Louise 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 Louise 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 and relevant administrative codes authorize institutions of higher education to contract with public school districts for dual credit;
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 Louise High School ("School");
NOW THEREFORE, for mutual promises and covenants, 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 Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Madison, Waller, Washington Counties, and parts of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson, and Walker Counties.
- Dual credit courses will follow the same quality, sequencing, content, and rigor as other College courses.
- 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), as agreed upon by the District/School.
- Courses may be offered during any semester at locations and times mutually agreed upon by the Parties. The College will support dual credit sites with appropriate technology when possible.
- The District is responsible for ensuring dual credit courses meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used and alignments with endorsements offered by the District and corresponding dual credit courses must align with postsecondary pathways and credentials at the institution and industry certifications.
- All College prerequisites must be met; all course sequencing must be followed.
- Student’s satisfactory academic performance in a dual credit course is 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 per course and may cancel the course if this minimum is not met.
- The College encourages dual credit students taking online classes to have scheduled in-school time with a high school proctor.
B. The School
- The School will provide a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to those on a College campus, regardless of instructional modality.
- The School will provide instructional technology and auxiliary equipment typical for classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment for online and Interactive Video Conference (IVC) courses as described in Appendix B.
- The School will assign professional personnel to identify, advise, and verify student eligibility for the Dual Credit Program as agreed upon by the Parties.
- The School will assign trained personnel to assist with College registration processes, documentation collection, and admissions forms.
- The School/District will initiate accommodations for students with disabilities, providing IEP documentation. Students must submit IEP documentation to the College’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) to receive accommodations and are responsible for presenting verification forms to instructors.
- If grading scales differ, the District/School will provide students with a comparative document displaying both grading scales (see Appendix A).
- The District/School will inform students and parents that, although a "D" is passing in College, high school credit requires a grade equivalent to 70 out of 100 per 19 TAC § 74.26(c). College staff are not responsible for parent communications (see Appendix A).
- Dual credit students are not affected by TEC §51.907 provisions regarding Q drops; they will be recorded as "W" and not penalized as one of the six allowed state-drops.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties will operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including:
- Civil Rights statutes (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, etc.)
- The Texas Education Code and Texas Constitution
- The Texas Administrative Code
- TEA and THECB guidelines
- Accreditation agency requirements
- Both Parties agree to:
- Certify ADA compliance;
- Comply with FERPA;
- Follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws;
- Have and follow non-discrimination policies.
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. Contact: Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator (adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu, 979-830-4216).
See www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html for the district’s nondiscrimination policy. To report or make a complaint about sex discrimination under Title IX: Reporting Information.
The College investigates all Title IX complaints in dual credit courses. Ownership of investigation depends on where the incident occurred.
Statement on Parenting Services
Students may contact the Parenting Services Office if special arrangements are required due to pregnancy or parenting status. No accommodations are allowed without College verification.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student's Required Actions
Students may attend the College for dual credit in the semester they demonstrate college readiness or eligibility under Applicable Law. Requirements:
- Written or electronic high school principal/designee permission (see Dual Credit Approval Form, Appendix C).
- B average or better in high school work attempted, or C for WECM trades courses. Students below this average must submit a written request and may be admitted at the College’s discretion.
- Complete a College Application via ApplyTexas.
- Meet TSI criteria as determined by the THECB. Scores, exemptions, or waivers must be provided before registration. See Eligibility Requirements.
- Submit proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination as required for students attending classes in person on a Blinn College campus. Not required for those taking only high school campus/online classes.
Private, non-accredited, and homeschooled students must meet all admission requirements.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- Semester schedules will be coordinated prior to the start of each semester. Student numbers for next school year are due to the College by May 1; proposed course schedule by July 20.
- All high school students in College dual credit classes follow the official College calendar, regardless of location or modality. Cancellations must be coordinated between College and District/School.
- Students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law (see Appendix C).
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught to either only dual credit students or a combination of dual credit and AP students. Technical classes may mix dual credit, college credit, and articulation students.
- For face-to-face instruction at a high school campus, a minimum class size is required. The College will not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided at the School’s campus, students may not take the same course online except in extenuating circumstances as determined by the Divisional Dean.
Section 4. Faculty
- Faculty must meet College credentialing requirements. District faculty teaching dual credit must complete College hiring procedures, including background checks and orientation.
- Approved District dual enrollment faculty will teach as part of their regular assignment and must follow all relevant regulations and procedures.
- Faculty compensation is addressed in Section 6.
- College academic leadership supervises and evaluates instructional delivery, credentialling, curricular discussions, and assessment activities for dual credit courses. Employment status and policies remain with the employing Party.
Section 5. Facilities
- Dual credit courses are offered in facilities meeting SACSCOC accreditation guidelines. The College will periodically assess facilities for compliance.
- Site representatives determine class size and instructional modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The FAST program provides funding so eligible (educationally disadvantaged) students incur no cost for dual credit coursework—defined by eligibility for free/reduced lunch in any of the four previous years. Books, supplies, and course materials are also provided at no cost for eligible students.
- Eligibility is verified each semester by October 5 (prior to fall terms). The District/School must identify and verify eligible students to the College.
- Non-FAST students pay $56.87 per scheduled credit hour, or the State of Texas approved tuition rate.
- The District/School is responsible for any remaining costs (fees, course materials, etc.) for eligible FAST students.
Section 7. Tuition
Students pay tuition according to the following options:
- Option 1: College or District employee provides instruction (any location). Non-FAST students pay State tuition rate.
- Option 2: Qualified District employee (not paid overload by College) instructs. Non-FAST students pay $20/credit hour. District reimbursed $500/course section (minimum 8 students).
