International Leadership of Texas - Aggieland 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:
International Leadership of Texas, 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 high school (School).
NOW THEREFORE, for the mutual promises and covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. GENERAL CRITERIA
A. Blinn College District (College)
- The College will designate a leadership team to manage and supervise the Dual Credit Program.
- The College service area includes the following counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, Washington, and parts of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson, and Walker Counties.
- The College will ensure that dual credit courses follow the same quality, sequencing, content, and rigor as those courses taught to the institution’s other students (SACSCOC standard).
- In accordance with Applicable Law, the College will offer dual credit courses listed in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). Courses for each semester will be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Courses are provided consistent with the educational purpose, mission, and goals of the College and are under the College’s direct control. Developmental courses and kinesiology courses for high school physical education are not available to dual credit students.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester in a location and classroom mutually agreed upon by the School and College. The College will seek every opportunity to use technology to support dual credit sites as appropriate.
- The District is responsible for ensuring dual credit courses meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used to equate high school and college courses, indicating credits earned. Endorsement alignment and postsecondary pathways will be provided per state requirements. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met and sequencing followed.
- Satisfactory academic performance for students in the Dual Credit Program will be determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), attached in Appendix A.
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum number of students for course enrollment and may cancel courses that do not meet this number.
- Dual credit students taking online classes are strongly encouraged 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 those on the College campus, regardless of modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and other auxiliary equipment for classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet needs for online/internet and Interactive Video Conference (IVC). See Appendix B.
- The School will assign professional-level personnel to identify, advise, and verify student eligibility for the Dual Credit Program.
- The School will assign personnel to assist with College registration functions, including admissions and documentation.
- Course accommodations for students with disabilities are initiated by the School. Students provide proper documentation from an IEP to the College’s Office of Disability Services (ODS), which then provides a verification form for classroom accommodations. No accommodations may be made by instructors without ODS verification.
- The District/School will provide a comparative document displaying both the College grading scale and the District's grading scale. See Appendix A.
- The District/School must communicate to students and parents that college grades of D may not count for high school graduation if they are not the equivalent of 70/100. See Appendix A.
- Dual credit students are not subject to the TEC §51.907 Q-drop limit. Q drops are recorded as W and not penalized as part of the six-state drop rule.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform obligations in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, executive orders, enforcing authorities, administrative rules, and requirements, including but not limited to:
- Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, FERPA, and all other applicable laws
- Texas Constitution
- Texas Education Code
- Reporting of alleged child abuse, school crimes, and sexual molestation
- Texas record retention laws
- Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, TEA and THECB requirements
- Accreditation requirements, including SACSCOC
- The Parties further agree:
- Their sites are ADA compliant
- To comply with FERPA
- To comply with all laws applicable to this MOU
- To maintain and follow policies prohibiting discrimination based on legally protected characteristics
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 as required by Title IX and its regulations. Inquiries may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or the Office for Civil Rights.
Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Adrienne McCain, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833, Administration Building Room 219, adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216
See Blinn College District’s full policy and grievance procedures.
Title IX complaints may be reported at: blinn.edu/title-ix/reporting-information.html
The College will investigate all Title IX complaints in dual credit courses. Investigative responsibility depends on incident location.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or other legally prohibited bases. Retaliation is not permitted. See College Board Policy DIAB.
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT STATEMENT ON PARENTING SERVICES
Students requiring arrangements due to pregnancy or parenting status should contact the Parenting Services Office. Instructors cannot provide accommodations without verification from Parenting Services.
SECTION 2. DUAL CREDIT ADMISSION – STUDENT’S REQUIRED ACTIONS
Students may attend the College during the semester in which they demonstrate readiness or eligibility. Students must:
- Obtain written or electronic permission from the high school principal/designee via the Dual Credit Approval Form (see Appendix C).
- Earn a "B" or better average in high school work, or "C" for WECM trades courses. Exceptions require principal/designee letter and College approval.
- Complete a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meet Applicable Law requirements, including:
- Satisfying TSI criteria (see eligibility requirements on the College’s dual credit website)
- For students attending classes on a College Campus, provide proof of Bacterial Meningitis vaccination (see blinn.edu/immunization.html)
Private/non-accredited school and homeschooled students must meet all above requirements.
SECTION 3. CLASSES AND SCHEDULES
- Before each semester, the College will coordinate a proposed course schedule with the School. Anticipated student numbers are due by May 1; course schedules by July 20 for the upcoming academic year.
