College View 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 referenced 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, Subchapter H authorize an institution of higher education to enter into articulation agreements for college courses for joint high school and college credit and dual credit; and
WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program (“Dual Credit Program”) to be operated as an early college program as authorized by state law and regulations;
NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL ROLES
A. Blinn College District
- The College shall provide academic and workforce courses to academically qualified high school students who meet the Dual Credit Program requirements.
- The College is responsible for:
- Verifying that faculty meet credential requirements and ensuring compliance with all SACSCOC policies.
- Offering courses according to standards established in the current Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM).
- Coordinating with the District to schedule dual credit courses and student eligibility.
- Assigning college faculty as instructors and providing relevant support for faculty and students.
- In accordance with Applicable Law (as defined below), the College will offer dual credit courses as listed in the current edition of the THECB Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). Courses offered will be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Courses provided by the College under this Agreement shall be consistent with the educational purpose, goals, and models of the College and not interfere with the District or School. Developmental courses are not available to dual credit students. Kinesiology courses that count towards high school graduation physical education requirements are not offered to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester in a location and classroom mutually agreed upon by the School and College. The College and School will ensure that available technology is appropriate to support such credit exists.
- The District is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses offered to high school students have equivalent high school credit through the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) determined by the District. The District/School will notify the College of the dual credit courses for which students will receive high school credit under this Agreement. The District will follow all state requirements, including communicating this Agreement and crosswalks to students and families prior to enrollment.
- The School will:
- Provide facilities, personnel, and equipment for the delivery of instruction as mutually agreed upon by the Parties, including equipment for online/internet, Interactive Video Conference (IVC), and other instructional technologies.
- Assist with the administration of the courses, including the approval of student eligibility and completion of required documentation.
- Retain responsibility for high school graduation requirements and provide academic and student support services to dual credit students.
- 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 determine the method of converting and/or interpreting and displaying both the College grading scale and the District’s grading scale. See Appendix A.
- Although a student may pass a College class with a grade of D, the District/School will be responsible for communicating that standard so that under 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for a class is not awarded if the “final grade is less than 70 on a scale of 100.” College personnel will not be required to convert a grade. Therefore, dual credit students with D grades will be recorded as a W and will not receive college credit. See Appendix A.
- Dual credit students are subject to the provisions of TEC §51.907. Therefore, dual credit courses with Q drops will be recorded as a W and will not count as the student’s drop limit.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, laws, rules, and policies, including but not limited to, the requirements for:
- Diversity and nondiscrimination
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Student records and rights
- FERPA’s requirements for student access
- Any other laws, rules, and guidelines applicable to this Agreement
- The Parties agree:
- To certify that their sites are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant;
- To certify that they are in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §132b;
- In all cases, to comply with all federal, state, and local laws applicable to this MOU;
- To establish and abide by policy prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, disability, or any other status determined under applicable law.
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 and its implementing regulations.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or to both. The College’s Title IX Coordinator is:
- Dr. Andrew McCaan, Title IX Coordinator
- Blinn College District
- 902 College Avenue, Building Room 219
- Brenham, Texas 77833
- admcaan@blinn.edu
The College’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be found in Board Policy FFDA (LOCAL). For further information, visit: http://www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html
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 course requirements should contact the Parenting Services Office. Please note that the instructor is not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until verification from the Parenting Services Office has been provided. For additional information, please contact the Parenting Services Office.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION – STUDENT’S REQUIRED ACTIONS
A. Students may attend the College during the semester in which the student qualifies for college-level courses or otherwise is eligible in accordance with Applicable Law. The following requirements must be met for admission:
- Obtaining written or electronic permission from the public high school District, and the student’s parent or legal guardian (unless student is 18 years of age or older);
- Satisfying the College’s admission and placement standards, as may be updated by the College in its sole discretion or as required by law, including Texas Success Initiative (TSI) rules and placement policies;
- Meeting high school eligibility requirements for dual credit as determined by the State and by the District/School;
- If required, providing evidence of bacterial meningitis vaccination as required by law (see below); and
- Completing other documentation, including submission of the appropriate application for admission and all supporting documentation as required by the College.
b. 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 college credit courses exclusively at a School facility, or for exclusively 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 the latest information regarding bacterial meningitis.
B. Students who are enrolled in private or non-accredited secondary schools, or who are homeschooled must meet all admission requirements set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
- Prior to the start of each academic year or semester, the College will timely manner to facilitate the scheduling of dual credit courses. The College will coordinate an on-site or electronic meeting (which may include the School Principal, Principal designee, or Site Coordinator) to finalize the list of approved courses for each semester and school year. The School and College will work together on scheduling courses by the College’s enrollment deadlines and in accordance with this Agreement.
