LaGrange 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: LaGrange High School, a Texas Public independent school district and political subdivision of the State of Texas, (District) with an effective date of June 1, 2024 (Effective Date).
Individually, the College and the District are referred to herein as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.”
Recitals
WHEREAS, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 28.009, 29.182, 29.184, and 130.008; and 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H authorize an institution of higher education to contract with a public school district for the provision of instruction resulting in dual credit received by a student for such course; and
WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program (Dual Credit Program) to be operated as part of the District’s LaGrange High Schooll (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 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 match the quality, sequencing, content, and rigor of courses taught to other students per SACSCOC standards.
- 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 offered each semester shall be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Developmental courses are unavailable to dual credit students. Kinesiology courses that count towards high school graduation physical education requirement will not be offered to dual credit students.
- Courses may be offered during any semester at a location and classroom mutually agreed upon by the School and College. The College will seek to use available technology as appropriate to support dual credit sites.
- The District is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements, using a course equivalency crosswalk. Endorsements offered by the District and dual credit courses under this agreement will be aligned with postsecondary pathways and credentials as per SB 1276 (2019). See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk.
- All College prerequisites must be met; all College course sequencing shall be followed.
- Satisfactory academic performance in a course is determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), included in Appendix A.
- The College reserves the right to set and enforce a minimum enrollment number per course. The College may cancel courses that do not meet the minimum.
- The College encourages online dual credit students to have in-school time scheduled 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 instruction modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and other classroom equipment.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to meet requirements for online/internet and Interactive Video Conference (IVC) instruction. See Appendix B for video class regulations.
- The School will assign professional-level personnel to identify, advise, and verify student eligibility for the Dual Credit Program per Applicable Law.
- The School will assign trained personnel to assist with College registration functions, including completing admissions/students forms and collecting documentation.
- The School/District will initiate the process for course accommodations due to disability by providing students with documentation (IEP), and students must submit documentation to the College's Office of Disability Services (ODS).
- If the College grading scale differs from the District’s, the District/School will provide students with a comparative document. See Appendix A.
- The District/School is responsible for communicating that high school credit requires a grade equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100 per 19 TAC § 74.26(c). College personnel will not communicate with parents. See Appendix A.
- Dual credit students are not affected by provisions of TEC § 51.907; Q drops will be recorded as a W and not counted as one of the six-state-drops.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including (but not limited to):
- Title VI & Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Age Discrimination Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, FERPA, Title IV of the Higher Education Act, Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act;
- Texas Constitution and Education Code;
- State/federal laws regarding child abuse, crimes, and record retention;
- 19 Texas Administrative Code, especially Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H;
- TEA and THECB guidelines;
- SACSCOC and other accrediting agencies’ requirements.
- Both Parties agree to:
- Certify their sites are ADA compliant;
- Comply with FERPA;
- Abide by laws applicable to this MOU;
- Have nondiscrimination and harassment policies per law.
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate based on sex and prohibits sex discrimination in education, admission, and employment as required by Title IX. Inquiries may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Adrienne McCain (adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216), or the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
See Blinn College District’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures. To report or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, see Reporting Information.
The College will investigate all Title IX complaints or concerns in dual credit courses, working collaboratively with the District. The ownership of the investigation depends on the incident location.
Blinn College District Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against employees on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or other unlawful bases. Retaliation is prohibited. Board Policy DIAB provides more information.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Students requiring special arrangements due to pregnancy or parenting status must contact the Parenting Services Office. Instructors may not provide classroom accommodations to a student until verification from the Parenting Services Office is provided.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
- Students may attend the College during the semester in which they demonstrate readiness for College-level courses or otherwise are eligible as per Applicable Law. Required for admission:
- Written/electronic permission from high school principal or designee. See Dual Credit Approval Form, Appendix C.
- B grade average (C for WECM trades courses) in high school work attempted. Lower average requires a principal's written letter and College review.
- Complete College Application for admission (ApplyTexas);
- Meet current TSI criteria for dual credit as determined by THECB (see Dual Credit Eligibility); exemptions/waivers must be furnished by District/School or the student.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine (if attending classes on a College campus; not required for students exclusively at School facility or fully online).
- Students in private/non-accredited secondary schools or homeschooled must meet all admission requirements as set forth in this Agreement.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- Schedule coordination: Prior to each semester, the College will coordinate and finalize the course schedule with the School. Anticipated number of students per course for the next year due by May 1. Proposed course schedule due by July 20.
- All high school students in academic dual credit follow the official College calendar. Cancellations processed through District/School administration in consultation with College. Lost instructional time will be made up as needed.
- Students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law, confirmed by both College and School. See Appendix C.
