Bellville PTECH
Memorandum of Understanding Between Blinn College District And Bellville Independent School District
This document is executed as a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between Blinn College District (“Blinn”) and Bellville Independent School District (“BISD”). Blinn and BISD have a mutual shared interest in providing postsecondary credit courses to dual credit courses for both high school and college courses for eligible 13/14 students (“13/14” continues) enrolled in BISD at pathways in Technology Early College High School (“P-TECH”) commencing with P-TECH for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Collectively the parties are referred to as “Parties.” The Parties enter into this agreement per the request of the Texas Education Agency (“TEA”). P-TECH designation is required under Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, Sub-chapter 7, Section 7.151-7.157 of the Texas Education Code (TEC).
WHEREAS, the purpose of this agreement is to outline the collaboration of the parties, so as to implement and support of BISD P-TECH;
WHEREAS, the parties to this MOU desire to formalize education collaboration by courses by the P-TECH school and Blinn according to the Higher Education Coordinating Board (“THECB”) Rules, as codified under Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter G of the Texas Administrative Code;
WHEREAS, the parties enter into this agreement for the mutual benefit of their programs to better meet the needs of students in a seamless pathway.
Purpose
The BISD P-TECH, serving grades 9-14, will offer traditionally underserved students (at-risk, economically disadvantaged students, students who are English language learners, and first generation college students) an opportunity to complete a high school diploma and earn up to an Associate degree. While attending the P-TECH, these students will develop a commitment to learning, a capacity for critical thinking, and an understanding of their future role as community leaders; and the academic and technical skills necessary to achieve success in these and other arenas. Students graduating from the P-TECH will enter post-secondary education and/or the workforce ready to assume positions of leadership and innovation.
Principles
- To establish a mutually beneficial partnership between Blinn and BISD that allows a flexible and creative response to the mission and organizational/fiscal needs of both institutions.
- To provide guidance in the implementation, administration, and improvement of P-TECH programs, including provisions for faculty, staff, and administration.
- To serve as an example for developing relationships between other colleges and independent school districts.
- To collaborate financially to address costs of both parties and assist in obtaining additional funding or in-kind support from private/public sources.
- To promote student access to postsecondary pathways with flexible scheduling, educational access and student support needed for success, and aligned curricular coursework and policies for successful transfer to additional educational programs, including 2-year/4-year partners.
- To provide regular communication and reporting to ensure quality programming and student services, and to follow the required program evaluation and assessment.
- To ensure the ongoing joint professional development of faculty, staff, and administration of both entities.
- To promote student success through participation in college visits and in academic and admission procedures, including advisement, registration procedures, assessment, and beyond, as established by both partners.
- To ensure the selection of students based on the intent of the program, a selection that will reflect the diversity of the student populations required by law.
Term
Subject to the approval of the Program application by TEA, any additional approvals that may be required from THECB, and mutual approval as required by law or by TEA or THECB, the term of this MOU shall commence upon the date of the signature of the last signed representative (“Effective Date”) and shall end only July 31, 2026 (“Expiration Date”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge that the parties may choose to attach to a Party’s signing this MOU as approval of the Agreement by that Party’s governing board.
The timeline of renewal upon mutual written agreement by the Parties and approval as may be required by the governing bodies, The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Education Agency and Texas Board of Education, as updated and required under law is encouraged for each school year. This MOU may be terminated by either party upon ninety (90) days written notice to the other party. If the intent of termination occurs during the initial term of this agreement, the effective date of termination shall be as of August 1, following the notice. The intent of both parties is that no termination shall be made during the middle of the school year which will disrupt the academic progress for the students of the P-TECH, unless the parties mutually agree.
Governance
The P-TECH at Bellville High School will operate in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations – adhering to all policies, rules, and procedures of the Texas Education Agency (“TEA”), State Board of Education (SBOE), THECB, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (“SACSCOC”).
- C.
- The Bellville Collegiate P-TECH Coordinator will be appointed by the Superintendent of BISD. The Coordinator will be an employee of BISD. BISD will be responsible for all personnel actions and benefits for the Coordinator, and the Coordinator shall not be entitled to receive employee benefits from Blinn including, but not limited to, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, health insurance and retirement benefits. BISD assumes full responsibility for workers’ compensation insurance and for payment of all federal, state and local taxes or contributions imposed or required for such employee, including unemployment insurance, Medicare and income taxes with respect to the Coordinator. Should the school Coordinator position become vacant and the need to appoint a replacement arise, the following procedures as set forth in BISD Human Resources Policies and Procedures, Blinn will be appropriately (i.e., personally) sent a copy that the search and appointment of the candidate is initiated. Any expenses to assign the Coordinator as soon as a qualified candidate is identified and appointed, shall be the responsibility of BISD.
