Cornerstone Christian Academy
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 [District Name], a Texas Public independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas ("District") with an effective date of June 1, 2024 ("Effective Date").
Individually, the College and the District are referred to herein as "Party" and collectively as "Parties".
Recitals
- WHEREAS, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 28.009, 29.182, 29.184, and 130.008; and 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H authorize an institution of higher education to 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 Cornerstone Christian 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 thirteen counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, Washington, 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 other students, in accordance with SACSCOC standards.
- 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 are determined by agreement between the College and District. Courses are under the College's direct control. Developmental and certain kinesiology courses are not available to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester in a location mutually agreed upon by the School and the College. Technology will be used as appropriate to support dual credit sites.
- The District ensures dual credit courses meet TEKS requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used to align high school and college courses, credits, and endorsements, in accordance with SB 1276 (2019). Postsecondary pathways and industry certifications information is available on the College website. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites and sequencing must be followed for dual credit courses.
- Satisfactory academic performance is determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) (see Appendix A).
- The College may set a minimum enrollment for courses and reserves the right to cancel courses if minimums are not met.
- The College encourages students taking online classes to have in-school scheduled time with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School will provide classroom facilities and a learning atmosphere comparable to those on College campuses.
- The School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment as used for classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to support online/internet and Interactive Video Conference (IVC) courses (see Appendix B for video class regulations).
- The School will assign professional personnel to identify, advise, and verify student eligibility for the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will assign personnel to assist with registration functions, including admissions forms and student documentation.
- For students needing accommodations due to disability, the School/District initiates the process, provides IEP documentation to the student, who then submits it to the College’s Office of Disability Services (ODS). The student must provide the College ODS verification to the instructor before accommodations are made.
- If College and District grading scales differ, the District will provide a comparison document to students (see Appendix A).
- The District is responsible for communicating grade requirements for high school graduation to students/parents. College staff are not expected to communicate with parents.
- Dual credit students are exempt from TEC §51.907 limitations on Q drops; Q drops for dual credit are recorded as W without penalty.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties will 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, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, and other listed statutes, state laws, TEA and THECB requirements, and accrediting agency rules.
- Additional compliance requirements:
- a. Certify ADA compliance;
- b. Comply with FERPA;
- c. Comply with all applicable laws for this MOU;
- d. Maintain policies prohibiting discrimination.
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 it operates, as required by Title IX. For Title IX inquiries, contact: Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, TX 77833, Administration Building Room 219, adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216. Policy details are at www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html.
Blinn College District Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or other protected status. Retaliation for complaints is also prohibited. See Board Policy DIAB for more information.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Students requiring accommodations due to pregnancy or parenting status should contact the Parenting Services Office. Instructors may only provide accommodations upon verification from this office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
- Written or electronic permission from the high school principal or designee, following steps on the Dual Credit Approval Form (Appendix C).
- Earn a "B" or better in all high school work attempted, or a "C" for WECM trades courses. If below this, a letter from the principal is required for College review.
- Complete a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meet TSI criteria for dual credit as set by THECB. Provide scores or exemptions before registration. Eligibility details at Blinn Dual Credit Eligibility.
- Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine: Required for new students attending classes in person on a Blinn College campus, but not for students taking all courses at a School facility or fully online. See immunization information for details.
Students enrolled in private, non-accredited secondary schools, or homeschooled, must meet all requirements set forth in this Agreement.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- Course schedules will be coordinated and finalized between the College and School prior to each semester. Anticipated student numbers are to be submitted by May 1st; course schedules by July 20th for the next school year.
- All high school dual credit students will follow the official College calendar. Class cancellations require consultation; lost instructional time may be made up by arrangement.
- The permitted number of dual credit academic classes is set by Applicable Law and will be confirmed by College and School representatives (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit courses must be composed solely of dual credit and/or advanced placement students. Technical classes may include a combination of students as described.
- Face-to-face instruction requires a minimum class size; the College is not responsible for transportation. If numbers are insufficient, alternatives will be explored.
- Students may not take the same course online if it is offered face-to-face on the campus, unless under extenuating circumstances as determined by the Divisional Dean.
Section 4. Faculty
- Dual credit instructors must meet College credentialing guidelines. Non-College employees must follow hiring procedures including application, interview, teaching demonstration, credentialing review, and background check. Orientation is required.
- District-employed Dual Enrollment Faculty will follow all applicable District, School, and College regulations.
- Faculty compensation is as described in Section 6.
- College academic leadership is responsible for oversight, supervision, evaluation, and assessment of instructional delivery and compliance with policies.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses must be offered in adequate physical facilities meeting SACSCOC guidelines. The College will assess and periodically review site compliance.
- College and School representatives will assess facilities, determine class size, and select instructional modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The FAST program provides funding so that dual credit courses are at no cost to educationally disadvantaged students (those eligible for free/reduced lunch in any of the four prior school years). Requirements:
- Student is enrolled in high school in a public district/charter school
- Enrolled in a dual credit course at a participating higher education institution
- Met free/reduced lunch eligibility in any of four previous years
Eligible students pay no tuition, fees, or book costs for covered courses. Non-FAST students pay $56.87 per scheduled credit hour, or the approved state tuition. District will verify FAST eligibility by August 5th and incur remaining educational costs as described.
Section 7. Tuition
- Option 1: If College or District employee is instructor (regardless of location/modality), NON-FAST students pay State of Texas approved tuition rate.
