A&M Consolidated High School
AGREEMENT FOR THE BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT DUAL CREDIT PROGRAM
This Agreement for the Blinn College District Dual Credit Program (Agreement) is by and between BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT, a public community college established under Chapter 130 of the Texas Education Code and a political subdivision of the State of Texas, (College), and:
College Station ISD
A Texas Public independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas, (District) with an effective date of June 1, 2024 (Effective Date). Individually, the College and the District are referred to herein as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.”
RECITALS
- WHEREAS
- Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 28.009, 29.182, 29.184, and 130.008; and 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H authorize an institution of higher education to work in partnership with a public school district for the purpose of offering college credit programs for high school students; and
- WHEREAS
- the College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program (Dual Credit Program) to benefit high school students;
- NOW, THEREFORE
- based on the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. GENERAL TERMS
A. Blinn College District
- Will offer dual credit courses at the District/School if appropriate facilities are available and will provide the faculty, administration, staff, curriculum, and support services necessary to conduct the Dual Credit Program.
- Shall maintain sole authority and responsibility for the curriculum and academic standards of dual credit courses in accordance with the standards set by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and applicable Blinn College District Board policies and procedures.
- Dual credit courses must comply with the policies, procedures and criteria outlined in the current edition of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM).
- Courses must be approved for dual credit as determined by Blinn College District.
- The syllabus for each dual credit course, including student learning outcomes, must be equivalent to a similar course offered at Blinn College District campuses and must meet all SACSCOC professional credential standards.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester in a location and classroom mutually agreed upon by the District/School and the College and shall be under the direct control of the College.
- The College will establish class size requirements and minimum enrollments for each dual credit course section.
- Academic support services will be available to dual credit students in accordance with applicable law and Board policy.
- Set a minimum number of students for each dual credit course. If this minimum is not met, the College reserves the right to cancel the course.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have an in-school time scheduled to work with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- Is responsible for providing a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to the ones offered on the College campus, regardless of modality of instruction.
- Will provide instructional, technology and other auxiliary equipment typically used in support of classroom instruction.
- Will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet the particular requirements for the course, including Interactive Video Conference (IVC). Appendix B describes video class instruction.
- The School will assign professional-level personnel, as applicable and as agreed upon between the Parties, who will be responsible for identifying, advising, and verifying prospective students’ eligibility to participate in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will ensure trained professional-level counselors are available to participate in advising students, to assist with College applications, and review degree planning with the students.
- The School/District will be responsible for providing accommodations for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for high school courses only. The College will provide accommodations for dual credit courses as required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upon submission of an accommodation request and required documentation. Students with disabilities who enroll in Dual Credit courses must follow the procedures outlined by Blinn College Office of Disability Services.
- Whereas the College will follow existing Board of Trustees policies with regard to assigning a grade for College credit in the dual credit courses, if the College grading scale differs from the District’s grading scale, the District/School will provide participating students with a comparative document displaying both the College grading scale and the District’s grading scale. See Appendix A.
- Although a student may pass a College class at a grade of D, the District/School will be responsible for communicating to parents and students that per 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for courses for high school graduation may be earned only if the student received a grade not lower than 70 on a scale of 100. College personnel will not be expected to communicate with parents.
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provision of TEC §51.907. Therefore, dual credit students with D drops will be recorded as a W and will not be considered as a failed attempt.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and guidelines, including, but not limited to, the Texas Education Code, federal law, and other implementing rules and regulations of authorized and administrative authorities, and administrative rules required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
- The Parties further agree that in the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the provisions of state law, rules, guidelines, or policies, the state laws, rules, or guidelines shall prevail and govern.
- For the purposes of this Agreement, “Applicable Law” shall mean all state and federal statutes, codes, and rules that govern dual credit partnerships such as described in Section 1.C and any other laws, rules, and guidelines applicable to the subject matter of this Agreement collectively shall be referred to as “Applicable Law” or “Applicable Laws” when used herein.
- The Parties agree:
- to comply with all applicable provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g;
- in all cases, to comply with all federal, state, and local laws applicable to this MOU; and,
- that dual credit students are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX. Inquiries regarding Title IX or the College’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator or U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
- Title IX Coordinator
- Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator
Administration Building Room 219
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833
979-830-4180
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
Inquiries may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100, 1-800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov.