- Counseling services will be available to assist with the development of academic plans and career pathways and the alignment of dual credit opportunities with high school graduation plans and endorsements.
- The College will notify the School of any scheduling conflicts and, as applicable, will consult regarding alternate delivery times or methods, within the limits of available College resources and staff availability.
- Credit awarded to high school students shall be determined by the District for all courses for high school graduation purposes, aligning as applicable with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
- If a course section includes a combination of technical dual credit students, college credit students, and/or local articulation students, the dual credit class can include them based on the articulated course.
- 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 within a reasonable commuting distance from a College campus, a minimum class size must be reached, and the Office of Dual Credit Programs will confer with the District/School to determine eligibility. The College is not responsible for travel or other arrangements if minimum class size or proximity requirements are not met.
- If the College provides face-to-face instruction on the School’s campus, students may be assigned to the same course section, except under extenuating circumstances, as determined by the Divisional Dean.
SECTION 4. FACULTY
The faculty assigned by College to dual credit courses must follow the same requirements for credentialing qualifications required by the College. Each new or adjunct instructor must be approved prior to the beginning of instruction in accordance with applicable guidelines. College faculty will abide by all College policies and procedures, including professional development, curriculum, testing, and grading practices.
Section 4.B. does not alter that employment status of any Party’s personnel, create liability for either Party’s employees, or result in the employment of either the College or the District according to the rules of that employee’s employer.
SECTION 5. FACILITIES
A. Per SACSCOC accreditation guidelines, dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities, regardless of 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 review facilities to ensure compliance.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The state of Texas has created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program which allows eligible students to earn other dual credit courses for educationally disadvantaged students at no cost to the student. The Texas Education Code (TEC) defines “educationally disadvantaged students” as those students eligible for free or national free/reduced price lunch or Program. The program applies for “eligible students” under the FAST program if they:
- Are an educationally disadvantaged student (as defined above); and
- Are enrolled in a dual credit course at a public junior college for both high school and college credit. Verification must be submitted each semester by the District/School to the College for students enrolling in the Dual Credit Program. This verification should occur by August 5.
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 for such students to register for the Dual Credit Program and receive payment for tuition and fees for that semester, the District/School must identify and verify to the College the students enrolling in the Dual Credit Program that meet the eligibility requirements for the FAST program. This verification shall occur by August 5.
Students not eligible for FAST will be charged the current tuition under the FAST program if the student meets the following:
- Is enrolled in high school in a school district or charter district;
- Is enrolled in a dual credit course at a public junior college for both high school and college credit;
- Is educationally disadvantaged at any time during the school year described herein.
Graduation status must be reported to TEA’s PEIMS-eligible students who found credit earned at a public junior college in dual credit courses. For Non-FAST eligible students enrolled in dual credit courses, the student has agreed to pay the applicable tuition and fees for the class. The District/School may charge tuition and fees as appropriate so that the FAST program covers 100 percent of the cost of tuition and required fees for dual credit courses for eligible students.
Students not identified as FAST eligible and not approved in the Dual Credit Program will pay tuition and fees as applicable. For tuition and fees, each instructor option (see below):
- Option 1: If an instructor who is a College or District employee who is college qualified teaches dual credit courses, students must 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 within a campus is not eligible to charge as established by THECB, the District may request a waiver under applicable law; THEN, a NON-FAST student would only pay $200 for four (4) credit-hour courses. If the District does not request an option, the District will not receive a tuition waiver and the minimum payment of $500 for each course section is required. A minimum eighty (80) percent student enrollment is required in the Dual Credit Program.
- Option 3: If a qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is not a technician/collegiate instructor and serves as instructor for a technical course in the instructor; THEN, the student is required to pay the State of Texas tuition and fees before the course is verified as an official course as determined by a high school principal.
*During the Term (as hereinafter defined) of this Agreement, the credit hour tuition and fees for dual credit courses are subject to change as established by the College’s Board of Trustees or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
SECTION 8. COLLEGE FACULTY COMPENSATION
- Full-time College faculty will be compensated per their contract.
- College adjunct instructors will be compensated per their contract.
SECTION 9. SYLLABUS, CURRICULUM, SUPPLIES, AND TEXTBOOKS
- College instructors will distribute a course syllabus and follow the College’s established policies.
- Course content will align with the program of study, as described in the curriculum guidelines.
