Fayetteville 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: Fayetteville High School, 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, various Texas statutes and administrative codes authorize institutions of higher education to contract with public school districts for providing dual credit instruction to students;
WHEREAS, the College and District seek to establish a Dual Credit Program operated as part of the District’s Fayetteville High School high school ("School").
NOW THEREFORE, for mutual promises 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's service area includes Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, Washington, and portions of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson, and Walker counties.
- The College will ensure dual credit courses maintain the same quality, sequencing, content, and rigor as other college courses (SACSCOC standard).
- Per Applicable Law, the College will offer dual credit courses from the current Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) ACGM and WECM. Each semester’s course offerings will be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. These courses must be consistent with the College's mission and under its direct control. Developmental and certain kinesiology courses are not available to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester at locations/classrooms agreed upon by School and College. Technology will be utilized to support sites as appropriate.
- The District is responsible for ensuring dual credit courses meet TEKS requirements. An equivalency crosswalk will align high school and college courses, indicating credits and endorsement alignments as per SB 1276 (2019). Postsecondary pathway and industry certification info is on the College website. See Appendix F.
- All College prerequisites and sequencing must be followed.
- Student academic performance will be evaluated per College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL). See Appendix A.
- The College may set a minimum enrollment for courses and reserves the right to cancel courses not meeting this minimum.
- The College encourages online dual credit students to have scheduled in-school time with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- Responsible for providing a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to College, regardless of instructional modality.
- Provides instructional technology and auxiliary equipment typical for classroom support.
- Provides facilities, personnel, and equipment for online/IVC courses. See Appendix B.
- Assigns professional-level personnel to identify, advise, and verify prospective dual credit student eligibility per Applicable Law.
- Assigns professional-level personnel to assist with registration and process admissions forms/documentation.
- Initiates process for course accommodations due to disability, coordinates IEPs with College’s ODS, and ensures timely completion of the process so students receive accommodations.
- If College and District grading scales differ, District/School will provide students a comparison document (See Appendix A).
- Responsible for communicating to students/parents that only grades of 70+ count for high school credit under 19 TAC § 74.26(c).
- Dual credit students are not subject to TEC §51.907 drop provisions; Q drops are recorded as Ws.
C. Applicable Law
- Both Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and abide by all applicable federal, state, and local laws/regulations, including but not limited to Titles VI and IX, ADA, FERPA, Texas Education Code, and relevant board policies.
- Parties will certify sites are ADA compliant, comply with FERPA, and prohibit discrimination/harassment on legally protected bases.
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate based on sex or other legally protected bases in its education or employment, per Title IX regulations. Inquiries may be referred to the Blinn College Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Adrienne McCain (adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu; 979-830-4216), or the US Department of Education’s OCR. The full nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures may be found at www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html. Reports/complaints: Blinn Title IX Reporting.
Blinn College prohibits discrimination against employees or retaliation. For more, see Policy DIAB.
Parenting Services Statement
Parenting or pregnant students requiring special arrangements should contact Blinn’s Parenting Services Office before arrangements are made.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
- Students must demonstrate readiness for college-level courses or be otherwise eligible under Applicable Law.
- Requirements:
- Obtain written/electronic high school principal consent. All steps outlined in Dual Credit Approval Form (Appendix C).
- "B" average or higher in high school (or "C" in WECM/trades). Exception letters evaluated by College.
- Complete ApplyTexas application.
- Meet TSI and other Applicable Law requirements. Provide scores/exemptions or waivers before registration. See College site.
- Proof of bacterial meningitis vaccine if taking courses in person. Not required if only at high school campus/online.
- Students from private/non-accredited/home schools must meet all set requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- College will finalize course schedule with School before each semester. School provides expected student numbers by May 1st and proposed schedule by July 20th.
- All dual credit students follow official College calendar, regardless of class site or modality. Cancellations only in necessity and must be coordinated.
- Students may enroll in the number of academic courses allowed by law. See Appendix C.
- Dual credit academic classes must be composed of only dual credit or dual credit plus AP students. Technical courses may combine types.
- Face-to-face instruction requires the high school to be within commutable distance of a College campus and a minimum class size. Multi-district combinations may be used. The College does not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided at School, students cannot also take that course online except under special circumstances as approved by Divisional Dean.
Section 4. Faculty
- All dual credit instructors must meet College credentialing and hiring requirements, including background check and orientation.
- School-employed instructors teach dual credit as part of their high school assignment and must follow all College/District rules.
- Compensation policies are found in Section 6.
- College academic leadership will retain oversight, evaluation, and administration of dual credit instruction, including credentialing, curricular review, and assessment.
Section 5. Facilities
- Facilities for dual credit must meet SACSCOC and College standards. The College will inspect and periodically review all facilities used.
- Site representatives will jointly assess facilities, determine class size, and select modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The Texas FAST program provides funding so educationally disadvantaged students (eligible for free/reduced lunch within the last four years) can take dual credit courses at no cost. FAST eligibility is confirmed via THECB. The District will identify/verify eligible students and notify the College by August 5th.
- FAST-eligible students pay no tuition, fees, or costs for eligible dual credit courses, books, or supplies.
- Eligible courses: those necessary for associate degrees, industry-recognized credentials, foreign language, core curriculum, or field of study.
- Non-FAST students pay $56.87 per scheduled credit hour or State-approved tuition rate.
- The District is responsible for remaining educational costs for FAST students. The Parties will communicate FAST program information to parents/students.
Section 7. Tuition
Tuition for dual credit courses depends on instructional method:
- Option 1: If taught by a College or District employee, non-FAST students pay State-approved rate.