- All dual credit students will follow the official College calendar. Classes may only be canceled after consultation and as necessary, with lost time to be made up as arranged.
- Students may take the number of classes permitted by Applicable Law. The College and District/School representatives will confirm related standards (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit courses must be composed solely of dual credit students or a mix with advanced placement students. Technical class composition may vary according to articulation agreements.
- Face-to-face academic dual credit courses require reasonable proximity to a College campus and minimum enrollment, which can include students from other districts. The College does not provide transportation.
- Students may not take the same dual credit course both face-to-face and online without extenuating circumstances, determined by the Divisional Dean.
SECTION 4. FACULTY
- Dual credit College instructors follow standard credentialing and hiring, including application, interview, demonstration, credential review, and background check. Orientation is required.
- District dual enrollment faculty teach as part of their School assignment and must follow all relevant policies and procedures.
- Compensation for dual credit faculty is specified in Section 6 below.
- The College retains oversight, supervision, administration, and evaluation responsibilities for dual credit instructional delivery and compliance. This does not alter or create cross-employment or liability.
SECTION 5. FACILITIES
- Courses are offered in adequate physical facilities per SACSCOC guidelines. The College will assess and periodically review facilities for compliance.
- Representatives from College and School will assess, determine class size, and select instructional modality.
SECTION 6. FINANCIAL AID FOR SWIFT TRANSFER (FAST) PROGRAM
The FAST program funds dual credit courses for educationally disadvantaged (FAST-eligible) students at no cost. Eligible students:
- Are enrolled in an eligible dual credit course at a public district or charter school
- Qualified for free/reduced-price lunch in any of the four preceding school years
All costs for FAST-eligible students (tuition, fees, books, materials) must be covered; these students pay no tuition or textbook costs. Eligibility is verified each semester by the School to the College by August 5.
Non-FAST eligible students pay $56.87 per scheduled credit hour or the State-approved rate. District/School incurs remaining educational costs for FAST students.
SECTION 7. TUITION
- Option 1: If instructor is a College or District employee, non-FAST students pay State-approved tuition for the current year.
- Option 2: If a qualified District instructor teaches the course and College does not pay overload, non-FAST students pay $20 per credit hour. District receives $500/course section with at least eight (8) students.
- Option 3: If an approved District instructor teaches a technical (WECM) course and the College pays no compensation, tuition is fully waived for students.
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 compensated per contract.
- Adjunct instructors compensated at course rate.
SECTION 9. SYLLABUS, CURRICULUM, SUPPLIES, AND TEXTBOOKS
- Dual Credit instruction must use curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor identical to on-campus courses.
- A College Common Syllabus will be posted for each course, with all required elements.
- Dual credit courses use identical or equivalent textbooks as on campus. District/School will consider open educational resources. Materials are reviewed periodically.
- FAST-eligible students incur no textbook/resource costs. Non-FAST students are responsible for required resources.
SECTION 10. LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES
Dual credit students and instructors have access to School and College library and online resources, with identical privileges as on-campus students.
SECTION 11. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
A. Advising
- The College provides advising and counseling and ensures compliance with Texas SB 1277, including employee-designated advisors for dual credit students. See Appendix G.
- The District/School will collaborate to ensure compliance with SB 25 and SB 1324 regarding transfer and degree plan filing.
- College advising contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs (shannon.williford@blinn.edu, 979-209-8218).
B. Support Services
Dual credit students have access to computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on College campuses.
SECTION 12. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
- Students must comply with College Student Code of Conduct, per the Catalog (catalog.blinn.edu).
- Academic regulations and integrity policies apply (link).
- Students asked to leave class for uncivil behavior may not return until a conference with the instructor is arranged. See Policy FLB.
SECTION 13. FUNDING AND PAYMENT
- Tuition/fee payment is due at registration. Payment plan available. Failure to pay results in deregistration.
- Financial Aid is not available. Federal law prohibits Title IV aid for secondary students taking postsecondary courses concurrently.
- Both District/School and College may claim state funding for eligible courses per TEA and THECB rules. The College can only claim funding for specific credit-bearing courses.
- Students repeating a class more than twice pay tuition plus $50 per semester hour for that course. Technical/FAST students are exempt.
- The College is not responsible for student transportation.