- Dual Credit courses will use required textbooks for the course section as determined by course offering. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks for students. As per HB 3650 (87th Legislature, 2019), the District/School and the College will consider the use of free or low-cost open educational resources for dual credit courses, where feasible. These resources will be reviewed periodically and collaboratively by academic personnel from the College and District/School.
- As of August 2024, the College is an active participant in the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program. Students that are eligible for Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) funds will be responsible for purchasing any required textbooks or additional instructional resources for the class(es). Students identified as FAST eligible will not incur the cost of textbooks; FAST will provide the resources required for the class(es). Cost of books and additional resources will be borne by the student.
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
Dual credit students and instructors may use the library resources offered by the School and/or at any of the College Campuses. Students will be issued a student ID to access College library resources. Circulation privileges or other on-site admission procedures for students who are part of the Dual Credit Program are identified and provided to all College District students as described in College policy.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
- The College will provide dual credit students with academic advising services to monitor students’ progress through established milestones and degree requirements or course sequences.
- 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
- Shannon Williford
- 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 Blinn College 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, based upon allegations or evidence of unethical behavior, the student may not continue to take dual credit courses until the standing review is complete, as stated in the college responsibility to arrange for this consideration. For more information, see College Board Policy FLB.
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- A tuition and fee payment on the basis of the student’s status is required for each enrolled course/semester. A payment plan is available upon request. Payment is the responsibility of the student, unless funds from the FAST program or other eligibility applies. All tuition and fees must be paid by the published deadline, as outlined in the College calendar.
- If a student requests to take a class more than twice, he or she will be responsible for the tuition for that course and $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, both Parties will keep and maintain the records as may be necessary or advisable to operate the Dual Credit Program; provide the appropriate support for students and programs, informational data on student progress and assessment, and institutional reporting as required by law. Each Party acknowledges that both Parties will be responsible for maintaining records for Pre-Admissions and for the student’s claims. Each Party (independently or through a service provider) may provide academic advising, faculty or staff, administration, and maintain access to information on courses, rosters, degree plans, and other relevant documents as requested by the other Party. Each Party agrees to maintain the confidentially of all student and institutional records as required by law, including but not limited to FERPA. Each Party agrees to take reasonable steps to protect student privacy.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- Term. The Term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date (as referenced above) and remain in effect until terminated, unless earlier terminated as provided in this Agreement or as otherwise required by law. Any party may terminate this Agreement with written notice, provided that the terminating Party provides thirty (30) days’ notice by written notice mailed and delivered to the other Party before the end of the academic year or semester then in progress. Termination will not relieve the Parties of their obligations accruing prior to termination. Students enrolled in the Dual Credit Program at the time will, to the extent feasible, be permitted to complete the dual credit courses.
SECTION 17. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS
- Entire Agreement
- This Agreement, including the Recitals, the Appendices, any addenda and this Agreement in compliance with all applicable law, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties regarding the subject matter herein. There are no representations, warranties, conditions, understandings, or agreements other than those incorporated herein. The use of any prior or contemporaneous agreements, correspondence, or representations not expressly incorporated in this Agreement is void.
- Amendments
- This Agreement may be modified and amended only by written signatures of both Parties, and any such modification or amendments shall be attached and bound to become a part of this agreement.
- Governing Law; Venue; This Agreement
- The rights and obligations herein shall be governed by, construed, and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflict of laws provisions. The Parties consent to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Washington County, Texas for any actions arising hereunder.
- 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 foregoing, employees of the District may teach college courses as adjunct professors of the College or through some other teaching arrangement, if such arrangement is approved in advance by the Parties). This Agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture between the Parties, nor does it authorize either the College or the Party to serve as the legal representative or agent of the other. No Party will have the authority to act for or bind another Party in any respect, including to incur or assume any expense, debt, obligation, liability, or responsibility on behalf of the other Party, or make any Party hereto, neither party shall have control over the other, except with respect to its own times, employment, etc. The Parties acknowledge and agree that no Party will be liable for the actions or omissions of the other Party, nor for any third-party liabilities, loss, damages, suit, actions, fines, penalties, charges, or demands of any kind arising out of this Agreement.
The rest of this section includes additional standard contract clauses such as severability, waiver, assignment, third-party rights, counterparts, and electronic signatures.
