Iola 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: Iola 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 as a Party and collectively as the Parties.
Recitals
- WHEREAS, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 28.009, 29.182, 29.184, 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 to provide instruction resulting in dual credit for students;
- WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to establish a Dual Credit Program to be operated as part of the District’s Iola High School (“School”).
NOW, THEREFORE, for mutual promises and covenants 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 thirteen 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 taught to other college students, per SACSCOC standards.
- The College will offer dual credit courses in accordance with Applicable Law, specifically those listed in the current ACGM and WECM. Courses each semester are determined by mutual agreement. Developmental and certain kinesiology courses are not available to dual credit students.
- Courses may be offered during any semester at locations/classrooms agreed upon by the School and College, utilizing technology as appropriate.
- The District is responsible for ensuring dual credit courses meet TEKS; a course equivalency crosswalk will provide alignment and credit information.
- All College prerequisites and sequencing apply to dual credit students.
- Academic performance will be determined per College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), see Appendix A.
- The College may set a minimum required student enrollment per course and may cancel courses if minimums are not met.
- Dual credit students in online classes are encouraged to have scheduled in-school time with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School will provide learning atmosphere/classroom facilities comparable to those at the College, regardless of modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment needed for instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment required for online/internet or IVC dual credit courses (see Appendix B).
- The School will assign professional personnel to identify, advise, and verify student eligibility for the Dual Credit Program per Applicable Law.
- The School will assign personnel to assist with College registration functions and collection of documentation.
- The School will initiate disability accommodation processes; students must provide IEP documentation to the College ODS, who will verify required accommodations.
- If grading scales differ, the District/School will provide students a comparative grading scale document (see Appendix A).
- The School is responsible for communicating that only grades equivalent to 70/100 or higher apply for high school graduation under 19 TAC § 74.26(c).
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provisions of TEC §51.907 regarding Q drops; these will record as W.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Program in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws including Title VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, and others as outlined, as well as governing/accrediting agency standards.
- The Parties will certify ADA compliance, comply with FERPA, maintain anti-discrimination policies, and adhere to all applicable laws.
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate based on sex and prohibits sex discrimination in all education programs and activities as required by Title IX and its regulations. Inquiries may be referred to Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator, Blinn College District, 902 College Avenue, Brenham, Texas 77833, Administration Building Room 219 (adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216). See: www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html.
The College will investigate all Title IX complaints related to dual credit courses. The College and District will collaborate on investigations as needed based on the location of the incident.
Blinn College District Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other prohibited basis. For more details, see Board Policy DIAB.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Pregnant or parenting students seeking accommodations should contact the Parenting Services Office. Instructors may not provide accommodations without verification from this office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
- Students may attend the College once they demonstrate readiness or eligibility as required by law, by:
- Obtaining principal or designee written/electronic permission per the Approval Form (Appendix C).
- Earning a "B" or better average (C for WECM trades). Lower grades require a principal’s letter for consideration.
- Completing a College Application for admission via ApplyTexas.
- Meeting TSI criteria as determined by THECB; proof must be furnished before registration.
- Providing proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine unless all classes are at the School or online-only.
- Private/non-accredited/homeschooled students must meet all requirements in this Agreement.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- Before each semester, the College will coordinate proposed course schedules with the School. Anticipated student numbers must be submitted by May 1, and course schedules by July 20 for the next school year.
- All high school students in dual credit classes follow the College calendar. Class cancellations only occur when necessary, with appropriate consultation.
- A student may take the number of academic classes permitted by law. The College and School will confirm standards (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed either only of dual credit students or of both dual credit and AP students. Technical courses can be combined as articulated courses as described.
- To provide face-to-face instruction, minimum class size applies; students from multiple districts may be combined. The College does not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is available at the School, students may not take the same course online, except by divisional dean approval.
Section 4. Faculty
- Faculty must meet College credentialing; new dual credit instructors must follow College hiring procedures including application, interview, demo, background check and division orientation.
- District faculty teaching Dual Enrollment courses will do so as part of their regular duties and adhere to both District and College requirements.
- Faculty compensation is outlined in Section 6.
- The College academic leadership is responsible for oversight, supervision, administration, and evaluation of dual credit instructors.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses are offered in adequate, reviewed facilities, meeting SACSCOC guidelines.
- College and District/School representatives assess facility suitability, determine class size, and select instructional modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The FAST program provides funding for dual credit courses to educationally disadvantaged students at no cost (free/reduced lunch eligible in any of four years prior to enrollment). Eligible students incur no tuition/fees/books/supplies costs. The District/School must verify FAST eligibility by August 5. Non-FAST students pay $56.87 per credit hour or the State-approved rate. All remaining costs for FAST students are the responsibility of the District/School. The Parties will inform students and parents about the program.
Section 7. Tuition
- Option 1: If an instructor (College or District employee) provides instruction, a NON-FAST student pays State-approved tuition.
