Columbus 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 Columbus 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 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 contract with a public school district for the provision of instruction resulting in dual credit received by a student for such course; and
WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program (“Dual Credit Program”) to be operated as part of the District’s 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 be in charge of the management and supervision of 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 courses taught to the institution’s other students. [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standard].
- In accordance with Applicable Law, the College will offer dual credit courses listed 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 offered each semester shall 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, mission, and goals of the College. Developmental courses are not available to dual credit students. Kinesiology courses that count towards the high school physical education requirement will not be 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 will use technology as appropriate to support dual credit sites.
- The District is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used to equate high school courses with college courses, identify the number of credits for each completed course, and align endorsements and dual credit offerings with postsecondary pathways and industry certifications. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met, and all College course sequencing shall be followed.
- Student academic performance in a course provided under the Dual Credit Program shall be determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), attached as Appendix A.
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum enrollment in each course. If not met, the course may be canceled.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have scheduled in-school time with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School is responsible for providing learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to the College campus, regardless of modality of instruction.
- The School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment in support of instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet requirements for online/internet and Interactive Video Conference (IVC).
- The School will assign professional personnel to advise and verify prospective student eligibility for the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will assign trained personnel to assist with College registration functions including admissions forms and collecting documentation.
- The School/District will initiate the process for course accommodations due to disability by providing students with documentation for required accommodations and services under an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students must provide documentation to the College's Office of Disability Services (ODS); upon receipt, the College's ODS will provide a verification form listing accommodations. The student presents this to the instructor. Instructors may not provide accommodations without verification from ODS.
- If College grading scales differ from the District's, the District/School will provide a comparative document displaying both scales to participating students (see Appendix A).
- The District/School communicates to students and parents that, under 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for high school graduation may be earned only if the grade is at least the equivalent of a 70 on a 100-point scale. College staff will not communicate directly with parents.
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provisions of TEC §51.907 (6-drop rule). Dual credit “Q drops” will be recorded as a W.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, implementing regulations, executive orders, interpreting authorities, administrative rules, and requirements, including but not limited to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, ADA, FERPA, Title IV (HEA), IDEA, the Texas constitution, Texas Education Code, State reporting laws, record retention, Chapter 4 and Chapter 9 of Title 19 Texas Administrative Code, TEA and THECB guidelines, SACSCOC, and each Party’s board policies/procedures.
- The Parties further agree:
- To certify that their sites are ADA compliant;
- To comply with FERPA (20 U.S.C. §1232g);
- To comply with all federal, state, and local laws applicable to this Agreement;
- To have policy prohibiting discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by 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 regulations, including in admission and employment. Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Adrienne McCain, adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216.
For more information on Title IX and reporting, visit: www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html and reporting-information.
Blinn College District also prohibits retaliation for involvement in the complaint process. For more information, see Board Policy DIAB.
Statement on Parenting Services
Any student whose pregnancy or parenting status may require special arrangements should contact the Parenting Services Office before requesting classroom accommodation from instructors.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
Students may attend the College during the semester in which they demonstrate readiness for college-level courses or are otherwise eligible under Applicable Law. To be admitted they must:
- Obtain written or electronic permission from their high school principal/designee (steps in Dual Credit Approval Form, Appendix C).
- Earn a "B" average in high school work attempted, or "C" for WECM trades courses. If lower, a written letter from the principal/designee is required for consideration.
- Complete a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meet current TSI criteria for dual credit as determined by THECB (scores, exemptions, or waivers, as documented).
- Provide proof of bacterial meningitis vaccine (not required for students taking classes exclusively at a School facility or 100% online). Students attending on any Blinn College campus must provide proof. See immunization details.
Students enrolled in private or non-accredited secondary schools or homeschooled students must meet all admission requirements described herein.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- Before each semester, the College will coordinate and finalize the proposed course schedule with the School. The School will submit anticipated enrollment by May 1 and the course schedule by July 20 before the upcoming school year.
- All high school students enrolled in a College academic dual credit class will follow the official College calendar. Class cancellations require consultation and must be handled by both parties’ administration. Lost instructional time must be made up as arranged.
- Students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law. See Appendix C for standards.
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed solely of dual credit students or both dual credit and AP students. Technical classes may combine dual credit, college-credit, and articulation students.
- Face-to-face dual credit instruction on high school campuses requires a minimum class size and a campus within reasonable commuting distance of a College campus. If minimum is not met, instructional alternatives will be explored; the College does not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided, students may not take the same course online, except under extenuating circumstances approved by the Divisional Dean.
Section 4. Faculty
- Faculty assigned to college dual credit courses follow the same credentialing, hiring, and orientation requirements as all College faculty.
- Approved District Dual Credit Faculty teach as part of their regular assignment, following District, School, and College regulations and procedures.
- Faculty compensation is addressed in Section 6.
- The College’s academic leadership will oversee, supervise, and evaluate instructional delivery for all dual credit courses. Employment status and employer policies remain unchanged.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses will be offered in facilities meeting SACSCOC accreditation standards as determined by periodic review by the College.
- Both College and District/School representatives will assess and select facilities, class size, and instructional modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The FAST program provides state funding so colleges can offer dual credit courses at no cost to educationally disadvantaged students (those eligible for free/reduced price lunch in the last four school years), referred to as FAST eligible students. These students pay no tuition, fees, or for books/supplies. The District/School must verify eligible students by August 5. For non-FAST students, tuition is $56.87 per scheduled credit hour, or the current state rate. Districts are responsible for FAST students’ other educational costs (fees, supplies, textbooks, etc.).
Section 7. Tuition
Students enrolled in dual credit courses will pay tuition for ACGM and WECM dual credit courses according to the following:
- Option 1: If a College or District employee provides dual credit instruction (any location/modality): Non-FAST student pays State of Texas approved tuition rate.
