Dakota Shook
When Dakota Shook graduates from Rhea County High School this week, he will have finished SAILS math, College Algebra, and Business Calculus thanks to the head start he was offered through the SAILS and Early College ECHO program at Chattanooga State Community College.
The SAILS program (Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support) challenges students to complete college developmental math curriculum while Chattanooga State's mathematics department offers early college math courses to high schools through its Early College Hybrid Online (ECHO) program in a blended learning format.
Both programs were developed to foster student success.
“Dakota completed the SAILS program at record pace. He would work on it in class, during lunch, and at home on most days. It became a game to see how fast he could really go,” shared Dylan Prince, RCHS math teacher. “He was able to begin College Algebra through the ECHO program and received credit for his first college course before Christmas; then Dakota had time to kill so we talked him into taking a second ECHO course, Business Calculus, and he never slowed down!” said Mr. Prince.
“The SAILS program is a great alternative to the regular classroom because you can work at your own pace. It (the program) will tell you right then if you get the wrong answer and it will show you how to do the problem,” said Dakota. “I took the ECHO classes because I knew I would need them and it would allow me to finish college earlier."
In addition to his educational successes, Dakota works part-time at Bi-Lo and is involved with Ducks Unlimited and FFA clubs. He plans to attend Roane State Community College and transfer to Tennessee Technological University to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science with an eye on becoming a game warden, fish biologist, or police officer.
For more information on programs that are available to high school students, contact Juliette Biondi at 423.697.3349 or email Juliette.biondi@chattanoogastate.edu.