Allen Academy
Agreement for the Blinn College District Dual Credit Program
This Agreement for the Blinn College District Dual Credit Program ("Agreement") is entered into 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: Allen Academy, 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 as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."
Recitals
- 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 contract with a public school district for the provision of instruction resulting in dual credit received by a student for such course.
- The College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program ("Dual Credit Program") to be operated as part of the District’s Allen Academy, high school ("School").
NOW THEREFORE, for the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
Section 1. General Criteria
A. Blinn College District (College)
- The College will designate a leadership team to manage and supervise the Dual Credit Program.
- The College service area includes the following thirteen counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, and Washington Counties and parts of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson, and Walker Counties.
- The College will ensure that dual credit courses follow the same quality, sequencing, content, and rigor as those taught to the institution’s other students (per SACSCOC standards).
- In accordance with Applicable Law, the College will offer dual credit courses listed in the current Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). Course offerings each semester shall be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Courses provided by the College shall align with the educational purpose, mission, and goals of the College and shall be under direct College control. Developmental and certain kinesiology courses are not available to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester and at locations/classrooms mutually agreed upon by the School and College. Technology will be used as appropriate to support dual credit sites.
- The District is responsible for ensuring dual credit courses meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used to equate high school courses with college courses, align endorsements offered by the District, and align dual credit courses with postsecondary pathways and credentials. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met, and course sequencing followed.
- A student’s academic performance will be determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) (see Appendix A).
- The College may set a minimum enrollment number for each course and may cancel courses that do not meet this minimum.
- Online dual credit students are encouraged to have in-school time with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School is responsible for providing a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to the College campus, regardless of instructional modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and classroom support equipment.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment for online/internet or Interactive Video Conference courses (see Appendix B).
- The School assigns personnel to identify, advise, and verify student eligibility for the Dual Credit Program, as required by Applicable Law.
- The School assigns personnel to assist with College registration functions, including completing admissions forms and collecting documentation.
- The School/District initiates accommodations for students with disabilities by providing IEP documentation to the College’s Office of Disability Services (ODS). Students present verification from ODS to instructors before receiving accommodations.
- If the College and District grading scales differ, the District provides participating students with a comparative grading scale document (see Appendix A).
- The District communicates to students and parents that only grades of 70 or higher (on a 100-point scale) will count for high school graduation, as required by 19 TAC § 74.26(c) (see Appendix A).
- Dual credit students with Q drops are recorded as a W and are not penalized under TEC §51.907 six-drop rule.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to: Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, FERPA, THECB, SACSCOC, and others. Compliance with each Party’s policies and procedures is required. These are collectively referred to as "Applicable Law."
- The Parties agree:
- To certify ADA compliance for their sites.
- To comply with FERPA provisions.
- To comply with all laws applicable to this MOU.
- To maintain and abide by nondiscrimination policies prohibiting discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or other prohibited bases.
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 as required by Title IX. Complaints may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator:
Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator
902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833, Administration Building Room 219
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216
www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html
To report potential sex discrimination under Title IX, see Reporting Information.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation is also prohibited.
Statement on Parenting Services
Students requiring special arrangements due to pregnancy or parenting status may contact the Parenting Services Office. Verification from the office is required before accommodations are made.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student's Required Actions
- Students must obtain written or electronic permission from the high school principal or designee (see Dual Credit Approval Form, Appendix C).
- Students must have a "B" or better average in all high school work (or "C" for WECM trades courses with written principal justification); the College will determine eligibility on receipt of the letter.
- Complete a College Application through ApplyTexas.
- Meet eligibility requirements under Applicable Law:
- TSI criteria as determined by THECB (official documentation required before registration).
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine for students attending classes in person on a Blinn campus.
Private or non-accredited secondary school and homeschool students must meet all admission requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- The College will coordinate and finalize course schedules with the School prior to each semester.
- All high school students in academic dual credit classes will follow the official College calendar.
- Cancellations require consultation and must be processed through District/School administration. Lost instructional time to be made up as needed.
- Participation in the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law, confirmed by the College’s Dual Credit administrator (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit courses must be composed solely of dual credit and/or advanced placement students, or of technical students as outlined for articulated courses.
- Minimum class size is required for face-to-face academic dual credit courses; alternative arrangements will be explored if enrollment minimums are not met.
- Students may not take the same course online if face-to-face instruction is provided, unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Section 4. Faculty
- All dual credit faculty must meet College credentialing and hiring requirements, including background checks and orientation.
- District-employed dual enrollment faculty will follow all District, School, and College regulations.
- Faculty compensation is described in Section 6 below.
- College oversight includes faculty credentialing, curricular discussions, and program/course assessment activities. Employment status and policies remain with the individual's primary employer.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities, subject to periodic review for compliance.
- College and District personnel assess facilities, class size, and instructional modality for each site.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The FAST program provides funding so eligible, educationally disadvantaged students can take dual credit courses at no cost. Eligibility is defined by qualification for the national free/reduced price lunch program during any of the four prior school years. FAST-eligible students pay no tuition, fees, or costs for books and materials. Eligibility is determined by THECB based on rosters submitted by the College and verified by the District.