- D.
- The faculty assigned to Blinn dual credit courses will follow the same requirements of both SACSCOC and the rules governing Blinn College. BISD students who are assigned as a District employee and do not otherwise at Blinn employee will be required to follow the rules and regulations for the site and location, but not for the entire District. All employment interactions for the faculty for Blinn will be reported directly to Blinn, and no cross reporting or responsibility shall exist.
Location
BISD will offer courses at the Bellville High School campus (including students transported to the Bellville Learning Center) for students served in 9th-12th grades.
Approved locations and delivery models can include:
- x__ BHS campus
- x__ Internet Delivery, including hybrid
- x__ Blinn campus
Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed (1) solely of academic dual credit students or (2) of both dual credit students and advanced placement students. In the case of technical classes being approved as an articulated course, the dual credit class must be a combination of technical dual credit students, college credit students, and technical students.
In accordance with THECB regulations and SACSCOC, Dual Credit instruction must be on the college level, including grading, SACSCOC, and rigor in all classes regardless of location or faculty.
Curriculum Alignment
BISD is responsible for ensuring that all dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk must be developed and updated annually and will be approved by both parties. Courses offered through dual credit programs must be included in the agreement. BISD and Blinn will collaborate to determine the courses available, conduct curriculum review as needed to ensure continuous improvement, and ensure delivery in compliance with SACSCOC and THECB.
Instructional Materials
Instructional materials for dual credit courses will be determined by the authority of BISD. Instructional materials will be purchased if they align with approved PEIMS courses as specified by the TEC, the High School curriculum and teacher syllabi.
Students enrolled in Blinn courses will use instructional materials adopted by Blinn. The P-TECH will be responsible for purchasing approved materials, including college textbooks, through one or multiple semesters and/or the use of low-cost open instructional resources.
Courses of Study
Courses of study will enable the allowance of the implementation of rigorous academic standards. Students each year will apply to an associated degree, major school goal or endorsement, or particular industry certification.
Student Eligibility and Enrollment
- Students must be eligible to meet a minimum high school GPA in order to enroll in coursework.
- High School students take Texas Success Initiative tests as outlined in THECB guidelines in the academic year prior to enrolling in college course work. The test serves to determine eligibility of students to enroll in dual credit courses.
- Academic progress in both the high school and Blinn system must be continuously monitored and evaluated to meet progress requirements of the TEA and THECB.
Grading and Credits
Grading policies for all dual credit college coursework will follow the authority of Blinn. Blinn grade rosters are maintained in an online format. The Course Catalog, syllabi and policies on grading will determine the grading practices. Grades for college credit coursework will be provided to BISD each semester the week following final exams.
See Appendix D for additional information on the Blinn Grading Policy.
Eligible Courses
- Courses approved for dual credit for a P-TECH student must be applicable to a college certificate or degree.
- Developmental courses are not eligible for dual credit student results.
- Kinesiology courses that count as physical education graduation physical education requirement will not be eligible for dual credit.
Administration of Statewide Assessments - Subchapter B, Chapter 39
The P‐TECH shall comply with State Board of Education rules regarding the administration of statewide assessments as required by Subchapter B, Chapter 39. In addition, the P‐TECH must implement rules relating to the Texas Success Initiative Assessment to ensure student readiness.
P‐TECH students will be assessed for the appropriate end-of-course assessment purposes in the following courses in Algebra I, Biology I, English I, English II, and United States History.
Disability Services
- P-TECH students may use the computer labs, writing centers, library, eCampus Orientation, and learning centers on any of the College’s campuses and available web resources.
- Disability services are available to P-TECH students, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for college courses for dual credit.
[TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, dual credit courses, high school as well as college credit should be counted for full-time status under dual credit program rules.]
Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The state of Texas has created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible dual credit students for the courses (“dual credit financial assistance program”). The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (“THECB”) requires resources for students to be able to access FAST eligible dual credit courses. Students seeking to participate must meet eligibility requirements under the FAST program, which include but may not be limited to:
- Enrollment as a dual credit student, including as a college pathway or associate credential or degree pathway.
