Hearne 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:
Hearne 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 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 Parties wish to enter into this Agreement to establish a dual credit program (Dual Credit Program) for the students of:
- Hearne ISD
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants expressed herein, the Parties agree to the following terms.
SECTION 1. GENERAL TERMS
- A. Blinn College District Responsibilities
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- Dual credit courses are college-level courses that the College offers to eligible high school students for both college and high school credit in accordance with the rules and policies of the College, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and Texas Education Agency (TEA).
- The College will determine the course syllabus, schedule, textbooks, instructional materials, and selection/approval of instructors for all dual credit courses. All instructors must meet credentialing standards established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- The College will maintain the permanent academic records and transcripts for each dual credit student, regardless of where instruction is delivered or by whom.
- 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 the 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 include high school subjects for which there is an equivalent college course in the College’s curriculum, as identified by the THECB-approved Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM), which has been agreed upon by the School and College.
- The College will not discriminate based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
- The College and District will jointly promote the Dual Credit Program, providing information to students, faculty, staff, and parents regarding the program’s requirements and benefits.
- The College will review and verify the eligibility of all instructors assigned to teach a dual credit course and of all students enrolled in such courses.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have an in-school enrolled schedule to work with a high school cohort.
- B. The School
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- 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 regularly monitoring students' eligibility to participate in the Dual Credit Program, including testing, eligibility, and registration procedures.
- The School will assign and evaluate students as appropriate based on applicable policies, including but not limited to, completion and signing of all required forms, including the parental and student forms and acknowledgments for each dual credit course taken through the college.
- The School will ensure that students are enrolled in a course meeting for the required instructional minutes established by the College and that these courses meet the instructional standards for dual credit courses.
- The School will provide the College all information required for registration and reporting purposes and assign local personnel, as needed, for these activities.
- The School will follow existing Board of Trustees policies with regard to assigning a grade for College credit in the dual credit course, 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. See Appendix A.
- C. Applicable Law
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- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations of the United States and the State of Texas, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- The subject matter to this Agreement collectively shall be referred to as "Applicable Law" or "Applicable Laws" when used herein.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT NOTICE 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, please 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. Please note that the instructor is not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until verification from the Parenting Services Office has been provided. For additional information, please contact the Parenting Services Office.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION – STUDENT'S REQUIRED ACTIONS
- A.
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Students may attend the College during the semester in which the student demonstrates readiness for college-level courses and/or meets the requirements in accordance with Applicable Law. The following requirements for admission must be met:
- Obtaining written or electronic confirmation of parental or guardian approval for the high school student to participate.
- Successfully completing the applicable section of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment or demonstrating college readiness based on one of the TSI exemptions or waivers.
- Having successfully completed the high school courses (with a grade of “C” or better) identified by the high school as prerequisites for the requested dual credit courses, as applicable.
- Meeting state health requirements for bacterial meningitis vaccination as follows:
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine. The College, in compliance with TEC § 51.9192, requires the highly recommended bacterial meningitis vaccination for all new bacterial enrolling in classes after January 1, 2012. Students must provide to the College Enrollment Services Office a certificate signed by a health practitioner indicating they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. This requirement does not apply for students enrolled in the Dual Credit Program who will take classes exclusively at a School facility, or for completely online students. Dual credit students taking classes in-person on any Blinn College Campus must provide proof of the meningitis vaccination. Refer to http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/immunization.html for detailed information regarding bacterial meningitis.
- B.
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Students are welcome to enroll in private or non-accredited secondary schools, or who are homeschooled must meet all admission requirements set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
Prior to the start of each semester, the College will coordinate and finalize the proposed course schedule with the School. Students must be advised by their high school/college faculty and course schedules must be approved by the School and College designee. Students may enroll in one or more courses during a semester. Course prerequisites, required placement tests, and sequence requirements shall apply as specified in the College Catalog. Course registration deadlines, drop deadlines, and withdrawal deadlines established by the College will apply equally to dual credit students.
- C.
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If students are enrolled in a private or non-accredited secondary school, or homeschooled, must meet all admission requirements set forth in this Agreement.
- D.
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When appropriate for the dual credit program, the dual credit class can include a combination of technical dual credit students, college credit students, and/or local articulation students.
- E.
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In order for the College to provide face-to-face instruction for an academic dual credit course on the School’s or another high school campus, the campus must be within a reasonable commuting distance from a College campus, a minimum class size number will be required. The Parties agree that the minimum number of students for a dual credit course in which the instructor is to provide face-to-face instruction may be composed of students from the District/School as well as one or more other school districts or educational institutions. If there are fewer than the minimum number of students required, the Office of Dual Credit Programs will confer with the District’s dual credit representative to explore instructional alternatives. The College will not be responsible for and will not provide faculty to teach classes that do not meet minimum requirements.