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes: (1) solely of academic dual credit students, or (2) dual credit plus advanced placement students. Technical classes may mix dual credit, college credit, and articulation students.
- Face-to-face instruction at the School requires reasonable commuting distance and minimum class size, which may include students from other districts. If enrollment is low, alternatives will be explored. College will not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided on School’s campus, students may not take the same course online, except as determined by the Divisional Dean under extenuating circumstances.
Section 4. Faculty
- Faculty for dual credit courses must meet College credentialing guidelines and hiring procedures, including application, interview, teaching demonstration, credential review, and background check. All dual credit faculty must complete a College-required orientation.
- District Dual Enrollment Faculty will teach as part of their regular assignment and follow all District, School, and College regulations and procedures.
- Dual credit faculty are compensated per Section 6.
- College academic leadership oversees instructional delivery, including credentialing, curricular discussions, evaluation activities, and course/program assessment. These responsibilities do not alter employment, create liability, or change an employee’s obligations to their employer.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities per SACSCOC guidelines. The College assesses facilities before instruction and periodically reviews compliance.
- College and District/School representatives will assess facilities, determine class size, and select instructional modality at each site.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The Texas FAST program provides funding so that educationally disadvantaged students (eligible for free/reduced-price lunch within four years prior) incur no cost for eligible dual credit courses. Such students will not pay tuition/fees or incur costs for books, supplies, or other course materials.
- FAST eligibility is determined by THECB; District/School will identify/verify eligible students to the College by August 5th each year.
- Non-FAST eligible students are charged $56.87 per scheduled credit hour (or State of Texas rate).
- The District/School will incur remaining educational costs for eligible FAST students, including course/lab fees, aids, materials, textbooks, supplies, and credentialing fees.
- The Parties will provide information to students and parents about the FAST program.
Section 7. Tuition
Students will pay tuition for ACGM and WECM dual credit courses per these options:
- Option 1: If a College or District employee provides instruction, a NON-FAST student pays the State-approved tuition rate.
- Option 2: If a qualified District instructor teaches without College overload pay, NON-FAST students pay $20/credit hour (e.g., $60 for 3 credits, $80 for 4 credits). District gets $500 reimbursement per course section (with minimum 8 students per section).
- Option 3: If a qualified District instructor teaches a technical (WECM) course and College pays no compensation, tuition is waived for all students in that course.
Tuition and fee rates are subject to change by the College Board of Trustees or State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time faculty: per contract.
- Adjunct instructors: according to adjunct rate for the course.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction must use the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor as other College classes, per THECB and SACSCOC regulations.
- College Common Syllabus must be posted in Concourse, including outcomes, materials, requirements, College and instructor policies, and schedule.
- Dual Credit courses use identical/equivalent textbooks as on-campus courses. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks. Free or low-cost open educational resources will be considered. See HB 3650.
- Non-FAST eligible students are responsible for their textbooks/resources. For FAST eligible students, the District provides all required materials at no cost.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors have identical access to library resources, online resources, circulation privileges, and learning resources as all College students.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College will provide adequate instructional support services, including advising and counseling, to meet the needs of dual credit students. The College and District/School will comply with advising requirements of TX SB 1277 (2021).
- The District/School will take necessary actions to comply with advising mandates from TX SB 25 (2019) and TX SB 1324 (2019).
- Designated academic advising contact for dual credit at the College: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs (979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu).
B. Support Services
Dual credit students may use the computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers at any College campus.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies and procedures, including the Student Code of Conduct (College Catalog).
- Students must follow academic regulations regarding academic integrity (Scholastic Integrity).
- If a student is removed for incivility, they may not return until they arrange a conference with the instructor. See Board Policy FLB.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees per Section 6 are due at registration; payment required by due date. Failure to pay will result in being dropped from classes. Payment plans are available on request.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students per federal law (CFR 668.7(a)(2)).
- State funding for dual credit will be available to both the District/School and College based on current TEA and THECB rules. The College may claim funding for students receiving credit in eligible courses only.
- If a student enrolls in a class more than twice, they must pay tuition and a $50 per semester hour fee (except technical courses and FAST-eligible students).
- The College is not responsible for providing transportation to dual credit students.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class Rosters: The College will provide class rosters (names and grades) to the School at the end of each semester.
- Student Records & FERPA: Each Party will maintain records as needed; grades, progress, and eligibility information shared as needed for the FAST program; both must follow Texas Record Retention laws. Both designate the other as agent with a legitimate educational interest under FERPA.
- Transcription of Credit: Dual credit courses must be transcripted for high school and college credit upon completion, per TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, §4.85 (h).