SECTION 18: LIST OF APPENDICES
The following appendices are attached and incorporated into this Blinn College District 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: Dual Credit Statewide Goals
- 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 8/26/2024
- BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
- Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
- DISTRICT/SCHOOL
- Tim Harkrider, Superintendent
Date: 8/21/24
APPENDIX A
Regarding Grading System
EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- The Board will establish the manner by which grades will be determined and credit shall be awarded. The provisions shall include the method for reporting student grades, the calculation of a student’s grade point average (GPA), the classification of students based on grade credits earned, the criteria for credit, student performance, and credit transfer, and any other relevant matters. The College Chancellor shall develop written procedures to implement this policy and grading provisions adopted by the College District Board, subject to state and federal law, College District policies, and any applicable rules or policies.
Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
Grades
| Grade | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100 | Excellent |
| B | 80-89 | Average |
| C | 70-79 | Poor |
| D | 60-69 | Poor F |
| F | Below 60 | Fail |
| Q | See Q | Course Q Drop or Withdrawal from College |
| W | See W | Withdrew |
| P | Pass | |
| NP | Not Passing | |
| FS | Academic Fresh Start |
- I – Incomplete: Indicates the coursework was incomplete because of the student’s 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 form. The work should be complete within 90 days after the start of the next long semester. Failure to complete the work specified in the contract shall result in a grade of zero, which shall be averaged into the final grade calculation with appropriate weighting relative to other grades.
- Q – Dropped: Entered on or before the official “Q-Date” as indicated on the College calendar when a student is officially dropped from a course.
- W – Dropped for Good Cause: Assigned before or on the official “Q-Date” as indicated on the College calendar when a student drops a course for “good cause” as defined below or officially dropped from a course:
- The College recognizes an extenuating condition that affects the student's ability to satisfactorily complete a course;
- The case if a child is sick, injured, or needs treatment and the care affects the student's ability to satisfactorily complete the course;
- The death of a member of the student's family;
- The student's active military duty in the family unit for family or medical emergencies.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
College progress is normally determined by a grade point average or ratio. Grade points shall be calculated by assigning values to a grade. The value is as illustrated in the chart below:
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| B | 3 |
| C | 2 |
| D | 1 |
| F, I, Q, W, CR, NP | 0 |
The grade points of a repeated course shall be used in determining the cumulative grade point average. A grade of “W” or “Q” shall not replace a grade of “F” for higher in a repeated course; the grade of “F” shall replace all repeats of a course.
All grades received while enrolled in the College shall be used in computing a student’s College cumulative grade average (GPA), except as for an F, W, FS, and CR.
Academic Good Standing
In order to remain in academic good standing with the College, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C). A 2.0 cumulative grade point average is the minimum average required for graduation.
Scholastic Probation or Suspension
A student who falls below a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the close of any long semester or summer school will be placed on scholastic probation. A student who fails to achieve a minimum 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA at the end of subsequent semesters will be placed on scholastic suspension. A student with a semester GPA of less than 2.0 but with a cumulative GPA less than 2.0 will remain on scholastic probation. Students being placed on scholastic probation will receive an email at their Blinn College Buc account. Dual credit students placed on probation processes and activities will be documented and a notification will be sent to their parent and/or high school contact.
Students transferring from another College with less than a 2.0 GPA, if admitted, are entered in academic probation and must follow the College’s probation process as noted above. Students in subsequent semesters are all subject as above.
A student placed on scholastic probation becomes ineligible to participate in College activities, unless such ineligibility is waived by the Vice Chancellor, Student Services or designee. A dual credit student or a student receiving educational support may apply for reinstatement upon presentation of evidence of ability to do satisfactory college work in future terms. Scholastic probation and suspension will be documented in student records, as well as related communication and advisement with parents and high school contacts. For more information, see the Blinn College Board Policy or Academic Catalog.
APPENDIX B
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
Appendix C
Notice of Reimbursement of Services
Date: [Sample data in form]
- ABC ISD agrees to provide the following credentialed high school faculty member(s), and
- The dual credit students in this class will be charged for fees according to the Agreement between the College and the District.
- ABC ISD agrees that the said class will have to have a minimum of eight (8) students in order to make.
- The College agrees to reimburse ABC ISD $500.00 for the services rendered by the teachers whose approval has been approved and credentialed at the College Dual Credit Class.
Budget Code: ________
APPENDIX D
Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
*High School course is subject to change. Alignment of the high school course is determined and approved by the High School. Each school district determines which courses they will offer as dual credit.
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course* | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of MacroEconomics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| ECON 2302 | Principles of MicroEconomics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Professional Communications | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | Professional Communications | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II | English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2322 | British Literature I | English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2323 | British Literature II | English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2332 | World Literature I | English IV | 3 | All Areas |