Franklin 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: Franklin 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, 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 Franklin 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 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 (as hereinafter defined), 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 in 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 and shall be under the direct control of the College. Developmental courses are not available to dual credit students. Kinesiology courses that count towards the high school graduation 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 seek every opportunity to use available 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. Such crosswalk identifies the number of credits that may be earned for each course completed through the Dual Credit Program. It will also provide an alignment of endorsements offered by the District and its corresponding dual credit course. Information on postsecondary pathways and industry certifications are available on the College website under Degree Programs. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met and all College course sequencing shall be followed.
- A participating student’s satisfactory academic performance in a course provided under the Dual Credit Program shall be determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), which is attached in Appendix A.
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum number of students for enrollment in each course. If this minimum is not met, the College reserves the right to cancel the course.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have an 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 the ones offered on the College campus, regardless of modality of instruction.
- The School will provide instructional technology and other auxiliary equipment typically used in support of classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet the particular requirements for the online/internet, Interactive Video Conference (IVC). Appendix B describes video class regulations.
- The School will assign professional-level personnel, as applicable and as agreed upon between the Parties, who will be responsible for identifying, advising, and verifying prospective students’ eligibility to participate in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will assign trained professional-level personnel, as applicable and as agreed upon between the Parties, to assist with College registration functions, including but not limited to, completing and collecting appropriate admissions forms, and collecting student documentation.
- The School/District will initiate the process for course accommodations due to a disability by providing students with documentation outlining required accommodations and services under an Individual Education Plan (IEP). It is the student’s responsibility to provide the IEP documentation from the School/District to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at the College. Upon receipt of the School/District IEP documentation from the student, the College’s ODS will provide a verification form listing the required classroom accommodations to the student. The student is responsible for presenting the verification form from the College’s ODS to the instructor and making the necessary arrangements for accommodations with the instructor. Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodation to a student until appropriate verification from the College’s ODS has been provided.
- 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 provide participating students with a comparative document 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 to students and parents that under 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for courses for high school graduation may be earned only if the student received a grade which is the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100. College personnel will not be expected to communicate with parents. See Appendix A.
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provisions of TEC §51.907. Therefore, dual credit students with Q drops will be recorded as a W and will not be penalized as one of the allowed six-state-drops.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with the applicable federal, State, and local laws, implementing regulations, executive orders, interpreting authorities, and administrative rules and requirements, including but not limited to:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
- Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965
- Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act
- The Texas Constitution
- Applicable provisions of the Texas Education Code
- State and federal laws regarding the reporting of any and all alleged child abuse, school-related crimes, and sexual molestation of students
- State record retention laws
- Applicable provisions of Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, including, without limitation, Chapter 4, Subchapters D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H
- TEA guidelines and requirements, including, the Student Attendance Accounting Handbook and the Financial Accountability System Resource Guide
- THECB guidelines and requirements
- Rules, regulations, and requirements imposed by accrediting agencies applicable to either Party, including, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- The Parties agree:
- To certify that their sites are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant
- To comply with all applicable provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g
- In all cases, to comply with all federal, state, and local laws applicable to this MOU
- To have in place and abide by policy prohibiting discrimination, including harassment, 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.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. The College’s Title IX Coordinator is:
Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833
Administration Building Room 219
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
979-830-4216
Blinn College District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html. To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to https://www.blinn.edu/title-ix/reporting-information.html.
The College will investigate all Title IX complaints or concerns that arise in dual credit courses. The College and the District will work collaboratively and timely to share all information necessary in the event of an investigation of a personnel matter. Ownership of the Title IX investigation will depend on the location in which the incident occurred.
Blinn College District Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of College District policy. For more information, see College Board Policy DIAB.
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. Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until verification from the Parenting Services Office has been provided. For additional information, contact the Parenting Services Office.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION – STUDENT’S REQUIRED ACTIONS
Students may attend the College during the semester in which the student demonstrates readiness for College-level courses or otherwise is eligible in accordance with Applicable Law. The following requirements for admission must be met:
- Obtaining written or electronic permission from the high school principal or the principal’s designee. All steps for approval are outlined on the Dual Credit Approval Form, as set forth in Appendix C.
