Hempstead 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: Hempstead 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;
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 Hempstead 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, 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 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. As per SB 1276 from 2019, endorsements offered by the District, and dual credit courses offered under the agreement that apply towards those endorsements shall be aligned with postsecondary pathways and credentials at the institution and industry certifications. Information on postsecondary pathways and industry certifications are available on the College website under Degree Programs. The TEA graduation Toolkit offers information on graduation, college and career resources among others, and can be used as a reference by counselors, students, and families. 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).
- 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. Please note that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodation to a student until appropriate verification from the College’s ODS has been provided, therefore, it is critical to complete this process as soon as possible to ensure the student receives accommodations. For additional information, please contact the College’s ODS.
- 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, the following:
- Federal statutes (e.g., Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA); Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.)
- Texas constitution and Education Code
- State and federal reporting, retention, and discrimination laws
- TEA and THECB guidelines and requirements
- Rules, regulations, and requirements imposed by accrediting agencies
- The Parties agree:
- To certify that their sites are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant;
- To comply with all provisions of FERPA;
- To comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws applicable to this MOU;
- To have policies in place prohibiting discrimination on the basis of 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 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:
- 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
- Blinn College District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures: www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html
- Reporting: Title IX reporting information
Statement on Parenting Services
Any student who, because of pregnancy or parenting status, requires special arrangements to meet 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.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission - Student's Required Actions
- Obtaining written or electronic permission from the high school principal or designee. All approval steps are outlined on the Dual Credit Approval Form (Appendix C).
- Earning a "B" or better average in all high school work attempted (or a C for WECM trades courses). If lower, student must get written permission from the principal or designee.
- Completing a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meeting requirements of Applicable Law:
- Satisfying current TSI criteria for dual credit as determined by THECB. Eligibility information is available on the College's website.
- Providing proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine if taking in-person classes on a Blinn College Campus (not required for classes exclusively at a School facility or fully online).
Students enrolled in private or non-accredited secondary schools, or homeschooled, must meet all admission requirements set forth in this Agreement.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- The College will coordinate and finalize the proposed course schedule with the School prior to each semester. The School will submit anticipated numbers by May 1st and proposed schedule by July 20th prior to the school year.
- High school students enrolled in academic dual credit classes will follow the official College calendar.
- Students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law. See also Appendix C.
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed solely of dual credit students or of both dual credit and advanced placement students. Technical classes approved as articulated courses may include a combination of dual credit, college credit, and/or local articulation students.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided on a high school campus, minimum class size may be required and may include students from multiple districts. The College will not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided on the School’s campus, students may not take the same course online except under extenuating circumstances.
Section 4. Faculty
- Faculty assigned to dual credit courses follow credentialing guidelines posted by the College, including hiring procedures, application, demonstration, credential review, and background check. All dual credit faculty must complete orientation.
- Approved District Dual Enrollment Faculty will teach as part of their regular high school assignment and must follow all regulations and procedures of both the District and the College.
- Faculty teaching dual credit courses will be compensated as set forth in Section 6.
- College academic leadership oversees and evaluates instructional delivery, credentialing, curricular discussions, and assessment/evaluation activities. This does not alter employment status or create employer liability.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses are offered in adequate facilities that meet SACSCOC accreditation guidelines. The College will assess and review facilities.
- College and District/School representatives assess facilities, determine class size, and select instructional modality at each site.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
Overview:
- FAST provides funding for educationally disadvantaged students (those eligible for the national free/reduced price lunch program) to take dual credit courses at no cost.
- FAST-eligible students: must be enrolled in an eligible dual credit course at a public school district/charter, and must have qualified for free/reduced-price lunch in any of the previous four school years.
- FAST eligible students pay no tuition/fees, and books/supplies and other course materials are provided at no cost. Non-FAST students pay $56.87 per scheduled credit hour or the current State-approved tuition.
- The District will incur all remaining educational costs for FAST students.
Section 7. Tuition
- Option 1: If an instructor who is a College or District employee provides instruction, a NON-FAST student pays State-approved tuition rate.
- Option 2: If a qualified District instructor is used and not paid an overload, NON-FAST students pay $20 per credit hour; District receives $500 reimbursement for each course section with a minimum of eight (8) students.
- Option 3: For qualified technical (WECM) dual credit courses with no compensation paid to the high school instructor, tuition is waived (no cost to the student).
*Rates and fees may change according to College Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time College faculty: per contract.
- Adjunct College instructors: based on course rate.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must match curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor in all College classes regardless of location/modality.