- F.
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If the College provides face-to-face instruction 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
The faculty assigned to College dual credit courses follow the requirements outlined in SACSCOC standards and THECB requirements, and must meet the credentialing standards set by the College. The instructor will be evaluated annually in accordance with the College’s faculty evaluation process. The School may offer recommendations for improvement regarding dual credit course instruction or provide feedback concerning the classroom. Such feedback may be submitted in writing to the College.
SECTION 5. FACILITIES
- A.
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Per SACSCOC accreditation guidelines, dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities, whether under the control of the College or under the control of the School. The College will assess the facility prior to the beginning of instruction and periodically review facilities to ensure compliance.
- B.
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College and District/School representatives at each site will assess the facilities, determine the class size, and select the instructional modality.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The state of Texas has created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program which provides funding to see how much they can offer dual credit courses to educationally disadvantaged students at no cost to themselves. The Texas Education Code (TEC) establishes additional cost to those that meet eligibility for the eligible of the national free/reduced price lunch program. These students must complete the financial aid process in accordance with state law.
- A.
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A core curriculum requirement
A field of study requirement
Eligibility for the FAST program is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Each semester, the College is required to submit a roster of dual credit students to THECB for verification of FAST eligibility. In order to prepare and submit this roster, the District/School agrees to identify and verify to the College the students enrolling in the Dual Credit Program that meet the eligibility requirements for the FAST program. This verification shall occur by August 5th.
Students are eligible to enroll at no cost in a dual credit course under the FAST program if the student meets the following:
- Is enrolled in a high school district or charter school.
- Is enrolled in a dual credit course at a participating institution of higher education.
- Was educationally disadvantaged at any time during the four school years preceding the student’s enrollment in the dual credit courses described above.
The Parties will work together to verify FAST-eligible students and record student enrollment in FAST courses for audit and compliance purposes. Non-FAST eligible students may pay tuition and/or required fees prior to enrollment. Participating students for whom funds/reductions apply must inform the financial aid officer at the College of their status.
- B.
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Students enrolling in courses in disciplines not covered by the Dual Credit Program will pay tuition for ACGM and WECM dual credit courses in accordance with the options(s) below:
- Option 1: A qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is utilized for a course and the College does not pay the instructor a faculty overload rate; THEN, a NON-FAST student would only pay $20 per credit hour (e.g. $60 for a three (3) hour credit course, or $80 for a four (4) hour credit course). Additionally, under this option, the District will receive a reimbursement of service payment of $500 for each section taught of dual credit. A minimum of eight (8) students are required for each course in the Dual Credit Program.
- Option 2: If a qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is utilized for a course and the College does not pay the instructor a faculty overload rate; THEN, a NON-FAST student would only pay $20 per credit hour (e.g. $60 for a three (3) hour credit course, or $80 for a four (4) hour credit course). Additionally, under this option, the District will receive a reimbursement of service payment of $500 for each section taught of dual credit. A minimum of eight (8) students are required for each course in the Dual Credit Program.
- Option 3: IF a qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is utilized for a technical (WECM) dual credit course and the College pays no compensation to the instructor; THEN, the tuition for each student enrolled in the dual credit course waived (e.g. there is NO COST to the student or the District unless the course is taught during a high school campus by the high school instructor).
*During the term (as hereinafter defined) of this Agreement, the credit hour tuition and fees specified for the College as established by the College's Board of Trustees are subject to change.
SECTION 9. COLLEGE FACULTY COMPENSATION
- A.
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Full-time College faculty will be compensated only per the College’s policies and procedures.
- B.
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In accordance with College policy, adjunct faculty employed by the College will be compensated per credit hour taught. Adjunct faculty compensation will be set annually and updated as needed by the College.
- C.
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In all courses, students will be responsible for purchasing textbooks and any additional learning resources required for the course.
Students identified as FAST eligible will not incur the cost of required textbooks or additional resources required for the course(s). Cost of books and additional resources will be provided by the State.
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
Dual credit students and instructors may use the library resources offered by the School or any of the College Campuses. Students have access to the College’s online library resources, circulation privileges and other databases to support instruction in dual credit courses. Printed and electronic resources will be provided as much as available and as appropriate.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND COUNSELING
- Academic advising and counseling will be provided by the School and the College, with the College having the authority to give final approval of student eligibility for dual credit courses.
- College academic advisors will meet with dual credit students, parents, and high school counselors as needed.