- Earning a "B" or better average in all high school work attempted or a “C” for WECM trades courses. If the student has a lower average, a written letter from the principal or the principal’s designee is required stating why the College should allow registration. Upon receiving this letter, the College will determine if the student will be allowed to register.
- Completing a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meeting requirements of Applicable Law:
- Have satisfied current TSI criteria for dual credit as determined by THECB. Scores, exemptions, or waivers must be furnished prior to registration.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine is required unless classes are exclusively at a School facility or taken completely online. In-person students at a Blinn College Campus must provide proof. See http://www.blinn.edu/immunization.html for details.
Students in private or non-accredited secondary schools, or homeschooled students must meet all admission requirements set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
- Prior to each semester, the College will coordinate and finalize the proposed course schedule with the School. The School will submit the anticipated number of students per course for the next school year by May 1st and the proposed course schedule by July 20th.
- All high school students enrolled in a College academic dual credit class will follow the official College calendar regardless of class location or instructional modality.
- Students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law, with coordination between the College’s and School’s representatives. See also Appendix C.
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed solely of academic dual credit students or of dual credit and advanced placement students. Technical classes approved as articulated courses can include a combination of technical dual credit students, college credit students, and/or local articulation students.
- Face-to-face instruction for an academic dual credit course on the School’s campus may require a minimum class size, and may include students from other districts or institutions if needed. Transportation is not provided by the College.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided on the School’s campus, students may not take the same course online except under extenuating circumstances as determined by the Divisional Dean.
SECTION 4. FACULTY
- Faculty assigned to College dual credit courses must meet credentialing guidelines set by the College. New dual credit instructors who are District/School employees or not otherwise College employees must follow College hiring procedures, including background checks and orientation.
- Approved District Dual Enrollment Faculty teach as part of their regular high school teaching assignment and are responsible for following all regulations and procedures of the District, School, and College.
- Faculty teaching dual credit courses will be compensated as set forth in Section 6 below.
- The College’s academic leadership oversees the instructional delivery, credentialing, evaluation, and assessment activities for all instructors teaching a dual credit course. This oversight does not alter the employment status of any Party’s personnel or negate compliance with employer policies.
SECTION 5. FACILITIES
- Dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities as required by SACSCOC accreditation guidelines. The College will assess facilities periodically for compliance.
- College and District/School representatives at each site will assess facilities, determine class size, and select instructional modalities.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The FAST program provides funding for colleges to offer dual credit courses at no cost to educationally disadvantaged students (those eligible for the national free/reduced lunch program).
- FAST eligibility: Enrollment in a dual credit course at a public school district or charter school and qualification for free/reduced-price lunch in any of the four years before enrolling.
- FAST students incur no cost for tuition, fees, books, supplies, or other course materials.
- Each semester, the College submits a roster of students to THECB for FAST eligibility verification. The District/School must identify and verify eligible students by August 5th.
- Non-FAST eligible students are charged $56.87 per scheduled credit hour per course (or the State of Texas approved tuition rate).
- The District/School incurs all remaining educational costs for FAST students.
SECTION 7. TUITION
Tuition for dual credit courses is as follows:
- Option 1: If a College or District employee provides instruction, NON-FAST student pays the State-approved tuition rate.
- Option 2: If a qualified instructor employed by the District is used and unpaid by the College, NON-FAST student pays $20 per credit hour; District receives $500 reimbursement per course section with a minimum of 8 students.
- Option 3: For technical dual credit courses taught by a District instructor and unpaid by the College, student tuition is waived.
*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 compensated based on the course rate.
SECTION 9. SYLLABUS, CURRICULUM, SUPPLIES, AND TEXTBOOKS
- Instruction must maintain the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor in all College classes regardless of location or modality.