Blinn College District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures are available at: https://www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html
The College has designated the Title IX Coordinator to coordinate compliance with Title IX and address any questions regarding the nondiscrimination policy. Please contact the Title IX Coordinator for further information, including procedures for addressing complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment and for information on any available grievance procedures. A full statement of the College’s nondiscrimination policy is available in the location in which there are other postings required by law.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT ON PARENTING SERVICES
Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special arrangements in order to meet the academic requirements should contact the Parenting Services Office. No student will be required to submit documentation of parenting status in order to access parenting accommodations. For more information, please contact the Parenting Services Office.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION – STUDENT’S REQUIRED ACTIONS
- Students may attend the respective courses in the semester in which the student meets acceptable readiness for College-level courses or otherwise is eligible in accordance with guidelines for dual credit. Full guidelines or links to the applicable state or federal law are available at https://www.blinn.edu/dual-credit/eligibilityrequirements.html.
- Submit all required admissions documents as described in Section 2.
- Meet requirements for the Texas Success Initiative (TSI).
- Meet prerequisites, as defined by course requirements of Applicable Law.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine. The College, in compliance with TEC § 51.9192, requires the bacterial meningitis vaccination of all new students enrolling in classes after January 1, 2012. Students must provide to the College Enrollment Services Office a certificate signed by a health practitioner indicating they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. This requirement does not apply for students enrolled in the Dual Credit Program who will take classes exclusively at a School facility, or for completely online students. Dual credit students taking classes in-person on any Blinn College campus must provide proof of the meningitis vaccination. Refer to http://www.blinn.edu/immunization.html for detailed information regarding bacterial meningitis.
- Students who are enrolled in private or non-accredited secondary schools or who are homeschooled must meet all admission requirements established by the College.
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
- Prior to the start of each semester, the College will coordinate and approve class schedules in cooperation with the School in a timely manner. To facilitate meeting College deadlines for faculty assignments, faculty credential review, and other deadlines, each dual credit school district and/or campus is required to submit a completed course schedule for the next school year. The School will be responsible for identifying the number of students for enrollment. The College will determine any minimum class size for each dual credit course.
- Dual credit classes may be:
- Offered on the School campus by college personnel.
- Offered on the School campus by School personnel approved by the College as eligible adjunct faculty.
- Offered via distance education, including Interactive Video Conference (IVC), internet, teleconferencing, etc.
- Students must meet all placement and enrollment requirements for each dual credit course. If, in accordance with state and/or federal law, the student is determined to be eligible, students may enroll in dual credit classes beginning as appropriate.
- If the dual credit class is an articulated course, the dual credit class can include a combination of technical dual credits students, college credit students, and/or local articulation students.
- In order for the College to provide face-to-face instruction for an academic dual credit course on the School’s or another high school campus, the campus must be located within the College’s service area. For academic dual credit courses, a minimum class size must be required. The Parties agree that a minimum number of students per course section in which the instructor is provide instructional alternatives. The College will not provide transportation.
- If the College provides face-to-face instruction on the School’s campus, students may not take the same course online, except under unique circumstances, as determined by the Divisional Dean.
SECTION 4. FACULTY
- The faculty assigned to College dual credit courses will have the same requirements for credentialing guidelines required by the College. Each new dual credit teaching assignment will require prior approval by the College.
- The College, as the employing agency, maintains sole authority and responsibility for the employment status, work assignment, and evaluation of all faculty teaching dual credit courses.
- The College will provide professional instructional oversight for faculty providing dual credit courses at all sites. Faculty must comply with College policies, procedures, and Board policies.
- The employment status of teaching faculty in the School/School District who teach dual credit courses is subject to the policies of their employer. Completion of the credential review by the College for dual credit teaching assignments does not create an employment relationship with the College.
- The employment status of teaching faculty in the School/School District who teach dual credit courses continues to be the responsibility of the School/School District unless specifically hired by the College.
- The College Dual credit courses will be compensated as set forth in this agreement.