- A financial need assessment.
- A field of study requirement.
Eligibility for the FAST program is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Each semester, a list of students seeking a Swift Transfer credit is submitted for dual credit eligibility. The ISD submits the names of all students in P-TECH that meet the eligibility requirements for the FAST program. This verification shall occur by August 5th.
Blinn and BISD will work together in verifying FAST eligibility and transmitting the roster for each student enrolling in P-TECH. For non-FAST eligible students enrolled in P-TECH, the tuition is waived from the State of Texas for a maximum of two courses per semester.
The ISD will be responsible for ensuring financial record requirements, fees, Lab fees, IAC/course materials, and other required fees are met.
Tuition and fees shall not be charged for P-TECH dual credit courses for non-FAST eligible students except for special program fees as noted above.
BISD must report all dual credit courses completed by BISD. P-TECH students shall not be charged tuition or related fees for credit courses at Blinn for courses not already listed in the crosswalk, nor for courses outside the regular academic year.
BISD shall report per semester for students enrolled in dual credit who do not earn semester credit hour when Blinn does not bill students.
P-TECH Enrollment and Attendance
Students are eligible to enroll in the P-TECH after they have filled out all necessary application forms. BISD will select students through a blind lottery process, if necessary. The P-TECH shall admit students without admission exams and will follow current BISD attendance policies. Attendance records will be taken by Blinn for all courses through the P-TECH program.
All high school students enrolled in a College academic dual credit class will follow the official Blinn calendar regardless of dual credit location, course instructional modality, or BISD calendar. Neither Blinn nor BISD shall allow class excuses unless it is absolutely necessary. The cancellation shall be processed by Blinn and students must notify Blinn through local instructional time that any official event causes a student to miss mandatory classes.
Building a College Culture
Students in P-TECH will obtain a learning community that blends high school and college faculty, college support services, and academic and non-academic support, to meet their needs and maintain expected levels of achievement. Students will develop through high school and college course work and college and industry mentors; students will be immersed in college and career expectations, high-demand job fields identified as a priority, and will use early college high school credit process as appropriate.
During the four years at Blinn, will monitor individual student advancement and provide regular parent communication. The BoostUp program will review student progress and develop a tailored college plan at the end of each school year.
Student code of conduct: BISD shall establish the code of conduct for all students enrolled in or aspiring to attend P-TECH, which is applicable to all students who participate in any BISD or Blinn academic course at Blinn or at BISD. BISD will publish the code of conduct and ensure that Blinn faculty, staff, and students assigned to the area have access to a current copy. The current code of conduct is available online at https://www.bellvilleisd.org/domain/676.
Professional Development
Professional Development of the P-TECH staff will be ongoing, and will be provided through a selected Campus Improvement Team. The Blinn liaison will work with the team to identify any challenges and make recommendations for the principal for effective coordination, collaboration and continued development of the P-TECH. P-TECH faculty teaching college credit course will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities available to all Blinn faculty, including retreats to piloting teaching and learning conferences, online synchronous workshops and webinars, online asynchronous workshops and webinars, faculty mentoring and orientation.
Blinn will provide access to training and professional development opportunities that will promote interaction between P-TECH, Blinn faculty and advisors.
Procedures for Content and Sharing Data
Student data will be collected at BISD in accordance with state regulations and BISD data collection protocols. Student date for students enrolled in Blinn courses noted otherwise in this MOU will be governed by Blinn policies.
Records include, but are not limited to, transcripts, grade point averages and SAT/ACT scores, federal and state identification information (including US citizen and residency status); academic number issued by the Texas Education Agency, Social Security Number (or similar ID). For additional information, see FERPA.
Data will be used for, but is not limited to, the following: advising, scheduling, course placement, transfer and certification, degree evaluation, financial aid calculation, and for publications required by THECB, TA or other applicable regulatory body. Each retaining record will remain the property of both institutions, will be protected as required by federal and state rules, and in accordance with institutional policies and agreements. Each district and Blinn will submit an annual program review directly to Blinn.
Evaluation
BISD and Blinn will develop a plan for the evaluation of the P-TECH program to be completed each year that will include, but not be limited to, attendance and retention rates, GPA of high school credit only courses and college courses, satisfactory progress in college courses, and adequate progress toward the college-readiness of the students in the program.