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Parties agree to resolve issues collaboratively and in good faith, balancing District instructional needs and College program quality/accreditation. Conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level; written summaries after each discussion. Administrative liaisons are designated at the campus and College level. If not resolved, escalation occurs to higher administrators and, if necessary, legal counsel.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: This Agreement is effective upon the Effective Date and expires at the end of the second summer semester of 2027. Must have approval from each governing board. May be extended in writing.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with/without cause by written notice 60 days prior to end of the current semester. No termination affects students already enrolled until they complete their courses.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- Entire Agreement
- This document and its appendices/exhibits constitute the entire understanding.
- Amendments
- Only by written signatures of both Parties.
- Governing Law; Venue
- Laws of Texas govern; venue in Washington County, Texas.
- Notice
- Written notices to be delivered as specified; see details for contacts at College and School District.
- Relationship
- Parties are independent contractors, not partners, agents, or joint venturers.
- No Waiver
- No delay/failure constitutes waiver of rights.
- Assignment
- No assignment without prior written consent.
- Captions
- Are for convenience only.
- Severability
- If any part is found invalid, remaining parts stay in effect.
- No Third Party Rights
- This agreement benefits only College and District, not third parties.
- Counterparts; Signatures
- May be executed in counterparts, including by electronic signature or email.
Section 18: List of Appendices
- Appendix A: Board Policy EGA(LOCAL) and Grading/Credit 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 the Effective Date
- BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
- Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor
Date: ______________________ - Name of School
- Date: __08/06/2024__
La Grange High School
Superintendent Andy McHazlett
8/12/2024
Appendix A: Grading System (EGA(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit)
The Board establishes methods for grade determination and credit award, including reporting, GPA, credits, transfers, standards, appeals, and publications in the College catalog. The Chancellor implements grading/credit provisions.
Grades
At the end of each semester, students receive a final grade report. The College's grading system is:
- 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/Withdrawal
- CR – Credit
- P – Pass
- NP – Not Passing
- FS – Academic Fresh Start
Grades of I, Q, W, CR, P, NP, FS count as zero grade points for GPA.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| B | 3 |
| C | 2 |
| D | 1 |
| F | 0 |
| I, Q, W, CR, P, NP, FS | 0 |
Only the highest grade of a repeated course is used in cumulative GPA. Grades used for calculation exclude I, Q, W, NP, P, FS, CR. GPA for graduation includes transfer work but not developmental coursework.
For grade changes, students should contact the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at (979) 830-4130 by the end of the next long semester.
Academic Standing
- Good standing: 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Scholastic probation: below 2.0 GPA.
- Scholastic suspension: continued below 2.0 GPA; may reenroll after one semester.
- Students on probation/suspension may lose eligibility for offices, scholarships, and financial aid; must be advised before registration.
- Scholastic appeals committee considers reinstatement appeals in extenuating circumstances; decision is final.
Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
2024-25 Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
- Student
- Signature | Date
- Parent/Guardian
- Signature | Date
By signing, the student and parent/guardian agree to abide by Blinn College District rules and understand FERPA restrictions.
- Student is under College/FERPA rules once registered.
- Parent's name, email, and phone required; parent must sign for processing.
Course Request
| Course Name | Semester | CRN | Day/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| [To be completed by School/College officials] | |||
- Signature of High School Principal/Designee
- Date
- Signature of College Designee
- Date
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
*High School course subject to change. Alignment/approval by High School.
** Each district determines which courses they 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 |
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework by the College Board; college credit possible with qualifying exam score.
- Advising
- Individualized academic guidance for success in education and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Credit by examination for certain courses.
- Contact Hours
- Total hours a class meets each week.
- Degree Plan
- Set of required courses for an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take college courses for high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to leave a course in progress (dual credit students must request via Dual Credit Office).
- Early Admissions
- College-level courses for college credit only by high school students.
- FERPA
- Federal law protecting student records privacy.
- Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM)
- List of general academic transfer courses for Texas colleges.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Exam for earning math credit by exam.
- Prerequisite
- Required course before another may be taken.
- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)
- Approved workforce courses for Texas colleges.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: ISD and IHEs will implement collaborative outreach to inform students and parents about dual credit benefits and costs, including fee policies.
Examples: Collaboration sessions, info at community events, counselor workshops. - Goal 2: Dual credit programs will assist in successful transition and acceleration through postsecondary education.
Examples: College tours, new student registration events, transition of dual credit students to traditional students. - Goal 3: All dual credit students will receive college readiness advising.
Examples: Advising and career counseling, access to college learning/support services. - Goal 4: Quality and rigor of dual credit courses will ensure success in future courses.
Examples: Research on student performance, adherence to common curriculum and rigor, college readiness requirements for eligibility.