SECTION 5. FACILITIES
- Per SACSCOC accreditation guidelines, dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities, whether under the control of the College or under the control of the School. The College will assess the facility prior to the beginning of instruction and periodically revisit facilities to ensure compliance.
- School and College/School representatives at each site will assess the facilities, determine the class size, and select the instructional modality.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The state of Texas has created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program which provides funding to colleges to support dual credit students. The Texas Education Code (TEC) defines "dually/enrolled advanced placement students" as those students eligible for state mandated reduced price tuition or free tuition according to the FAST program.
- Students are "FAST eligible" under the FAST program if they:
- Are enrolled in high school and meet the FAST eligibility criteria; or
- Are enrolled in a dual credit course at a participating institution of higher education; or
- Meet additional eligibility as prescribed by the program.
- Non-FAST eligible students are subject to the standard tuition and fee structure.
- The College will determine the FAST eligibility of each student using the information on file and report to the state for funding purposes.
The FAST program may require a student to meet:
- A core curriculum requirement
- A field of study requirement
Eligibility for the FAST program is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Each semester, the College is required to submit a roster of dual credit students to THECB for verification of FAST eligibility. In order to prepare and submit this roster, the District/School must accurately identify and verify to the College the students enrolling in the Dual Credit Program that meet eligibility for the FAST program. This verification must occur by August 6th.
Eligibility Criteria for FAST
- Student is enrolled in high school as a student or teacher and:
- Is enrolled in a dual credit course at a participating institution of higher education;
- Is educationally disadvantaged as determined by the School District according to state or federal guidelines; and
- Participates in the student’s enrollment in the dual credit courses described.
- Students eligible for non-tuition waiver FAST-eligible funding and dual credit can take two eligible courses per term under the Dual Credit Program. For Non-FAST eligible students enrolled in dual credit courses, the student will be charged $67.67 per credit hour (standard tuition rate) plus any associated fees as approved by the Board of Trustees (“credit hour tuition amount”).
Tuition Rate Options
- Option 1: If an instructor who is an employee of the District/School is utilized for a course and the College does not pay the instructor’s salary, THEN, a NON-FAST student enrolled in the Dual Credit Program will pay the State of Texas approved tuition rate for the current academic year.
- Option 2: If a qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is utilized for a course and the College does not pay the instructor’s salary, and the course is not a FAST course, THEN, a NON-FAST student will pay the State of Texas approved tuition rate for the current academic year.
- Option 3: If a qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is utilized for a technical (WECM) dual credit course and the College does not pay compensation to the instructor; THEN, the tuition cost to the student shall not be lower than the approved FAST non-tuition waived dual credit student tuition rate or a minimum per section of $500 per section of each course in the Dual Credit Program.
During the Term (as hereinafter defined) of this Agreement, the credit hour tuition amount for dual credit courses shall be established by the College's Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
SECTION 9. COLLEGE FACULTY COMPENSATION
- Full-time College faculty will be compensated per their base salary.
- College adjunct faculty will be compensated as set forth by the College and Board policy.
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
- Dual credit students and instructors may use the library resources offered by the School or any of the College Campuses. Students have access to the College’s online library resources. Circulation privileges and other library policies and procedures will apply to dual credit users.
- The College will not cover the cost of required textbooks and additional resources required for the class(es). Cost of books and additional resources will be provided by the student.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
- The College’s Office of Academic Advising will assist the student for dual credit class selection, degree planning, and registration to the extent permitted, and the student will have access to the services provided at all Blinn campuses.
- The designated academic advising contact for dual credit for the College is:
Shannon Williford
Director, Dual Credit Programs
979-209-8218
shannon.williford@blinn.edu - Support Services—Dual credit students may use the computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any of the College’s campuses.
SECTION 12. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies and procedures including the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the College Catalog: http://catalog.blinn.edu
- Students must comply with the College’s academic regulations as it relates to academic integrity.
- If a student is asked to leave the classroom because of uncivil behavior, the school may request that the student shall not return until the parent has been contacted. It is the school’s responsibility to arrange for classes or completion of the course. Removal from the class for academic discipline will be subject to the College’s policy. Refer to College Board Policy, FLB.