- The designated academic advising contact for dual credit for the College is:
- Shannon Williford
Director, Dual Credit Programs
979-209-8218
shannon.williford@blinn.edu
- Shannon Williford
- Support Services—Dual credit students may use the computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any of the College's campuses.
SECTION 12. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies and procedures including, the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the College Catalog. (http://catalog.blinn.edu/)
- Students must comply with the College’s academic regulations as it relates to academic integrity. (http://catalog.blinn.edu/content.php?catoid=4&navoid=118#scholasticintegrity-faculty-responsibility-and-student-rights)
- If a student is asked to leave the classroom because of uncivil behavior, the student may not return to that class until the student arranges a conference with the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for this conference. See the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the Blinn Fact Book, RS Policy, etc.
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- A.
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The tuition rate will include all costs for registration, including student and other fees. The College reserves the right to adjust tuition and fees at the beginning of any subsequent semesters.
- B.
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Students are responsible for payment of tuition unless the students are eligible for the FAST program or for a payment reduction. Payment in full is due once the College bills the School or the student. The College will provide the School all appropriate documentation for tuition and fee payments for students participating in the Dual Credit Program.
- C.
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If a student requests to take a class more than twice, he or she will be responsible for the tuition for that course and $50.00 per semester hour for the course. Technical courses and FAST-eligible students are exempt from this fee. (see Blinn College Catalog – College Expenses).
- D.
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The College is not responsible for the transportation of dual credit students.
SECTION 14. RECORDS AND REPORTING
- A. Class Rosters.
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The College will provide class rosters (listing the names and grades in a numerical format of dual credit students completing the course) to the School at the close of each semester.
- B. Student Records; Record Retention; FERPA.
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In accordance with Applicable Law, each Party will maintain student records as may be necessary or advisable to operate the Dual Credit Program; provide the other Party copies of the grades, progress, information data on student progress and assessment, and information required to establish eligibility to participate in dual credit courses. Records will be maintained by the College in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations including, but not limited to, education program requirements and documentation. The Parties will work together to resolve questions regarding the nature of documents, records, files, and reports maintained or to be maintained.
SECTION 15. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level possible with an understanding that, if no agreement is reached, there is a procedure for advancing the conflict through each Party’s organization. The key approach will be to maintain communications with early discussion sought on issues/conflicts and solutions summarized in writing after each discussion. In order to be collaborative, the College must be able to communicate with the administrators on campus in which the dual credit students/programs are present.
Each Party shall designate an administrative liaison for the purpose of resolving concerns at both the campus (liaison must be Principal or other designated campus administrator) and College level (Director, Dual Credit Programs). If a resolution is not found at that initial level, the conflict resolution process shall move to corresponding district and college administration (such as a District Director or Assistant Superintendent/Dean and Chief Student Services Officer) or their assigned designee. If the conflict continues the process shall proceed to the highest administrative officers of both Parties, who shall meet and confer in good faith to attempt in resolving the Parties’ dispute. Nothing in this Section waives or alters any provision of law requiring arbitration. The Parties agree that the matter is handled through the Parties’ respective local legal counsel.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- A. Entire Agreement.
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This Agreement, including the Recitals, the Appendices, and any exhibits, all of which are incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties regarding the subject matter herein described. This Agreement supersedes all negotiations or previous agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Parties expressly acknowledge that in entering into and executing this Agreement the Parties rely solely upon the representations and agreements contained in this Agreement and no others.
- B. Amendments.
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This Agreement may be modified and amended only by written signatures of both Parties, and any such modification or amendments shall be attached to and become a part of this Agreement.
- C. Governing Law.
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Venue This Agreement and the rights and obligations herein shall be interpreted, governed by, and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to the choice of law or conflict of law provisions. The parties irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Washington County, Texas as to all legal actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein.
- D. Notice.
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All notices hereunder by either party shall in writing and delivered (1) personally; (2) by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested; (3) by nationally-recognized overnight courier; or (4) by email and addressed as follows:
- Contact: Shannon Williford, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, TX 77859
- Dr. Adrian Johnson, Hearne ISD
or to such other address as a Party may indicate pursuant to this section.