- A Common Syllabus must be posted for each course in Concourse.
- Identical or equivalent textbooks will be used as on campus. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks; the District/School and College will consider use of free or low-cost open educational resources. FAST eligible students are provided books and resources at no cost by the District.
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
Dual credit students and instructors may use both School and College library resources, including online resources.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
A. Advising
- The College provides adequate instructional support, including advising and counseling, per SB 1277 (2021) and SB 25 (2019), SB 1324 (2019). See Appendix G.
- Academic advising contact for dual credit:
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 on campus.
SECTION 12. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Students must comply with College policies and procedures, including the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the College Catalog.
- Students must comply with academic integrity regulations.
- If removed from class for incivility, students may not return until a conference is arranged.
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- Tuition and fees are due at registration. Payment plans available. Non-payment results in class drop.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students, per federal regulation.
- State funding for dual credit courses is available to both the District and the College as per TEA and THECB rules.
- Students repeating a class more than twice pay tuition and an additional $50 per semester hour per course. Technical courses and FAST students are exempt.
- The College does not provide transportation.
SECTION 14. RECORDS AND REPORTING
- The College provides class rosters to the School at semester close.
- Both Parties maintain necessary student records per FERPA and Texas law.
- Credit for dual credit courses is transcribed immediately upon completion.
SECTION 15. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflicts are to be resolved at the lowest possible level, escalating if needed. Each Party designates an administrative liaison; unresolved conflicts may be advanced to District Superintendent and College Vice Chancellor, and, if needed, legal counsel.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- The initial term runs from the Effective Date through the last day of the second summer semester of 2027. Extensions by mutual agreement.
- Either Party may terminate the Agreement with or without cause upon 60 days’ written notice before semester end. Ongoing students complete their courses before termination takes effect.
SECTION 17. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS
- This Agreement (including appendices) is the entire agreement and supersedes previous negotiations.
- Amendments require written mutual agreement.
- Governing law is Texas; venue is Washington County, TX.
- All notices are in writing, delivered via permitted means, and addressed as specified herein.
- The Parties act as independent contractors and not as agents of one another.
- No waiver, assignment restrictions, caption use, and severability provisions are specified.
- No third-party rights are created by this Agreement.
SECTION 18. LIST OF APPENDICES
The following appendices are attached and incorporated into this Agreement:
- 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: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
APPENDIX A: EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- 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 or Withdrawal from College
- CR - Credit
- P - Pass
- NP - Not Passing
- FS - Academic Fresh Start
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
-
Grade Grade Points per Semester Hour A 4 B 3 C 2 D 1 F 0 I, Q, W, CR, P, NP, FS 0
Additional details regarding GPA calculations, probation, suspension, and appeals are included in this appendix.
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 |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or English IV | 3 | All Areas |
APPENDIX E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by College Board for potential college credit with qualifying score on exam.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for student future education and career goals.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take college-level courses for both high school and college credit.
APPENDIX F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: Outreach efforts to inform all students and parents of the benefits and costs of dual credit.
Examples:- Information sessions hosted in partnership with ISDs and the Blinn College Dual Credit Program
- College Prospective Student Relations Advisors outreach
- Workshops for high school counselors
- Goal 2: Dual credit programs assist in successful high school to postsecondary transition.
Examples:- Office of Prospective Student Relations offers tours
- New Student Registration and advising offered
- Dual credit seniors auto-transition to regular student status
- Goal 3: All dual credit students receive academic and college readiness advising.
Examples:- Advising and career counseling for all dual credit students
- Access to all College academic support services
- Goal 4: Ensure sufficient quality and rigor in dual credit courses for subsequent success.
Examples:- Institutional performance data
- Adherence to THECB and SACSCOC regulations regarding curriculum and rigor
- College-readiness requirements in place
Executed by the Parties as of the Effective Date of July 23, 2024.
Blinn College District:
Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: 7/23/2024
Franklin ISD School District:
Name of School: Franklin High School
Date: 7/23/2024