- Option 2: If a qualified District instructor is used and not paid by the College, a NON-FAST student pays $20/credit hour; District receives $500 service payment per section, with a minimum eight (8) students per course.
- Option 3: If a qualified District instructor teaches a technical (WECM) dual credit course and the College pays no compensation, students pay no tuition.
Tuition and fees subject to change.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time faculty are compensated per contract.
- Adjunct instructors are compensated at the course rate.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must have the same curriculum, rigor, and grading as all College classes.
- A College Common Syllabus must be posted for every dual credit course.
- Courses will use identical or equivalent textbooks. District/School and College will consider using open educational resources.
- Students not eligible for FAST must purchase their own textbooks/resources; District provides for FAST eligible students.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may access both School and College library resources, including online materials. Services are identical to those for all College users.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College provides academic support including advising per SB 1277. At least one contact from either institution will advise students before course start (see Appendix G).
- The District/School must participate in compliance with SB 25 and 1324 regarding transfer and graduation pathways.
- Contact for College advising: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu
B. Support Services
Dual credit students may use any College computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with all College policies and the Student Code of Conduct (http://catalog.blinn.edu/).
- Students must comply with the College’s academic regulations on academic integrity (Academic Integrity Policy).
- If a student is removed from a class for incivility, a conference with the instructor is required before returning. See Board Policy FLB for more details.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees are due at registration; payment plan available. Nonpayment results in class drop.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students per federal law.
- Both District and College can claim state funding per TEA and THECB rules.
- Additional tuition charges apply for repeated classes unless technical/FAST eligible. See Blinn College Catalog.
- The College does not provide student transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class Rosters: College provides end-of-semester student rosters/grades to the School.
- Records/FERPA: Both Parties must maintain all required records per law, designate each other as agents for FERPA purposes, and ensure protection and proper disclosure.
- Transcription: High school and college credit must be transcripted immediately upon course completion.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
The Parties agree to resolve all issues in good faith, balancing the needs of the District and the College’s program and accreditation obligations. Issues are to be resolved at the lowest level; if unresolved, they are escalated through each Party’s organizational chain to legal counsel if required.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: This Agreement is effective June 1, 2024, and expires at the end of the second summer semester of 2027. Board approval is required for each Party. It may be renewed by mutual written agreement.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with 60 days written notice before semester end. Termination does not affect students already enrolled until course completion.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- A. Entire Agreement:
- This document, including recitals, appendices, and exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement, superseding all prior negotiations or agreements.
- B. Amendments:
- Any modification requires written agreement by both Parties.
- C. Governing Law; Venue:
- This Agreement is governed by Texas law; venue is Washington County, TX.
- Notice:
- All notices must be in writing and delivered per applicable procedures.
- D. Relationship:
- Parties act as independent contractors, not partners/joint venturers.
- E. No Waiver:
- No failure to exercise any right under this Agreement constitutes a waiver of that right.
- F. Assignment:
- Neither Party may assign its interest without written consent.
- G. Captions:
- Captions are for convenience only.
- H. Severability:
- If any provision is invalid, the rest remains in effect.
- I. No Third Party Rights:
- No third-party beneficiaries are created by this Agreement.
- J. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures:
- The Agreement may be executed electronically and in counterparts.
Section 18: List of Appendices
- Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Grading Procedures
- 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 Effective Date: ____________, 2024:
- Blinn College District
- Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: ______________________ - Name of School
- _______________________________
Date: ______________________
Appendix A: Grading System
The College’s grading system applies to all courses as published in the catalog. Grades and meanings:
- 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
Further details, grade point assignment, and policies on probation, suspension, and appeals are in the College Catalog.
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
Student and parent/guardian signatures required. Principal/designee and College signatures required for course approval. Compliance with FERPA policies is noted. Academic averages and signatures certifying eligibility are required for approval.
Appendix C: Notice of Reimbursement of Services
Details the financial arrangement for District reimbursement when credentialed high school faculty teach College dual credit courses. Minimum student enrollment and process for reimbursement disbursement at semester end are specified.
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
*High school course alignment is determined by the High School.
**Each school district determines which courses to offer as dual credit.
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College level coursework with possible credit based on exam score.
- Advising
- Guidance for students regarding education and career goals.
- Duel Credit
- Taken for both high school and college credit.
- FERPA
- Federal law protecting privacy of student records.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Purposeful and collaborative outreach to inform students and parents about dual credit benefits and costs.
- Supporting student transition into and acceleration through postsecondary education.
- Ensuring academic and college readiness advising for dual credit students.
- Ensuring the quality and rigor of dual credit courses for student success.
- Outreach and collaboration efforts documented and posted.
- Analysis by student subgroup for persistence and completion.
- Access to advising and college resources outlined.
- Course rigor and readiness aligned with College standards.