- Option 2: If a qualified District instructor is used (without College overload pay): Non-FAST student pays $20/credit hour ($60 for 3-credit, $80 for 4-credit courses). District receives $500 per course section if at least 8 students enroll.
- Option 3: If a qualified District instructor teaches a technical (WECM) course with no College compensation, tuition is waived (no cost to student).
*All tuition/fees are subject to change by the College Board of Trustees or State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time College faculty will be compensated per their contract.
- Adjunct instructors will be compensated based on the rate for the course.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must use the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor in all College classes, per THECB and SACSCOC.
- A College Common Syllabus must be posted in Concourse for each dual credit course, containing all master course elements.
- Dual Credit courses use the same (or equivalent) textbooks as on-campus courses. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks to students. The District/School and College will consider OER/free or low-cost materials periodically.
- FAST eligible students will not incur costs for required textbooks or materials; the District will provide these. Non-FAST students are responsible for their own textbook/resource purchases.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors have access to School and College library resources, including online resources. Privileges and services are the same as for College students/instructors.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College will provide adequate academic advising and counseling in compliance with advising requirements in TX SB 1277 (2021) and SB 25 & 1324 (2019). At least one employee from each institution will be designated for advising. See Appendix G for common advising strategies/terminology.
- The College’s Dual Credit advising contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu
B. Support Services
Dual credit students may use computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers at any College campus.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies, procedures, and Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the College Catalog: http://catalog.blinn.edu/.
- Students must comply with academic integrity regulations: Scholastic Integrity.
- Students asked to leave class for incivility may not return until they arrange a conference with the instructor.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees (per Section 6) are due from students at registration. Non-payment results in course drops.
- Financial aid is not available for dual credit students per federal regulations (P.L. 100-50, CFR 668.7(a)(2)).
- State funding for dual credit courses is available to both District/School and College. College may only claim certain funding per state rules.
- Students taking a class more than twice pay tuition plus $50/credit hour (technical and FAST-eligible students are exempt).
- The College is not responsible for transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- At the end of each semester, class rosters (names and grades) will be provided to the School.
- Each Party maintains necessary student records in compliance with Texas Record Retention laws and FERPA. Both Parties designate the other as an agent for legitimate educational interest in students’ records for FERPA purposes.
- Dual credit high school and college credit will be transcripted immediately upon completion (TAC 19 §4.85(h)).
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Conflicts shall be resolved at the lowest level possible, with written summaries and communications. If unresolved, escalation moves from campus liaisons, to District/College administrators, to superintendents/vice chancellors, and, if necessary, to legal counsel.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: Effective Date through last day of the second summer semester of 2027, with possible renewal upon agreement and board approval.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with 60 days’ written notice before semester end; students already enrolled may complete their courses.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- This Agreement (including Recitals and Appendices) is the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements.
- Amendments require written signature by both Parties.
- Governing law: State of Texas; venue: Washington County, Texas.
- Notice requirements and contact information for both Parties included.
- Parties are independent contractors; the Agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture.
- No delay/failure in exercising rights is a waiver. No assignment without consent. If any part is unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. No third-party rights are created.
- Counterparts and electronic signatures are valid; Parties consent to electronic communications.
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 7/26/2024:
- Blinn College District
- Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: 7/26/2024 - Columbus High School
- James Connor, Superintendent
Date: 7/26/2024
Appendix A: Regarding Grading System
The Board establishes the grading and credit system, including GPA, performance standards, grade appeal, and other matters, published in the College catalog. Procedures for implementation are developed by the Chancellor.
Grades:
- 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 / Withdrawal
- CR – Credit
- P – Pass
- NP – Not Passing
- FS – Academic Fresh Start
Details on incomplete and withdrawal grading, Health Sciences grading, GPA calculations, academic standing, probation, and suspension are outlined, as described in the College catalog. For grade changes, contact the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at (979) 830-4130.
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form (2024–25)
Student and Parent/Guardian Authorization
- Agreement to abide by Blinn College District rules and regulations, including possible exposure to mature content in college settings.
- FERPA rights and privacy: Parents cannot access student records without the student’s written permission once registered in college courses.
| Course Name | Semester | CRN | Day/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| [To be completed by applicant] | |||
Certification of eligibility by high school principal/designee and College designee required. (See form for signature and date lines.)
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
*High School course is subject to change. Alignment is determined and approved by the High School. **Each school district determines which courses to offer as dual credit.
| 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 |
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College level coursework designed by the College Board for which students may earn college credit with a qualifying score.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance supporting education and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Credit by examination via the CLEP exam.
- Contact Hours
- Total hours a class meets each week.
- Degree Plan
- Statement of required courses for a degree.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take college level courses for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to be removed from a course. Dual credit students must request through the Blinn College Dual Credit Office.
- Early Admissions
- College level courses for high school students for college credit only.
- FERPA
- Federal law protecting student records privacy.
- ACGM
- List of courses approved for transfer by community/technical colleges in Texas.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Credit by examination for math courses.
- Prerequisite
- Course required before taking another course.
- WECM
- Inventory of pre-approved technical courses for community and technical colleges.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Independent school districts and institutions of higher education will implement collaborative outreach to inform all students and parents of dual credit benefits, costs, enrollment, and fee policies. Documentation of collaboration and outreach must be available.
- Dual credit programs will assist students' successful transition to and acceleration through postsecondary education. Measures include analysis of postsecondary enrollment and retention by student group.
- All dual credit students will receive academic and college readiness advising, supporting successful college course completion. Measures include enrollment and degree completion analysis by group.
- The quality and rigor of dual credit will support success in future coursework. Measurement includes subsequent course performance data.
- Institutional data, common curriculum, and eligibility requirements (per THECB and SACSCOC) are maintained.