- Option 2: If approved District instructor is used, and College does not pay faculty overload, NON-FAST students pay $20 per credit hour. The District receives a $500 reimbursement per course section (minimum 8 students per course).
- Option 3: If approved District instructor teaches technical (WECM) dual credit course and College pays no compensation, tuition is waived for students.
Tuition and fees are subject to change as set by the College Board of Trustees or State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time faculty: compensated per contract.
- Adjunct faculty: compensated at standard course adjunct rates.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction uses the same curriculum, grading, and rigor as all College classes.
- A College Common Syllabus is required and must match master course syllabi.
- Equivalent textbooks are required. The College is not responsible for supplying textbooks. Use of free/low-cost open educational resources will be considered periodically.
- Students not eligible for FAST funds purchase textbooks/resources; for FAST-eligible students, the District provides books/resources at no cost.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may use library resources of both the School and the College, including online and campus libraries. Access and privileges match those of all College students and instructors.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College provides instructional support services, including advising and counseling, as required. At least one employee from either institution must be designated to provide advising (see Appendix G).
- The District/School must comply with the advising mandates of TX SB 25 (2019) and TX SB 1324 (2019), including filing of degree plans and course sequencing.
- College 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
- Students must comply with College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct (College Catalog).
- Students must follow academic integrity regulations (Academic Integrity).
- If a student is asked to leave due to uncivil behavior, they may not return until a conference with the instructor is arranged (see Board Policy FLB).
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fee payments are due at registration. Payment plans are available. Nonpayment results in dropping from classes.
- Financial Aid is generally not available to dual credit students under federal law. Students in secondary school are not eligible for Title IV assistance for college-level courses in the same period.
- State funding is available for eligible dual credit courses per TEA and THECB rules. College may claim funding only in certain defined course categories.
- Re-enrolling in a class more than twice incurs extra fees for non-technical/non-FAST students. Technical and FAST-eligible courses are exempt. See College Catalog for expense details.
- The College does not provide transportation for dual credit students.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class Rosters: Provided by the College to the School at semester’s end, listing names and grades of dual credit students.
- Student Records; FERPA: Each Party maintains required records, provides necessary informational and compliance data, and will follow appropriate student privacy laws (FERPA) and retention laws. Each Party designates the other Party as its agent for legitimate educational purposes.
- Transcription of Credit: Dual credit courses must be transcripted immediately upon completion by the student, both for high school and college credit.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Parties agree to resolve issues in good faith and at the lowest possible level, maintaining communication. Unresolved issues escalate per each organization’s structure (Principal/admin liaison; District admin; District Superintendent and College Vice Chancellor; legal counsel, if needed).
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: Agreement is effective June 1, 2024, to last day of second summer semester of 2027 (can be extended by mutual agreement). Board approval required.
- Termination: Either party may terminate with written notice 60 days before semester ends. Termination does not affect students already enrolled for that semester.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- Entire Agreement: This document with appendices and exhibits is the entire agreement, superseding prior agreements.
- Amendment: Modifications require written consent by both Parties.
- Governing Law: Controlled by the laws of Texas, with venue in Washington County, Texas.
- Notice: Written notices can be delivered personally, by mail, overnight courier, facsimile, or electronic means, to each party’s designated contact.
- College:
- Blinn College District, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, TX 77833, Contact: Shannon Williford
- School District:
- Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Contact
- Relationship of Parties: Independent contractors. No authority to bind each other or act as agents.
- No Waiver: A waiver of rights must be explicit; delay does not constitute waiver.
- Assignment: No assignment without written consent.
- Captions: Captions are for convenience and not legally binding.
- Severability: Invalid provisions are severable; the rest remains in effect.
- No Third Party Rights: No third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement.
- Counterparts and Electronic Signatures: Agreement may be executed electronically and in counterparts.
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
Execution and Signatures
| Blinn College District | Cornerstone Christian Academy |
| Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor Date: 8/1/2024 |
Rebecca Curry, Principal Date: 8/1/2024 |
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
- Student Name, School, Class, Date of Birth
- (To be filled by student and parent/guardian)
- I understand admission and enrollment provisions, rules and regulations of Blinn College District.
- Once registered, student records are protected by FERPA.
Signatures: Student and Parent/Guardian signatures and dates required.
| Course Name | Semester | CRN | Day/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| (To be completed for each course) | |||
- For academic dual credit, principal certifies 80 or better average. For technical dual credit, 70 or better average is required.
Signatures: High School Principal or Designee, College Designee, Dates
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macroeconomics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or IV | 3 | All Areas |
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board, with potential for college credit by exam.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for student success.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- A federal law protecting the privacy of student records.
- Prerequisite
- A course required before taking another course.
- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)
- Approved inventory of community and technical college courses for technical education in Texas.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: ISDs and IHEs will implement collaborative outreach to inform students and parents about dual credit benefits, costs, and enrollment/fee policies.
- Examples: Informational sessions, high school counselor workshops.
- Goal 2: Dual credit programs will help high school students transition to and accelerate through postsecondary education.
- Examples: College tours, new student registration events.
- Goal 3: All dual credit students will receive advising for college readiness and completion.
- Examples: Access to centers, counseling, disability services.
- Goal 4: Dual credit course quality and rigor will ensure student success in subsequent courses.
- Examples: Institutional research, adherence to curriculum and readiness standards.