- Option 2: If taught by a qualified District instructor (College does not pay overload), non-FAST students pay $20/credit hour. District receives $500 reimbursement per section (minimum 8 students).
- Option 3: If a District instructor teaches a technical course with no College compensation, tuition is waived for students.
*Rates may change per the College Board of Trustees or State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time College faculty compensated as per contract.
- Adjunct instructors compensated per course rates.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual credit courses must use the same curriculum, materials, and grading as on-campus courses (THECB, SACSCOC regs).
- A College Common Syllabus must be posted online for each course.
- Textbooks must match those used on-campus. The College is not responsible for textbook provision. Open educational resources are to be considered collaboratively.
- From August 2024, FAST-eligible students receive required textbooks/supplies at no cost (provided by the District). Non-FAST students must purchase resources.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors have equal access to School and College library resources, computer labs, and other services.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College will provide adequate support including advising and counseling. At least one employee from each institution is designated to advise enrolled students. See Appendix G for common approaches and terminology.
- The District/School and College will comply with requirements from TX SB 25 and TX SB 1324 regarding transfer and degree plans.
- College Advising Contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu
B. Support Services
- Students may use computer labs, writing, and learning centers on any College campus.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct. See College Catalog.
- Students must observe academic integrity rules.
- Students removed from class for incivility may not return until a conference with the instructor is arranged. See Policy FLB for more details.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees must be paid at registration; payment plans are available.
- Financial Aid is not available for dual credit students.
- State funding is provided to District/School and College per TEA/THECB rules, with restrictions on claimable courses.
- If a student requests to take a class more than twice, he/she pays tuition and $50/semester hour; FAST-eligible and technical course students are exempt.
- The College is not responsible for student transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- The College will provide class rosters and grades to the School after each semester.
- Student records will be maintained by both Parties per Texas Record Retention laws and FERPA. Both Parties are designated as agents with legitimate educational interest.
- Dual credit courses should be transcripted immediately for both high school and college credit.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level (campus/Director, Dual Credit Programs). If unresolved, the issue advances through administrative channels up to legal counsel, maintaining communication and collaboration throughout.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term begins on Effective Date and ends after the second summer semester of 2027, subject to governing board approval. Term may be renewed.
- Agreement may be terminated by either Party with 60 days written notice before the end of a semester. However, currently enrolled students complete their courses first.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- This Agreement and its appendices represent the entire agreement between Parties, superseding all previous agreements.
- Amendments must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
- Governs under Texas law; venue is Washington County, Texas.
- All notices must be written and delivered as per agreement directions.
- This is not a partnership or joint venture; both parties act as independent contractors.
- No delay or failure in enforcing rights constitutes waiver; rights are cumulative.
- Assignment requires written consent; captions are for convenience only; if any provision is invalid, the rest remain effective.
- This Agreement creates no third-party rights.
- Agreement may be signed in counterparts and transmitted electronically.
Notices
- College:
- Blinn College District, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833
Contact: Shannon Williford - School District:
- Name: ______________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________
Contact: ______________________________________
Fayetteville ISD
PO Box 129
Fayetteville, TX 78940
Jeff Harvey, Ed.D.
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 AS OF ____________________, 2024, BY:
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: ______________________
Name of School: ____________________________
Date: ______________________
Fayetteville High School
Jeff Harvey, Ed.D., Superintendent
7/30/2024 07/18/2024
7/30/2024
Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
Grades are determined as follows:
- 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 or Withdrawal
- CR: Credit
- P: Pass
- NP: Not Passing
- FS: Academic Fresh Start
Incomplete grades must be resolved within 90 days of the next long semester; otherwise, grades default to zero for remaining assignments. Q and W grades are detailed in Board Policy and catalog. Definitions of good cause, academic standing, GPA calculation, probation/suspension, and appeals appear in the catalog.
Academic good standing is a GPA of at least 2.0 (C). Probation/suspension rules apply as described.
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
| 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 |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or IV | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II | 3 | All Areas |
*High School course subject to change. Alignment determined and approved by the High School.
**Each school district determines which courses they will offer as dual credit.
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP):
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board with potential college credit for qualifying exam scores.
- Advising:
- Individualized academic guidance to help students succeed in future educational and career goals.
- CLEP:
- College Level Examination Program for credit by examination.
- Contact Hours:
- Total class meeting hours per week.
- Degree Plan:
- List of required courses for completion of a degree.
- Dual Credit:
- High school students take college-level courses for both high school and college credit.
- Drop:
- Request removal from a course. Must be processed via the Blinn College Dual Credit Office.
- Early Admission:
- College coursework taken by high school students for college credit only.
- FERPA:
- Federal law protecting privacy of student records.
- ACGM/WECM:
- Lists of approved academic/workforce transfer courses for Texas colleges.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE):
- Credit by exam for math courses.
- Prerequisite:
- Course required before taking another course.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: ISDs and IHEs will purposefully and collaboratively inform students/parents about dual credit benefits/costs.
Implementation: Documentation of collaborative outreach including hosting info sessions, advisor presentations, counselor workshops. - Goal 2: Dual credit will assist high school students in transition to/acceleration through postsecondary education.
Implementation: Track enrollment/persistence postsecondary, offer college tours, new student registration/advising/financial aid review, auto-transition to traditional student. - Goal 3: All dual credit students receive academic/college readiness advising.
Implementation: Analyze enrollment/degree completion, advising/career counseling, access to support centers. - Goal 4: Dual credit course rigor sufficient for success in subsequent courses.
Implementation: Analyze subsequent course performance, ensure curriculum/parity with campus courses, enforce eligibility requirements.