Dime Box 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: [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 Dime Box High School high school ("School").
NOW THEREFORE, for the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. GENERAL CRITERIA
A. Blinn College District (College)
- The College will designate a leadership team to manage and supervise the Dual Credit Program.
- The College service area includes the following thirteen counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, 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 courses taught to the institution’s other students. [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standard]
- 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. Developmental courses and kinesiology courses that count towards the high school graduation physical education requirement are not available 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 seek every opportunity to use available technology 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 (see Appendix F) to equate high school courses with college courses and align endorsements with postsecondary pathways and credentials.
- All College prerequisites must be met and all College course sequencing shall be followed.
- Satisfactory academic performance in a course provided under the Dual Credit Program shall be determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) (see Appendix A).
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum number of students for enrollment in each course and may cancel the course if this minimum is not met.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have in-school time scheduled to work with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School is responsible for providing a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to those offered on the College campus, regardless of modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment typically used in classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet the requirements for online/internet and Interactive Video Conference (IVC) courses (see Appendix B).
- The School will assign professional-level personnel to identify, advise, and verify prospective students’ eligibility in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will assign professional-level personnel to assist with College registration functions, including admissions forms and collecting student documentation.
- The School/District will initiate the process for course accommodations due to a disability, providing students with documentation for the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at the College. Instructors may not provide accommodations until appropriate verification from ODS is presented.
- If the College grading scale differs from the District’s, the District/School will provide participating students with a comparative grading scale document (see Appendix A).
- The District/School must communicate to students and parents that, under 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for high school graduation may only be earned if the student receives the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100.
- Dual credit students are not affected by TEC §51.907. Q drops are recorded as a W.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and rules, including but not limited to:
- Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, Age Discrimination Act, Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, Texas Education Code, TEA guidelines, THECB guidelines, SACSCOC standards, and state record retention laws.
- The Parties also agree:
- To certify ADA compliance.
- To comply with FERPA and other applicable privacy regulations.
- To have policies prohibiting discrimination including sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity, as required by Title IX and its regulations. For inquiries contact:
- Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator
- 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833
Administration Building Room 219
Email: adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
Phone: 979-830-4216
More information: www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html
To report or make a complaint regarding sex discrimination under Title IX: Blinn Title IX Reporting
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is also prohibited. See Board Policy DIAB for more information.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT ON PARENTING SERVICES
Students who require accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting status should contact the Parenting Services Office. Documented accommodations must be verified through this office before instructors are permitted to provide them.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION – STUDENT'S REQUIRED ACTIONS
- Written or electronic permission from the high school principal or their designee (see Appendix C for the Dual Credit Approval Form).
- Earning a "B" average or better in all high school work attempted (or a "C" for WECM trades courses); if lower, a principal's letter with justification is required for College consideration.
- Completing a College application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meeting the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) criteria as determined by THECB. Proof of eligibility must be provided before registration. See eligibility requirements.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine is required for students taking courses in person on a Blinn campus. This is not required for students taking classes exclusively at a School facility or fully online.
Students from private or non-accredited secondary schools, or who are homeschooled, must meet the same admission requirements.
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
- Prior to each semester, the College will coordinate the proposed course schedule with the School. The School will submit anticipated student counts by May 1 and proposed schedules by July 20 each year.
- All high school students in dual credit classes will follow the official College calendar.
- Participating students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit courses must be composed of either solely dual credit students or a mix with advanced placement students (AP). Technical classes may include combinations as specified.
- Face-to-face academic dual credit courses require a minimum class size, which may include students from multiple districts. The College will not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided for a course at the School’s campus, students cannot take the same course online except under extenuating circumstances as determined by the Divisional Dean.
SECTION 4. FACULTY
- Faculty must meet College credentialing standards. District/School instructors must complete College hiring procedures, credential review, and background checks.
- District faculty teaching dual credit do so as part of their School assignment and follow all applicable regulations.
- Faculty compensation is per Section 6.
- The College’s academic leadership oversees instructional delivery, evaluation, and supervision of all instructors.
SECTION 5. FACILITIES
- Dual credit courses must be offered in facilities meeting SACSCOC accreditation guidelines. The College will assess and periodically review facilities.
- College and District representatives will evaluate facilities, determine class size, and select modality.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The FAST program provides funding for dual credit courses to educationally disadvantaged students (as defined by eligibility for free/reduced lunch) at no cost. To qualify:
- Student must be enrolled in an eligible dual credit course at a public school district/charter school.
- Student must have qualified for free/reduced-price lunch in any of the four school years before enrolling.
- FAST eligible students incur no cost for dual credit coursework, including books and materials.
The District/School must identify and verify eligible students each semester by August 5. Non-FAST eligible students pay $56.87 per credit hour or the State of Texas approved tuition. The District is responsible for incurring all other educational costs for FAST students enrolled in dual credit.
SECTION 7. TUITION
Students pay tuition for dual credit courses according to the following options:
- Option 1: If instruction is provided by a College or District employee, NON-FAST students pay the State of Texas approved tuition rate.
- Option 2: If the course is taught by a qualified District instructor and the College does not pay the instructor, NON-FAST students pay $20 per credit hour. District receives a $500 reimbursement per course section (with a minimum of eight students required).
- Option 3: For technical (WECM) courses taught by a qualified District instructor with no College compensation, tuition is waived for that course.
Tuition and fees are subject to change as established by the College’s Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
SECTION 8. COLLEGE FACULTY COMPENSATION
- Full-time College faculty are compensated per contract.
- Adjunct instructors are paid based on the rate for the course.
