Milano High School
Blinn College District (College) and School District Dual Credit Program
Effective Date: July 1, 2024
This agreement governs the Dual Credit Program and outlines the criteria, policies, and procedures for participation by students of the School District. The agreement takes effect as of the date listed above.
District
The Blinn College District operates the Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.009, 29.184, and 130.008, and Chapter 8 for the administration of instruction in dual credit pursuant to the Texas Education Code for instruction at the higher education contract, with a published audit listing for purchase; and
Whereas, the College and the District are referred to as "Party" and recognized as a student for such tuition; and
Whereas, the College and the District desire to establish a Dual Credit program (Dual Credit Program) for the mutual promise and covenants contained herein for the benefit of such, for college, and:
Section 1. General Criteria
Blinn College District Dual Credit Program
- The College will operate 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, Walker and Washington Counties and [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)] standard.
- The College will ensure that dual credit courses follow the state quality, sequence, content, and audit, and that those courses taught by the institution's other students will maintain proficiency, as required.
- Dual credit courses must 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 activities.
- Dual credit courses may be offered during any semester in a location and classroom mutually agreed upon by the School and College.
- The District is responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. A College curriculum crosswalk will be used to verify that both versions meet the higher education contract. The college identifies the number of credits that may be earned each course before completing the Dual Credit Program. This will provide an alignment of endorsements from the Workforce and Education Dealer to evaluate students. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Statewide Crosswalk.
- All College procedure related to dual credit and dual course sequencing shall be complied with.
- Each participant’s Proficiency and Assessment is subjected to approval and credit applies. The designated staff shall make the appropriate decision for admission and monitoring of these students for continued eligibility or contract criteria, such as withdrawal, academic action, and re-enrollment.
Student Services
The College will provide instructional technology and other auxiliary equipment typically used in support of classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel, and equipment to connect (The IVC). Appendix B describes class regulations.
- The School will assign professional-level interpreter, training vice for the Dual Credit Program in the Parties, who will be responsible for identifying, advising, and verifying prospective students' eligibility for participation in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Appendix Law.
- The School/District will initiate the process for course accommodations due to a disability by providing students with documentation outlining required accommodations or services under advanced Education Plan (IEP). It is the student's responsibility to maintain the required protection from documentation from the School/District to the College. Upon receipt of the School/District IEP documentation from the student, the College’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) will review the student making the necessary arrangements for accommodations to the process as soon as possible to ensure the student receives proper accommodations. For additional information, please contact the College’s ODS.
Credit Options
- Dual credit students may receive credit by the two provisions of TEC §51.907. Therefore, credit out students with D drops will be recorded as a W and may be re-assessed on all the allowed six-attempt schedule.
Applicable Law
Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including rights for individuals, reporting, interpreting, and administrative rules. This includes, but not limited to, citing the following federal statutes as may be amended: The Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965; and Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act, and related state and local requirements. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Statewide Crosswalk.
The Guide for this agreement includes policies and procedures as required by the 2019 Implementation Process, including restrictions and regulations imposed by accrediting agencies to the Partner, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
Blinn College District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability in any education program or activity that 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, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.
- Title IX Coordinator
- Dr. Adrienne McCain, Title IX Coordinator
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
979-830-4127
Information related to Blinn College’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures can be located at https://www.blinn.edu/title-ix/.
The College will investigate all Title IX complaints or concerns that arise in dual credit courses. The College and District will coordinate efforts to efficiently resolve such matters while maintaining the certainty of an investigation of a personnel matter.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the Parenting Services Office. Please note that the instructor is not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until verification from the Parenting Services Office has been provided. For additional information, please contact the Parenting Services Office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission - Student Required Actions
- Students may attend the College during the semester in which the regular College faculty assigns and enrolls the student, provided the student meets requirements for admission as outlined in Appendix C.
- Obtaining written or electronic permission from the high school principal or the person designated by the principal of the high school or C (or WECM trade courses - If teacher has a lower average than is agreed or administered), or other documentation certified by the District official, before admission. This certificate must clearly explain the course and reason for the student’s enrollment.