- The District/School agrees to identify and verify students meeting FAST requirements by August 5th each year.
- Bills for non-FAST-eligible students: $56.87 per scheduled credit hour (or State rate).
- The District is responsible for non-tuition costs for eligible FAST students.
Section 7. Tuition
- Option 1: If College or District employee provides instruction, NON-FAST students pay the State-approved tuition rate.
- Option 2: If a qualified District instructor is used (with no College pay), NON-FAST students pay $20 per credit hour; District receives $500 per course section with a minimum of 8 students.
- Option 3: If a qualified District instructor teaches a technical course with no College compensation, tuition is waived (no cost to student).
Tuition and fees are subject to change by the College's Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time College faculty are compensated per contract.
- Adjuncts are compensated at the rate for the course.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must use the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor as all College classes.
- A College Common Syllabus is required in Concourse for each dual credit course.
- Courses will use identical or equivalent textbooks as on campus. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks to students.
- FAST-eligible students’ costs for required textbooks or resources are covered by the District. Non-FAST students pay their own costs.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors have access to both School and College Campus library resources, and to the College online library.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College will provide adequate support services, including advising, as required by state law.
- District/School will work with the College to ensure compliance with advising mandates.
- Contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu
B. Support Services
Dual credit students may use College computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct (Blinn College Catalog).
- Students must comply with academic integrity regulations.
- Students removed from class for incivility must arrange a conference with the instructor before returning.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees are due at registration. Failure to pay will result in being dropped from classes.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students.
- State funding for dual credit is available to both District/School and College per TEA and THECB rules.
- Students paying for courses more than twice are charged the tuition plus $50 per semester hour per course, with technical and FAST-eligible students exempt.
- The College does not provide student transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- The College will provide class rosters with names and numerical grades to the School at the end of each semester.
- Each Party will maintain student records in compliance with Texas Record Retention laws and FERPA. Each Party designates the other as an agent with a legitimate educational interest in students’ educational records.
- High school and college credit should be transcripted immediately upon course completion.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
The Parties agree to resolve conflicts in good faith. Conflicts should be addressed at the lowest possible level, progressing to higher administration and legal counsel if necessary. Liaison roles are designated for resolution at various levels.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- The Agreement commences on the Effective Date and expires on the last day of the second summer semester of 2027, unless renewed or terminated per procedure.
- Termination requires written notice no less than 60 days prior to the end of the semester, but does not affect students already enrolled in courses.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- Entire Agreement
- This Agreement (including appendices and exhibits) constitutes the entire agreement regarding the Dual Credit Program, superseding prior negotiations or agreements.
- Amendments
- Modifications require written agreement of both Parties.
- Governing Law; Venue
- The laws of the State of Texas govern this Agreement. Venue is Washington County, Texas.
- Notice
- Written notices are required and can be provided via delivery methods specified in the Agreement.
- Relationship of the Parties
- The Parties are independent contractors; this Agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture.
- No Waiver
- No delay or failure in exercising rights constitutes waiver.
- Assignment
- Assignment requires written consent of the other Party.
- Captions
- Captions are for convenience only.
- Severability
- If any provision is held invalid, the Agreement remains in effect without it.
- No Third Party Rights
- This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the College and District.
- Counterparts; Electronic Signatures
- Counterparts and electronic signatures are valid, and Parties consent to electronic communication.
Section 18: List of Appendices
- 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: Dual Credit Statewide Goals
EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES as of the Effective Date of [DATE], 2024 by:
- BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
Mary Hensley, Ed.D.
Chancellor - [School Name]
Head of School
[Name]
[Date Signed]
Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Procedures for Grading and Credit
- Grading:
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 Due to Good Cause or Withdrawal
CR - Credit
P - Pass
NP - Not Passing
FS - Academic Fresh Start - Grade Point Average (GPA):
A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0 (I, Q, W, CR, P, NP, FS not calculated). Highest grade in repeated courses is used; see catalog for details. - Academic Good Standing: Must maintain cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to remain in good standing and for graduation. Scholastic probation and suspension policies apply (see catalog for details).
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or English IV | 3 | All Areas |
*High School course is subject to change. **Each school district determines which courses they will offer as dual credit.
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board that may provide college credit via AP exam.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for student success in future education and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Earn credit by successful CLEP exam.
- Contact Hours
- Total number of hours a class meets weekly.
- Degree Plan
- Statement of course requirements for degree completion.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take college-level courses for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request for course removal while in progress. Dual credit students must drop through the Blinn College Dual Credit Office.
- Early Admissions
- College credit courses taken by high school students for college credit only.
- FERPA
- Federal law protecting privacy of student records.
- ACGM
- Official Texas list of general academic transfer courses for public colleges.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Credit by examination for math courses.
- Prerequisite
- Course required as a foundation before taking another course.
- WECM
- Workforce Education Course Manual, listing approved technical courses.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: ISDs and IHEs will implement outreach to inform students and parents of dual credit benefits and costs, including policies and fees.
- Goal 2: Dual credit programs help high school students transition and accelerate through postsecondary education.
- Goal 3: All dual credit students receive college readiness advising and access to college completion support.
- Goal 4: Dual credit courses maintain quality and rigor to ensure student success in later coursework.