Additional Requirements—Dual Credit at Blinn
Because a P-TECH program is specialized and receives a special credit, the Blinn policies regarding dual credit will also apply to P-TECH students from Blinn courses noted otherwise in this MOU. Blinn policies include that students may take other credit courses during the regular, spring, and summer sessions to meet the goals of P-TECH. All P-TECH programs are designed to be completed in Fall and Spring terms (summer sessions would only be used for extenuating circumstances to enable students to finish a course of study and will only be offered upon approval of BISD P-TECH Administration).
Transportation
Day to day costs, such as transportation to and from the campus, will be the responsibility of BISD.
Discontinuation
In the event that the P-TECH program will not continue by the end of a grade level cohort, students will be provided a pathway to completion of their graduation requirements and to complete college-level coursework; support for transition will be provided.
This MOU becomes void if federal or state funds supporting the district or college are terminated.
This agreement may be terminated for cause as determined by the parties, including, but not limited to, withdrawal of approval as a P-TECH site by TEA, noncompliance with all technical and official THECB regulations, or loss of board or state authorizations for the operation of the program.
This MOU may also be terminated for cause by the parties if, during the life of the original, unchangeable agreement, a necessary condition occurs which renders continuing compliance with all technical and official THECB regulations impossible to achieve by either party.
Termination
This agreement and partnership may be terminated by either party upon ninety (90) days written notice to the other party. In the event of termination during the initial term of this agreement, the effective date of termination shall be as of August 1 following the notice. It is the intent of the parties that no termination shall be made during the middle of the school year which will disrupt the academic progress for the students of the P-TECH, unless the parties mutually agree.
Attachments
The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this P-TECH Memorandum of Understanding:
Appendix A: Crosswalks
Appendix B: Advising Terminology
Appendix C: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
Appendix D: Blinn Grading Policy
Signatures
EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES as of the Effective Date of August 1, 2025, by:
- Blinn College District
Signature: [Signed]
Name: Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: 2/24/2025 - Bellville Independent School District
Signature: [Signed]
Name: Nicole Fornhoff, Ed.D., Superintendent
Date: 3/17/25
Appendix A: Crosswalks
| Healthcare Crosswalk | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program of Study | Blinn College | PEIMS Course Code/# | High School Course Name | High School Course Credits | Blinn Course Name | Blinn Credit Hrs | Degree |
Appendix B: Advising Terminology
As per SB 1276 (68th Legislature), below is the terminology related to advising for dual credit and college readiness.
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board which provides students the potential to earn college credit with a qualifying score on an Advanced Placement exam.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for students to help them succeed in their future education and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Students can earn credit by examination by taking the CLEP exam.
- Contact Hours
- The total number of hours a class meets each week.
- Degree Plan
- A statement of the course of study requirements that an undergraduate student at an institution must complete, including core curriculum and major, to receive a degree.
- Dual Credit Office
- Students take college level courses; for both high school and college credit.
Appendix C: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
As per HB 1638 (85th Legislature), the following are the alignment of state goals for dual credit:
- Independent school districts and institutions of higher education will implement purposeful and collaborative outreach efforts to inform all students and parents of the benefits and costs of dual credit, including enrollment and fee policies.
- Advising and career counseling are available to dual credit students.
- Dual credit students have access to the Learning and Writing Centers (online and in-person), eCampus Orientation, Disability Services, Counseling, the Testing Center, Libraries and Open Computer Labs.
- The quality and rigor of dual credit courses exceed to ensure student success in subsequent coursework.
Measure of implementation: Analysis of measures in enrollment and degree completion, disaggregated by student sub-population.
Appendix D: Blinn Grading Policy
Blinn Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
The Board shall establish the manner by which grades shall be determined and credit shall be awarded. These provisions shall include the methods for reporting student grades, the calculation of a student's grade point average (GPA), the classification of students based on credits earned, the transfer of credits, student standards of performance, graduation procedures, and any other matters deemed relevant. The provisions shall be published in the College District catalog. The Chancellor shall develop necessary procedures to implement the grading and credit policy adopted by the Board. (For additional policies including pass and honors determinations, see EGI)
Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
Grades
At the end of each semester, students enrolled for semester hour credit shall become a part of their permanent record.
| Grade | Description | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent | 4 |
| B | Good | 3 |
| C | Average | 2 |
| D | Poor | 1 |
| F | Failure | 0 |
| IP | In Progress | N/A |
Full details on GPA, probation, suspension, and additional policies are available in the Blinn College Student Handbook at Scholastic Probation and Suspension Policy.