SECTION 18: LIST OF APPENDICES
The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this Blinn College Dual Credit Program 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: Dual Credit Statewide Goals
| EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES as of the Effective Date of: | 8/1/2024 |
Blinn College District
Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: 8/1/2024
Hearne High School
Dr. Adrian Johnson, Superintendent
Date:
Dr. Adrian Johnson
APPENDIX A
Regarding Grading System
EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
The Board shall establish the manner by which grades shall be determined and credit shall be awarded. These provisions shall include the methods for reporting student grades, the calculation of a student’s grade point average (GPA), the classification of students based on credits earned, the transfer of credits, student standards of performance, grade appeal procedures, and any other relevant matters. The provisions shall be published in the College District catalog. The Chancellor shall develop written procedures to implement the grading and credit provisions adopted by the Board. [For class rank calculations and honors determinations, see EGB]
CURRENT COLLEGE PROCEDURES FOR GRADING AND CREDIT
At the end of each semester, students shall receive a final grade report that shall become a part of their permanent record. The College’s grading system shall appear below:
| Grade | Numerical Equivalent |
|---|---|
| A (90-100) | Excellent |
| B (80-89) | Good |
| C (70-79) | Average |
| D (60-69) | Poor |
| F (59 or lower) | Below 60 = Fail |
| CR | Pass |
| NP | No Pass |
| FS | Academic Fresh Start |
I - Incomplete: indicates that the coursework was incomplete because of serious illness or other justified emergency. The instructor shall change the grade of “I” to a grade based on the work completed for the course in addition to the work specified in the course completion contract. All incomplete work shall be completed within 90 days of the start of the next long semester. Failure to complete the work specified in the course completion contract shall result in a grade of zero, which shall be factored into the final grade calculation with appropriate weighting relative to other course grades.
Q-Drop: assigned before or on the official “Q-Date” as indicated on the College calendar when a student is officially dropped from a course.
A “Q” may also be given after the “Q-Date” if the student is passing the course at the time the official drop is processed.
W – Dropped Due to Good Cause: assigned before or on the official “Q-Date” as indicated on the College calendar when a student has officially withdrawn from the College or is officially dropped from a course for any of the following “good cause” reasons:
- A severe illness or documented debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete the course;
- The care of a sick, injured, or needy person if the student is the person’s caretaker;
- The death of a member of the student’s family or a person who has a close relationship with the student;
- The student’s active military duty service as a member of the Texas National Guard or reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or the student being the dependent child of a person on active duty service;
- A change of job assignment without prior notice or the need to transfer to a different city or country that affects the ability to satisfactorily complete a course begun before the change; or
- Other extraordinary or extenuating circumstances or reason(s) as determined by the College.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Grade progress is normally determined by a grade point average or ratio. Grade points shall be calculated by assigning values to each grade. The value is illustrated in the chart below:
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| B | 3 |
| C | 2 |
| D | 1 |
| F | 0 |
The highest grade of a repeated course shall be used in determining the cumulative grade point average. A grade of “W” or “Q” shall not replace a grade of “F” or higher in a repeated course, but a “W” or “Q” does not count as an attempt.
All grades earned while enrolled in the College will be used in computing a student’s College Grade Point Average (GPA), except grades of I, W, NP, FS, and repeated grades removed under the College’s grade point average (GPA) policy.
The computation of a student’s College Graduation GPA shall include transfer coursework but not include remedial courses. (See "Programs of Study" for detailed information about specific academic programs.)
Grade Change
For any error regarding reported grade changes, call the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at (979) 830-4130. The student must initiate contact not later than the end of the next long semester (including summer, i.e. between spring, fall and summer to fall). If the correction is not so made, the grade shall stand.
Academic Good Standing
In order to remain in academic good standing with the College, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C). A 2.0 cumulative grade point average is the minimum average required for graduation.
Probation and Suspension
A student who falls below a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the close of any long semester or summer school will be placed on scholastic probation. A student who fails to achieve a minimum 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA at the end of subsequent semesters will be placed on scholastic suspension. Students with a semester GPA of greater than 2.0 and a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 will remain on scholastic probation. Students being placed on scholastic probation will receive an email on their Blinn College Ebb account. Students being placed on scholastic suspension will be mailed a letter at their permanent address and will receive an email at their Blinn College Ebb account.
Students transferring from another college with less than a 2.0 GPA, if admitted, are admitted on scholastic probation. These students must meet the same requirements for academic good standing as all other students on scholastic probation.
A student placed on scholastic probation becomes ineligible to receive an associate degree, certificate or award from the College until the probation is removed (requirement can differ depending on programs, please seek advising). Students on probation may be able to enroll in courses outside of the discipline as long as they maintain minimum college requirements.
Academic Fresh Start: A Texas resident may apply for admission to the College under the Academic Fresh Start statute (Texas Education Code, 51.931), which allows a student to begin a new course of study with grade point average calculation beginning at the time they apply for Academic Fresh Start. Ask the Admissions Office for additional requirements.
VIOLATIONS OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT: In cases concerning