SECTION 9. SYLLABUS, CURRICULUM, SUPPLIES, AND TEXTBOOKS
- Dual Credit instruction must use the same curriculum, materials, and grading as College courses regardless of location or modality.
- A College Common Syllabus must be posted for each dual credit course.
- Dual credit courses use identical or equivalent textbooks as on campus courses. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks. Open educational resources should be considered per HB 3650 (2019).
- Non-FAST students are responsible for purchasing required textbooks/resources. FAST eligible students will not incur these costs (costs covered by the District).
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
Dual credit students and instructors have access to library resources at the School and all Blinn College campuses, including online resources and learning centers.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
A. Advising
- The College provides instructional support services and advising, including compliance with TX SB 1277 (2021). Appendix G establishes common advising strategies and terminology.
- The District must collaborate to comply with advising mandates, facilitating academic progress and timely graduation.
- Designated College 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 all College campuses.
SECTION 12. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct (College Catalog).
- Students must follow academic integrity regulations (Scholastic Integrity Policy).
- Students asked to leave class for incivility may not return without arranging a conference with the instructor (see Board Policy FLB).
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- Tuition and fees are due at registration. Payment plans are available; failure to pay will result in being dropped from classes.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students as per Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1987 [CFR 668.7(a)(2)].
- State funding is available to both the District/School and College based on TEA and THECB rules. The College may claim funding for students receiving college credit in core curriculum, CTE, foreign language, Field of Study, or Program of Study dual credit courses.
- Students requesting to take a class more than twice must pay tuition and $50.00 per semester hour (except technical/FAST-eligible students).
- The College is not responsible for student transportation.
SECTION 14. RECORDS AND REPORTING
- Class rosters with grades will be provided to the School at semester close.
- Each Party will maintain necessary student records and ensure FERPA compliance, recognizing each as an agent with a legitimate educational interest for dual credit students.
- For dual credit courses, high school and college credit should be transcripted immediately upon course completion [TAC 19, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, §4.85 (h)].
SECTION 15. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflicts will be resolved collaboratively, starting at the lowest possible level. If unresolved, issues progress through both parties' organizations, including administrative liaisons, District-level administrators, and potentially legal counsel if necessary.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- Term: This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and expires after the second summer semester of 2027. Extensions require mutual written agreement and board approvals.
- Termination: Either party can terminate with or without cause with 60 days’ notice prior to the end of the current semester. Termination does not affect currently enrolled students until they complete their dual credit courses.
SECTION 17. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS
- Entire Agreement: This Agreement, including appendices and exhibits, constitutes the full agreement between parties and supersedes prior negotiations.
- Amendments: Modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.
- Governing Law & Venue: Texas law applies; venue is Washington County, Texas.
- Notice: Notices must be in writing and delivered by approved means to designated addresses.
- Relationship: Parties act as independent contractors, not partners or joint venturers.
- No Waiver, Assignment, Captions, Severability, No Third Party Rights, Counterparts/Electronic Signatures, Electronic Transmissions: Provisions are specified for these legal clauses.
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
APPENDIX A: REGARDING GRADING SYSTEM
EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
The Board establishes the manner for grade determination and awarding credit, including grade reporting, GPA calculation, student classification, credit transfer, performance standards, grade appeal, and other provisions as published in the College District catalog. The Chancellor develops procedures for implementation.
Grades
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 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 | Withdrawn or Dropped Due to Good Cause |
| CR | Credit |
| P | Pass |
| NP | Not Passing |
| FS | Academic Fresh Start |
Special grading details, grade changes, GPA calculations, academic standing, probation, and suspension procedures as outlined above and in the College catalog.
APPENDIX B: DUAL CREDIT APPROVAL FORM
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
APPENDIX D: DUAL CREDIT COURSE CROSSWALK
*High School course is subject to change. Alignment of 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 Macro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1321 | Business & Professional Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or English IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II | — | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 2322 | British Literature I | English IV, if prerequisites | 3 | All Areas |
APPENDIX E: ADVISING TERMINOLOGY
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board providing potential college credit with qualifying scores.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance to help students achieve educational and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Program to earn credit by taking CLEP exams.
- Contact Hours
- Total weekly class meeting hours.
- Degree Plan
- A defined program of study requirements for an associate or bachelor's degree.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take courses for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to be removed from a course in progress.
- Early Admissions
- College courses taken by high school students for college credit only.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Federal law protecting privacy of student records.
- Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM)
- Official list of general academic transfer courses for Texas community and technical colleges.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Test allowing students to earn credit by examination for math courses.
- Prerequisite
- Course required prior to enrollment in another course.
- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)
- Inventory of approved community and technical college courses developed with instructional specialists.
APPENDIX F: STATEWIDE DUAL CREDIT GOALS
- Goal 1: ISDs and institutions of higher education will implement outreach efforts to inform all students/parents of dual credit benefits/costs, including enrollment/fee policies.
Measures: Documentation and outreach sessions, informational events, and counselor workshops. - Goal 2: Dual credit programs will assist high school students in successful transition to and acceleration through postsecondary education.
Measures: Analysis of postsecondary enrollment/persistence, college tours, new student registration, transition from dual credit to traditional enrollment. - Goal 3: All dual credit students will receive academic and readiness advising for successful college course completion.
Measures: Analysis of degree completion; advising and career counseling access; use of College support centers and services. - Goal 4: The quality and rigor of dual credit courses will be sufficient to ensure student success in subsequent courses.
Measures: Institutional data on student success, identical curriculum/rigor as campus courses, and college readiness requirements in place.