- Common Syllabus must be posted for each dual credit course.
- Textbooks must be identical or equivalent to main campus. District/School and the College will consider open educational resources.
- FAST eligible students will have textbook/resource costs covered by the District. Non-FAST students are responsible for their textbooks/resources.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may use the School or any College Campus library and online library resources. Services provided to dual credit students and instructors are identical to those for all College students and instructors.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College will provide academic support including advising and counseling. At least one employee from each institution will provide academic advising to any student enrolling in a dual credit course before beginning the course.
- District/School agrees to comply with state mandates related to academic advising and degree planning.
- Dual credit advising contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu
B. Support Services
Dual credit students may use computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any College campus.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Students must comply with the College's Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the College Catalog.
- Students must comply with academic regulations relating to academic integrity.
- Disruptive students may not return to class until a conference with the instructor is arranged.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fee payments are due at registration. Payment plans available upon request. Students not paid by the due date will be dropped.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students.
- The state funding for dual credit courses will be available to both the District and the College based on current funding rules.
- If a student requests to retake a class more than twice, additional tuition applies.
- The College does not provide transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class rosters with names and numerical grades will be provided to the School after each semester.
- Both Parties will maintain educational records and comply with FERPA, designating each other as agents with legitimate educational interest as needed. Records will comply with Texas Record Retention laws.
- Dual credit courses shall be immediately transcripted for both high school and college credit upon completion.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
The Parties agree to resolve issues at the lowest level possible via administrative liaisons and progressively via designated higher-level administrators or legal counsel if needed. Documentation and open communication are required throughout.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: Agreement is effective until the last day of the second summer semester of 2027 and may be extended in writing by both Parties.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with or without cause by written notice at least sixty (60) days before the end of a semester; students already enrolled are unaffected until their courses conclude.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes any previous agreements.
- The Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by both Parties.
- Governed by the laws of the State of Texas; venue is Washington County, Texas.
- Notices under this agreement shall be in writing and delivered by acceptable methods to the below addresses (sample):
- College:
- Blinn College District, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833
- Contact: Shannon Williford
- School District:
- Name: ______________________________________
- Address: ____________________________________
- City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________
- Contact: _____________________________________
- Relationship is that of independent contractors.
- No waiver of rights unless in writing. Neither Party waives immunity by entering this Agreement.
- No assignment without written consent.
- If any provision is found invalid, the Agreement remains in effect without that provision.
- This Agreement creates no third-party rights.
- Counterparts and electronic signatures are valid.
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 BY THE PARTIES as of the Effective Date of ____________________, 2024 by:
| BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT | Name of School |
|---|---|
| Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor Date: ______________________ |
_____________________ Superintendent Date: ______________________ |
Appendix A: Grading System
The Board establishes the manner by which grades are determined and credit is awarded, including GPA calculation, student classification, transfer of credits, grade appeal procedures, and standards of performance.
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 | Dropped Due to Good Cause or Withdrawal |
| CR | Credit |
| P | Pass |
| NP | Not Passing |
| FS | Academic Fresh Start |
Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation:
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| B | 3 |
| C | 2 |
| D | 1 |
| F | 0 |
| I, Q, W, CR, P, NP, FS | 0 |
See College Catalog for additional policies on academic standing, probation, and appeal process.
Appendix B: Dual Credit 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 IV | 3 | All Areas |
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board, providing potential college credit.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for students to support educational and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Program enabling students to earn credit by examination.
- Contact Hours
- Total hours per week a class meets.
- Degree Plan
- Course of study requirements for an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take college-level courses for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to be removed from a course while in progress, processed through Blinn College Dual Credit Office.
- Early Admissions
- College-level courses for high school students for college credit only.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Federal law protecting the privacy of student records.
- Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM)
- Official list of general academic transfer courses for state funding.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Exam to earn credit by examination for math courses.
- Prerequisite
- Course required prior to another course.
- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)
- Inventory of pre-approved workforce courses.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- ISDs and IHEs will implement collaborative outreach efforts to inform about benefits and costs of dual credit.
Examples: Hosting informational sessions; relations advisers; high school counselor workshops. - Dual credit programs will assist successful transition and acceleration through postsecondary education.
Examples: College tours; New Student Registration events; automatic transition to traditional student status after senior year. - All dual credit students receive advising for successful college course completion.
Examples: Advising and career counseling; access to student services and centers. - Dual credit courses will ensure quality and rigor for student success in subsequent coursework.
Examples: Data analysis; alignment with THECB and SACSCOC requirements; college readiness requirements.