- Option 3: Qualified District employee does not receive compensation for technical (WECM) course. Tuition waived for students.
Tuition and fees may change during the Agreement's Term as established by the College's Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time faculty compensated per their contract.
- Adjunct instructors compensated based on the rate for the course.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction uses the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor as all College courses.
- Standard College Syllabus must be posted for each dual credit course.
- Identical or equivalent textbooks are used. The College is not responsible for providing textbooks. District and College will consider open educational resources per HB 3650 (2019).
- Non-FAST students buy required textbooks. FAST-eligible students are provided textbooks and resources by the District.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors have the same access to library and online resources as all College students and instructors.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College provides advising and counseling. At least one designated employee will advise students for dual credit (see Appendix G for common strategies and terminology).
- The District/School will collaborate with the College to fully comply with advising mandates outlined in SB 25 (2019) and SB 1324 (2019).
- Designated contact for the College: Shannon Williford (shannon.williford@blinn.edu, 979-209-8218).
B. Support Services
Dual credit students may use computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on all College campuses.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct (Blinn College Catalog).
- Students must also comply with academic integrity regulations [Scholastic Integrity].
- Students removed for incivility may not return until a conference with the instructor has occurred (see Board Policy FLB).
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees are due at registration. Payment plan available. Failure to pay results in class drops.
- Federal financial aid is not available for dual credit students.
- State funding may be available to District/School and College per TEA and THECB funding rules.
- If a student enrolls in the same class more than twice, additional tuition plus $50 per semester hour per course will apply (except technical or FAST-eligible students).
- College is not responsible for student transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class rosters with grades are provided to the School by the College at the end of each semester.
- Each Party maintains student records and complies with FERPA and Texas Record Retention laws. Both Parties are considered agents with legitimate educational interest for FERPA purposes.
- High school and college credit should be transcripted immediately upon course completion in accordance with TAC 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter D, §4.85 (h).
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Conflicts are to be resolved at the lowest level possible, with communications and solutions summarized in writing. An administrative liaison is designated by each Party. If unresolved, issues progress up to legal counsel if necessary.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: Agreement commences June 1, 2024 and expires at the end of the second summer semester of 2027 ("Initial Term"). May renew by mutual written agreement and relevant board approval.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with or without cause by written notice sixty (60) days before semester end; however, students already enrolled complete their dual credit courses before termination takes effect.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- Entire Agreement: This document and attachments (Appendices) comprise the full agreement.
- Amendments: Modifications must be written and signed by both Parties.
- Governing Law and Venue: Governed by Texas law in Washington County.
- Notice: All notices must be in writing, delivered per Agreement instructions.
- Independent Contractors: Each Party remains an independent contractor; no joint venture or partnership is created.
- No Waiver: Delay or failure to exercise rights does not constitute waiver.
- Assignment: Assignment requires written consent of both Parties.
- Severability: Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Agreement.
- No Third Party Rights: No third-party beneficiaries.
Section 18. List of Appendices
The following appendices are attached and incorporated into this 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: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
Appendix A: Grading System
The College uses the following grading system for all courses:
- A (90-100): Excellent
- B (80-89): Good
- C (70-79): Average
- D (60-69): Poor
- F (Below 60): Failure
- I: Incomplete (work must be completed within 90 days or converted to zero)
- Q: Dropped
- W: Dropped Due to Good Cause or Withdrawal from College
- CR: Credit
- P: Pass
- NP: Not Passing
- FS: Academic Fresh Start
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 of a repeated course is used in GPA calculations. Additional details for grade changes, probation, and suspension are found in the College catalog.
Appendix B: Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course* | College Credit | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZEC 1471 | Beginning Czech I | Determined by HS | 4 | Arts/Humanities |
| CZEC 1472 | Beginning Czech II | Determined by HS | 4 | Arts/Humanities |
| CZEC 2371 | Intermediate Czech I | Determined by HS | 3 | Arts/Humanities |
| CZEC 2372 | Intermediate Czech II | Determined by HS | 3 | Arts/Humanities |
*High School course is subject to change. Each school district determines which courses they offer as dual credit.
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by the College Board with potential for college credit with a qualifying exam score.
- Advising
- Guidance to help students succeed in future education and career goals.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Credit by examination program.
- Contact Hours
- Total hours a class meets weekly.
- Degree Plan
- Statement of required coursework for completion of a degree.
- Dual Credit
- High school students take courses for both high school and college credit.
- Drop
- Request to be removed from a course while in progress. Must be done through Blinn's Dual Credit Office.
- Early Admissions
- College courses taken by high school students for college credit only.
- FERPA
- Federal law protecting student record privacy.
- Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM)
- Official list of approved general academic transfer courses for Texas community colleges.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Credit by examination for math courses.
- Prerequisite
- Course required prior to advancing to another course.
- Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)
- Web-based inventory of community/technical college courses in technical fields.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: Implement purposeful and collaborative outreach to inform all students and parents of dual credit benefits/costs.
- Examples: Hosting informational sessions; providing information at high school events; workshops for counselors.
- Goal 2: Assist students in transition to and acceleration through postsecondary education.
- Examples: Office tours, registration events, automatic transition from dual credit to traditional students.
- Goal 3: All dual credit students receive academic and college readiness advising.
- Examples: Access to advising, Learning Center, Writing Center, Disability Services, Counseling, Testing Center, Libraries, and Computer Labs.
- Goal 4: Ensure quality and rigor of dual credit courses for student success in subsequent courses.
- Examples: Institutional data, same curriculum/materials/grading/rigor, college readiness requirements.