SECTION 14. RECORDS AND REPORTING
- The College will provide semester class rosters and numerical grades for all dual credit students to the School.
- Both Parties will maintain required records in accordance with FERPA and Texas Record Retention laws. Each Party designates the other as an agent with a legitimate educational interest for FERPA compliance.
- Dual credit should be transcripted as high school and college credit immediately upon course completion.
SECTION 15. CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The Parties agree to resolve issues at the lowest possible level in good faith, summarizing outcomes in writing and designating administrative liaisons. If resolution is not found, escalation proceeds to District and College administrative levels, then legal counsel.
SECTION 16. TERM AND TERMINATION
- The Agreement is effective June 1, 2024, and expires at the close of the second summer semester of 2027, extendable by mutual written agreement and approval.
- Either Party may terminate with or without cause upon 60 days’ prior written notice before semester end. Termination does not apply to students already enrolled until their courses are complete.
SECTION 17. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS
- A. Entire Agreement
- This Agreement and Appendices constitute the entire agreement and supersede previous agreements. No other representations are relied on except those contained herein.
- B. Amendments
- Amendments require written signatures of both Parties.
- C. Governing Law; Venue
- Texas law governs. Venue is in Washington County, Texas.
- D. Notices
- Notices will be in writing and delivered by appropriate means as described, addressed to the specified contacts.
- E. Relationship of Parties
- Parties are independent contractors. This agreement does not create partnership or joint venture; no Party is an agent of the other.
- F. No Waiver
- No failure or delay in exercising rights is a waiver. No exercise of a right precludes further exercise.
- G. Assignment
- Assignment requires prior written consent of the other Party.
- H. Captions
- Captions are for convenience only.
- I. Severability
- If any provision is invalid, the rest remain in effect.
- J. No Third Party Rights
- This Agreement benefits only the Parties and their successors, not any third party.
- K. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures
- This Agreement may be executed electronically or in multiple counterparts.
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 November 21st, 2024:
- BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
- Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: 11/21/2024 - INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP OF TEXAS
- Mr. Edward Conger, Superintendent
Date: November 21st
APPENDIX A: GRADING POLICY
Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
The Board determines grade and credit award procedures, including GPA calculation, student classification, transfer of credits, standards, appeals, and reporting methods. These are published in the College Catalog. The Chancellor develops written procedures to implement Board provisions.
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 |
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 |
The highest grade in a repeated course is used for the cumulative GPA. Details regarding incompletes, drops, withdrawals, appeals, probation, and suspension are described in the College Catalog and policy.
APPENDIX B: DUAL CREDIT APPROVAL FORM
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
(Signature, student and parent/guardian required. Principal/designee and College signature required for approval. See full form in original document.)
APPENDIX C: NOTICE OF REIMBURSEMENT OF SERVICES
Reimbursement notice for credentialed high school faculty teaching dual credit. The district agrees to a class minimum (eight students), and the College will reimburse $500 per approved section taught, per agreement and at semester’s end.
APPENDIX D: DUAL CREDIT COURSE CROSSWALK
See table for dual credit courses, including course number, title, high school TEKS course, college credit, and endorsement. (Sample rows below; see full table in original document.)
| 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 |
APPENDIX E: ADVISING TERMINOLOGY
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework via College Board; college credit for qualifying scores.
- Advising
- Individualized guidance to help students achieve educational and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Program allowing credit by examination.
- Contact Hours
- Total hours a class meets each week.
- Degree Plan
- Statement of required coursework for a degree.
- Dual Credit
- College-level courses for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to be removed from a course in progress.
- 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 transfer courses eligible for state funding.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Allows credit by examination for math courses.
- Prerequisite
- Course required before another course.
- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)
- State-approved workforce courses for technical fields.
APPENDIX F: STATEWIDE DUAL CREDIT GOALS
- Goal 1: ISDs and IHEs conduct outreach to inform students and parents of dual credit benefits and costs, including fees/policies.
- Collaboration and information sessions, workshops, and program information provided.
- Goal 2: Programs assist high school students in transition and acceleration through postsecondary education.
- College tours, new student events, and transition to traditional students are available.
- Goal 3: All dual credit students receive readiness advising and support to bridge into college courses.
- Advising, support services, and access to all College support facilities.
- Goal 4: Course quality and rigor ensure student success in subsequent college courses.
- Performance data, curriculum standards, and eligibility are ensured per regulatory guidance.