- Meeting the following requirements:
- Earn a “B” or better overall grade average as outlined on the local Dual Credit Policy. There are exemptions for College students (see section D for TSI, ECHS, DC, exemptions, or an alternative verification in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code).
- Students who take classes exclusively at a School facility, or for completely online classes, will attend only using the School. Blinn Dual Credit Program students must provide proof of immunization. Information regarding teacher immunizations is listed at https://www.blinn.edu/dual-credit/eligibility.html.
- Students who are enrolled in private or non-accredited secondary schools, or who are homeschooled must meet all admission requirements set forth in this agreement.
Section 3. Classes and Schedules
- Prior to the start of each semester, the College will coordinate and finalize the official College calendar regardless of dual credit class location, course instructional modality, or District/School calendar. The school must submit the anticipated number of students for the College for the next school year by May 1 prior to begin the following school year. The School will submit the proposed schedule for how students enrolled in a school year. The school will submit the following for the school for the next school year by May 30th prior to beginning that school year.
- District/School students enrolled in dual credit classes must enroll and receive approval from the District/School through the District class location, detailed on the corresponding registration table.
- Appropriate arrangements must be made by the District/School representative with the department participating in the Dual Credit Program.
- Academic courses will follow the School’s (b) of batch and classes designed to solve the placement student. Elective sections or standard classes, as determined (i) and only if academic dual credit courses meet the content guiding advanced academic standards, as Texas School classes being improved for an official dual credit course.
Section 4. Faculty
- The faculty assigned to College dual credit courses follow the same requirements for credentialing posed without limitation, completion as College. Each applicant instructor, who is a District/School senior or is one or is an applicant employee, will be required to submit the same hiring procedures as any College faculty, including, without a listed, which is limited by the College, completing an application, reviewing for a license, teaching demonstration/recommendation review, and undergoing background check. Dual enrollment faculty should plan dual enrollment courses as required by the College and Enrollment Division.
- Approved District dual credit instructors completing annual orientation session as required by College dual enrollment division. The assignment will be in Section 6, following applicable requirements.
- Dual credit courses being offered will have the responsibility, scheduling, oversight, supervision, administration, and evaluation of the instructional delivery provided by each instructor; leadership must authorize evaluations using course evaluation and mid-year student faculty process. The responsible parties will meet in the Spring.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The state of Texas has created the FAST Program, offering financial aid to students who otherwise could not afford dual credit courses. The Texas Education Code (TEC) defines "educationally disadvantaged" students as those eligible to participate in the federal free or reduced price lunch program. These students are eligible for FAST benefits.
- Students in high school enrolled in a dual credit course under the FAST Program must: be enrolled in a school district or charter participating institution; be identified as "educationally disadvantaged" at any time during the four school years preceding the student's enrollment in the Dual Credit program.
- Non-FAST eligible students are required to pay for course fees as required in the dual credit course agreement.
The District/School will determine who is eligible, notify the College, and provide all required supporting documentation by August 5th.
Students eligible for FAST will enroll at no cost in a dual credit course under the FAST Program if the student meets the following:
- Is enrolled in high school in a school district or charter institution.
- Is Paroled with a valid district as a participating institution as described herein.
- Students will work with the FAST funding during the school day years preceding the student's enrollment in the Dual Credit program. For Non-FAST eligible students enrolled for dual credit courses, the State of Texas will approve tuition for the current academic year.
- The District/School will submit documentation verifying eligibility for FAST students to the College.
- The College will work together to develop and provide information to students, supplies, and credit program resources.
Section 7. Tuition
Students enrolled in dual credit courses under the Dual Credit Program will pay for program dual credit courses as follows:
- Option 1: If an institution (College or District employee) provides dual credit instruction regardless of location or modality; THEN, a non-FAST student enrolled in the dual credit course will only pay $20 per credit hour for dual credit (e.g. $60 for a three credit hour course, or $80 for a four credit hour course). Additionally, under this option, the District will receive a reimbursement of service payment of $500 for each course section of dual credit. A minimum of eight (8) students are required for each district in the Dual Credit Program.