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- Tuition and fees are paid in the amounts set forth in Section 6 or under the applicable tuition and fee policy, on a payment and available seat, basis.
- State and federal funds for dual credit courses provided to the District/School, if any, will be distributed as stated by Applicable Law.
- The Higher Education Coordinating Board provides that, for reporting purposes, all academic credit for dual credit courses will be assigned to the College of record. The State of Texas will count students enrolled in dual credit in the College’s formula funding and shall not count the same student in the District’s formula funding if the student is reported for reimbursement purposes for the same field of study or program of study.
- If a student requests to take a class more than twice, he or she will be responsible for the tuition for that course and a $50.00 per semester hour for the course. Technical courses and FAST-eligible students are exempt from this fee. (see Blinn College Catalog – College Expenses)
- The College is not responsible for the transportation of dual credit students.
SECTION 14. RECORDS AND REPORTING
- Class Rosters. The College will provide class rosters (listing the names and grades in a numerical format of dual credit students completing the course) to the School at the close of each semester.
- Student Records; Record Retention; FERPA. In accordance with Applicable Law, each Party will maintain student records and may be necessary or allowable for an educational purpose. FERPA governs privacy and access to dual credit student records. Each Party will maintain data on student progress and the College will provide data needed to establish eligibility for institutional funding and/or state reporting purposes. Retention of student records shall be governed by the College’s Records Retention laws. Each Party will retain required records for the period of time specified by law and College policy. Additional records pertaining to dual credit students will be kept as required by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, Section §4.85.
SECTION 15. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The Parties agree to resolve issues that may arise in the course of this partnership through the respective administrative procedures or other established policies, including the policies relating to student complaints, faculty grievances, and employee complaints and grievances.
The Parties agree to work toward developing a resolution collaboratively and in a timely manner and will use their best efforts to resolve such disputes. The Parties agree to facilitate resolution through all appropriate and established protocols through the dual credit program liaisons as well as the College’s responsibility to provide a quality credit program for students.
Conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level possible with an understanding that, if no agreement is reached, there is a procedure for advancing the conflict through each Party’s organization. The key approach will be to maintain communications with early discussion such as informal contacts and solutions summarized in writing after discussion.
Each Party shall designate an administrative liaison for the purpose of resolving concerns at the campus (liaison must be Principal or other designated campus administrator) and College level (Director, Dual Credit Programs). If a resolution is not found at this initial level, the conflict resolution process may be elevated to the designated District level administrator (such as a District Director or Assistant Superintendent of Instruction) and designated College administrator (such as the Vice Chancellor, Student Relations and Enrollment Services) for review and further action. Should additional resolution be needed, the issue will be handled through the respective senior officials of the College. A transition report must be filed with the President or designee at the College, as required.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- Term. The Term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date (Commencement Date) and continue for one year. This Agreement will automatically renew annually, with updates as mutually agreed. Either Party may request amendments or termination of the Agreement with at least a 30 day written notification.
- Termination. Upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason, the College will continue teaching any dual credit course in which students are enrolled as of the date of termination through the end of the applicable academic term unless the Board of Trustees of Blinn College District determines by resolution that it is not in the best interests of the College District’s students or employees to do so. Each Party will take steps as necessary to minimize disruption to students. The College will fulfill its obligations to the enrolled student(s) until such time as the student has completed their dual credit courses.
SECTION 17. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS
- A. Entire Agreement
- This Agreement, including the Recitals, the Appendices, and any exhibits, all of which are incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties regarding the subject matter herein described. This Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous oral and written agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Parties expressly acknowledge that in entering into and executing this Agreement the Parties rely solely upon the representations and agreements contained in this Agreement and no others.
- B. Amendments
- This Agreement may be modified and amended only by written instruments signed by both Parties, and any such modification or amendments shall be deemed to have become a part of this agreement.
- C. Governing Law; Venue
- This Agreement and the rights and obligations herein shall be governed, interpreted, and enforced according to the laws of the State of Texas without reference to conflict of law provisions. The Parties irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Washington County, Texas for any action under this Agreement.
- D. Notices
- All notices hereunder by either party shall be in writing and delivered (1) personally or (2) by U.S. mail (postage prepaid).
