structure of expressions, performing arithmetic operations, and creating equations that describe relationships in math.

Geometry
Comprising such topics as similarity, trigonometry, geometric measurement, and right triangles, geometry is applicable to numerous situations that students will face after school, from estimating building material amounts to rendering computer graphics. Due to its wide applications, high school students must be capable of understanding geometry’s basic language.

Probability and statistics
Parsing media reports and other data-based information requires an understanding of probability and statistics. This knowledge helps students know the difference between correlation and causation, and dependent and independent variables, enabling them to correctly interpret and draw conclusions from quantitative data.