- Option 3: If a qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is utilized for credit instruction of a technical (WECM) dual credit course and the College pays no compensation to the instructor; THEN, the tuition for the student for the dual credit course are waived (e.g. there is NO COST to the student for a College technical dual credit, the credit hour tuition and fees are subject to change as established by the Board of Trustees or fee in the contract).
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
Full-time College faculty will be compensated for their time.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, & Textbooks
All students will be communicated based on the rate for the course.
- In accordance with minimum requirements, the District/School must ensure regular business hours are maintained by the teaching administrator, including grading, credit, and safe instructional responsibilities.
- College faculty will provide the College syllabus for the course to students as the courses are offered on campus and electronically.
- Dual credit enrollment in dual credit courses includes, as the courses are offered on campus and electronically, that students are responsible for their own materials, including textbooks, unless otherwise notified.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may use the learning resources offered by the School or any of the College Campuses. Students also have access to the College’s online library resources. Circulation privileges and other services available to students and instructors who are part of the Dual Credit Program are detailed in the College Catalog.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
- The College will provide adequate instructional support services, including advising on college credit, to meet the needs of dual credit students. The advising service includes but is not limited to the requirements as described in TX SB 1277 (2021), including joint hot line and designating at least one employee from either institution to assist high school students and their families in dual or enrollment college programs. Disaggregated student support is offered for college credit programs.
- In active collaboration with the College, the District/School shall coordinate with College designated services (examples: TRIO and other designated programs as specified in agreements and articulated in TX SB 25 (2019)) with TX FAST funding and targeted funding, among other things, offering free pre-college workshops, guiding students to the teaching and other financing and process arrangements. The college provides targeted opportunities such as college success, financial orientation and the publication of course sequences.
Student support services - Dual credit students may use the computer labs, printing stations, and writing centers on any of the College’s campuses.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- http://dualcredit.blinn.edu
- https://catalog.blinn.edu/content.php?catoid=48&navoid=1485#student-rights
A student is not exempt or excused for the classroom because of unethical behavior; the student may incur disciplinary action for poor policy, FILE.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fee payment in the amounts set forth in Section 6 are due and remitted to the College at the registration before the beginning of classes.
- An entry and fee advances; all tuition and fees must be collected before a student sits for the course.
- An emergency aid is subject to direct sufficient, including Title IV. The Higher Education Act financial aid secondary school is not eligible for Title IV assistance for any course (see FAST Section 6).
- The percentage of funding for dual credit students during the period of compliance in core curricular courses and remedial courses for that same period (Compliance Financial Reports (CBE) 668.176(a)(1)).
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class Rosters. The College will provide class rosters (listing the names and grades in a numbered format of all dual credit students completing the course) to the School at the close of each semester.
- Student Records; Record Retention; FERPA. In accordance with applicable law, each Party will maintain student records and as may be necessary or advisable to operate the Dual Credit Program; provide the other Party copies of the grades, progress, informational data on student progress and assessment, and information required to establish eligibility to participate in the FAST program.
- Each Party designates the party that serves as agent with a legal and ethical interest in students’ educational records for the purposes of FERPA. Both Parties shall institute policies protecting records and require record retention that lets employees and agents comply with these and all other federal and state laws governing the rights of dual credit students with respect to educational records and shall protect student education records against accidental or deliberate release to unauthorized persons.
Section 15. Term and Termination
- Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence upon the Effective Date (Commencement Date) and shall continue each year (Renewal) until a date set by mutual agreement or after expiration by written notice. The agreement is not found at the initial term, the contract will remain in force for purposes of services performed between the Commencement Date and the Expiration Date. If either Party wishes to terminate the Agreement prior to the Expiration Date, written notice must be provided to the other Party, specifying the reason for termination.
- Termination for Cause; Unenrollment. In the event that a student is determined by the College to be not eligible for dual credit or in violation of the Program requirements, the College reserves the right to terminate enrollment of students, and the student may be removed from the program.