Contact: Shannon WillifordCollege Designee ISD Designee Blinn College District
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833Name: College Station ISD
Address: 1812 Welsh
City, State, Zip Code: College Station, TX 77840
Contact: Tim Harkrider - E. Relationship of the Parties
- In the performance of their respective duties hereunder, the Parties hereto and their respective employees and agents, are at all times acting and performing as independent contractors of each other (notwithstanding the funding, employment, employees of the District may teach other teaching arrangements). This Agreement does not authorize either Party to serve as the legal representative or agent for the other. No Party will have the authority to act for or bind another Party in any respect or to incur any obligation or liability on behalf or name of the other.
- F. No Waiver
- Any failure by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege or enforcing any breach of this Agreement will not be deemed a waiver.
- G. Severability
- If any provision is found invalid, it shall not affect the validity of other provisions.
- H. No Third-Party Beneficiaries
- Nothing in this Agreement is intended to create a relationship between the Parties and a third-party beneficiary or fiduciary, including a relationship with the student as a third-party beneficiary or fiduciary.
- J. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures; Electronic Transmissions
- This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, all of which, when taken together, are originals. The Parties consent to receive documents, information and notices via electronic mail.
SECTION 18: LIST OF APPENDICES
The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this Blinn College Dual Credit Program Agreement:
- Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
- Appendix C: Notice of Reimbursement of Services
- Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
- Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES as of the date of 8/26/2024 by:
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
A&M Consolidated
Tim Harkrider, Superintendent
8/21/24
APPENDIX A
Regarding Grading System
EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
CURRENT COLLEGE PROCEDURES FOR GRADING AND CREDIT
At the end of each semester, students shall receive a final grade report that shall become a part of their permanent record. The College’s grading system shall apply to all courses:
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | (90-100) - Excellent |
| B | (80-89) - Good |
| C | (70-79) - Average |
| D | (60-69) - Poor |
| F | (Below 60) - Failure |
| I | Incomplete |
| Q | Dropped |
| W | Dropped with Permission |
| P | Passing |
| NP | Not Passing |
| FS | Academic Fresh Start |
I - Incomplete: indicates that the coursework was incomplete because of serious illness or other justified emergency. The instructor shall change the grade of “I” to a grade based on the work completed for the course in addition to the work specified in the course completion contract. All incomplete work shall be completed within 90 days after the end of the last long semester. Failure to complete the work specified in the course completion contract shall result in the award of a zero, which shall be factored into the final grade calculation with appropriate weighting relative to other course grades.
Q - Dropped: assigned before or on the official "Q-Date" as indicated on the College calendar when a student is officially dropped from a course. A student is assigned the grade of “Q” prior to the official "Q-Date" if the drop is processed.
Q - Dropped for Good Cause: assigned before or on the official “Q-Date” as listed on the College calendar when a student who has officially withdrawn from the College or is officially dropped from a class for the following "good cause" reasons:
- Serious illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to complete the course;
- The care of a sick, injured person if primarily responsible for providing care;
- The death of a student’s family member, as required by the student;
- The student’s active military duty status.
The student who otherwise would fail the course may be awarded a grade of Q. The instructor must submit appropriate documentation to the Office of Admissions and Records to assign a grade of Q dropped for good cause. A “Q” dropped for good cause is not considered as an attempt for state reporting purposes.
Students who leave courses prior to the official “Q-Date” with a sufficiently close relationship to failing work, as determined by the College, must seek EXEMPTION status from the effect of the Q drop rule.
Health Sciences Grading System
The grading system for Health Science programs varies from either the approved College Grading Scale as noted in their program handbook and college policy. Students not meeting these standards in competitive entry programs may continue to enroll in courses outside the discipline as long as they maintain minimum college requirements.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
College progress is determined by a grade point average or ratio. Grade points shall be calculated by assigning values to each grade. The value is illustrated in the chart below:
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| B | 3 |
| C | 2 |
| D | 1 |
| F, I, Q, W, CR, P, NP, FS | 0 |
The highest grade of a repeated course will be used in determining the cumulative grade point average. A grade of “W” or “Q” shall not replace a grade of “F” or higher in the grade point average calculation