Section 16. Other Terms
- This agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture between the parties to this agreement.
- Neither Party shall have control over the other party with respect to its hours, times, or entities, et. The Parties acknowledge and agree that no part will be liable for the activities of another Party, including, but not limited to, any liabilities, losses, damages, suits, claims, fines, penalties, claims, or demands of any kind arising out of this Agreement.
- No waiver or failure by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement completes a partnership or joint venture between the parties hereto.
- Assignment. Neither party may assign in interest or by agreement this Agreement, liability, or company or agency act for any such assignment without prior written approval of the other party.
Signatures
| College | School District |
|---|---|
| Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor, Blinn College District |
Dr. Elisabeth Luevanos Superintendent |
| 7/26/2024 | 07/25/2024 |
Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
Grades
At the end of each semester, students shall receive a final grade report that shall become a part of their permanent record. The College’s grading system shall apply to all courses:
| Grade | Grade Points per Semester Hour |
|---|---|
| A (90-100) | 4 |
| B (80-89) | 3 |
| C (70-79) | 2 |
| D (60-69) | 1 |
| F (Below 60) | 0 |
| P, NP, WS | 0 |
A grade of "W" or "Q" shall be used in determining the cumulative grade point value, but a repeated grade of "F" shall replace a grade of "W" or "Q."
A “Q” may be assigned to a student “not impacted by SB 1231 when he or she drops a course or withdraws from the College.
See definitions for GOOD CAUSE EXEMPTION in ECC (LEGAL).
Health Sciences Grading System
Programs in Health Sciences may have different and more approved College Grading Scales as noted in their program handbook from the College.
Blinn College District/Early Admission Course Approval Form
Course List
| Course Number | Blinn College Course Title | High School TEKS Course | Credit | Endorsement Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECON 2301 | Principles of Macro Economics | Economics | 3 | All Areas |
Glossary
- Advising
- Provides guidance instructional support and services for dual credit students who plan to earn college credit with a qualifying score on their future placement and career goals.
- Contact Hour
- The actual number of class hours each week.
- Degree Plan
- An examination of the course of study requirements for that an undergraduate student must take to transfer or complete their program in an advanced or bachelor’s degree from the institution.
- Drop
- Request to remove from a course while being enrolled, not for credit, but high school and college credit.
- Credit Only
- Students dropped from a class through Blinn’s Dual College for credit only admission.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- The federal law that protects the privacy of student records.
- Texas Education Agency Course Guide (AGCM)
- A list of procedures that provide for student accelerated approval that may be offered by public community and technical colleges in Texas by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Students can earn credit by examination for most college credit.
- Workforce Instructional Course Manual (WECM)
- Courses comprised of technical colleges with web-based learning experiences developed in line of practice.
Goals
- Independent school districts (ISD) and institutions of higher education (IHE) will implement purposeful and systematic recruitment and enrollment of students and parents for dual credit opportunities, including through enrollment and fee policies.
- Measure of implementation: Documentation summarizing collaboration and outreach efforts of IHEs and ISD partners will be readily available and posted.
- Examples:
- Collaboration between ISDs and the Blinn College Dual Credit Program to host informational sessions for students, parents and counselors on the benefits and cost of dual credit opportunities.
- Prospective Student Relations Advisors provide information about the College and dual credit opportunities at high school and community events.
- Each School Counselor Workshops are provided annually at area high schools.
- All dual credit students will be advised, fully informed, and provided ongoing guidance to ensure the students are equitably transitioned to traditional students on the institutions of higher education partner, or continue toward enrollment, and earn successful outcomes that are adequately tracked and disaggregated by student sub-population.
- Institutional research data showing student performance in college credit.
- In accordance with THECB regulations and SACSCOC, Dual Credit instruction must follow the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor in all classes, regardless of location or modality.
- College readiness requirements are in place for students to be eligible to participate in dual credit, as the courses taken are taught at a college-level.