Moulton 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 Moulton 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 (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 the establishment and implementation of a dual credit program through which academic and career and technology courses may be taken by students for both college and high school credit (Dual Credit Program);
WHEREAS, the College and the District desire to establish a dual credit program (Dual Credit Program) to be operated as part of their district-to-district articulation agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Parties collectively desire to allow students to earn concurrent credit for college and high school.
NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
Section 1. Agreement and Responsibilities
A. Blinn College District
- The College determines the courses that will be offered for dual credit, subject to approval by both the College and the District/School, and in compliance with current rules of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Administrative Code, and applicable laws.
- The College will educate all students in dual credit courses regarding policies and procedures, including but not limited to academic and student integrity requirements, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the policies for dropping or withdrawing from courses and how such actions affect academic records.
- In accordance with Applicable Law (as hereinafter defined), the College will offer dual credit courses listed in the current edition of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) and Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM). Courses offered in each semester shall be determined by the College and agreed upon by the District/School. Courses provided by the College under this Agreement shall be consistent with the educational purpose, mission, and goals of the College and shall be under the direct control of the College. Developmental courses are not eligible for dual credit status. Kinesiology courses that count towards the high school graduation physical education requirement will not be offered 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 use reasonable efforts to use the available technology as appropriate for such courses.
- The College will be responsible for ensuring that dual credit courses meet Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) requirements. A course equivalency crosswalk will be included for all courses approved for dual credit. See Appendix D for the Blinn College Dual Credit Program.
- The College will provide orientation for all dual credit students.
- The College will allow existing Board of Trustees policies with regard to assigning a grade for College credit in the dual credit course. If the College grading scale differs from the District’s grading scale, the District/School will provide participating students with a comparative document displaying both the College grading scale and the District’s grading scale. See Appendix A.
- Although a student may pass a College class with a grade of D, the District/School will be responsible for communicating to students and parents that under 19 TAC § 74.26(c), credit for courses for high school graduation may be earned only if the student receives a grade that is the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100. College personnel will not be expected to communicate with parents.
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provisions of TEC §51.907. There are no State-mandated drops for dual credit courses. Therefore, dual credit students with ‘Q’ drops will be recorded as a W and will be counted as (1) drop on the allowed six-state-drop count.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have an in-school time scheduled to work with a high school mentor.
B. The School
- The School is responsible for providing a learning atmosphere and classroom facilities comparable to the ones offered on the College campus, regardless of modality of instruction.
- The School will provide instructional technology and other auxiliary equipment typically used in support of classroom instruction.
- The School will provide facilities, personnel and equipment to meet the requirements prescribed for the online/internet, Interactive Video Conference (IVC). Appendix B describes video class regulations.
- The School will assign professional-level personnel, as applicable and as agreed upon between the Parties, with College registration and advising experience to provide assistance and guidance to students participating in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will assign trained professional-level personnel to provide students and families with student/parent dual credit applications and information. The School will designate a dual credit administrator as the liaison to the College who will be responsible for identifying, registering, and enrolling students in dual credit courses. The contact information for the dual credit campus representative/liaison should be provided to the College. The dual credit administrator will provide learning opportunities for students to become familiar with the policies at the College.
C. Applicable Law
- The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with Applicable Law, including rules, regulations, and local laws, implementing regulations, policies or procedures.
- The Parties understand that students who are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligible and qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 may take courses with a college component and receive reasonable accommodations only upon presentation of documentation of disability and request for accommodation through the College’s process. If this minimum is not met, the College reserves the right to cancel the course(s).
Blinn College District Notice of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of College District policy. For more information, see College Board Policy DIAB.
Blinn College District Statement on Parenting Services
Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special accommodations in order to meet the course requirements should contact the Parenting Services Office. Please note that the instructor is not allowed to provide parenting accommodations to a student until verification is received from the Parenting Services Office has been provided. For additional information, please contact the Parenting Services Office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission - Student’s Required Actions
- Students must complete the admissions process and demonstrate readiness for College-level coursework prior to enrollment as required by Applicable Law. The following requirements for admission must be met:
- Obtain written permission from the high school principal or designee (Appendix B)
- Complete the College’s application process
- Satisfy the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and other requirements as required by state law and institutional procedures for the selected course. Placement requirements vary by course and can be found at the College’s website.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine. The College, in compliance with TEC § 51.9192, requires the bacterial meningitis vaccination for all new students enrolling in College classes after January 1, 2012. Students must provide to the College Enrollment Services Office a certificate signed by a health practitioner indicating that they have been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. This requirement does not apply for students enrolled in the Dual Credit Program who will take classes exclusively at a School facility, or for completely online students. Dual credit students taking classes in-person on any Blinn College Campus must provide proof of the meningitis vaccination.
- 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 academic term, the College will coordinate and finalize the proposed course schedule for dual credit classes. The school will facilitate scheduling of dual credit courses by providing the College, as soon as practicable, the anticipated number of students interested in each class for the next academic year. Course offerings must comply with the guidelines in Section 1.
- The College will publish the approved course schedule and registration deadline on the College Dual Credit Program Webpage. All applicable College deadlines, including those for payment, apply to dual credit students.
- Dual credit classes may be scheduled at times that are mutually agreeable to the School and the College. The College, at its discretion, may cancel a dual credit course if the minimum enrollment is not met.
- Academic dual credit courses may be offered in any combination of on-site and online formats at high schools, college campuses, or other designated off-campus locations. Dual credit classes must meet for the same number of contact hours per semester as the corresponding regularly scheduled college credit courses. If a student enrolls in an articulated course, the dual credit class can include a combination of technical dual credit students, college credit students, and/or local articulation students.
- In order for the College to provide face-to-face instruction for an academic dual credit course on the School’s or another high school campus, the campus must be within a reasonable commuting distance from a College campus, a minimum class size number will be required. The Parties agree that the minimum number of students required for a dual credit course in which the instructor is to provide face-to-face instruction may be comprised of students from the District/School as well as one or more other school districts or educational institutions. If there are fewer than the minimum number of students required, the Office of Dual Credit Programs will confer with the District’s dual credit representative to explore enrollment strategies, including the use of online instruction. The minimum number of students required may be adjusted, under extenuating circumstances, as determined by the Divisional Dean.
If the College provides face-to-face instruction on the School’s campus, students who take the same course online, except under extenuating circumstances, as determined by the Divisional Dean.
Section 4. Faculty
The faculty assigned to College dual credit courses follow the same requirements for credentials as established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) for all College faculty. Dual credit faculty are approved through the College’s academic division faculty credentialing process. The approval of the teaching assignment and final selection of the instructor belongs to the College, which may choose to fill teaching positions with College faculty or qualified School employees who have been approved through the College’s process.
Section 4.B. does not alter the employment status of any Party’s personnel, create liability for either Party, or negate the requirements of an employee of either the College or the District to comply with the policies of that employee’s employer.
Section 5. Facilities
Per SACSCOC accreditation guidelines, dual credit courses are offered in adequate physical facilities, whether under the control of the College or under the control of the School. The College will assess the facility prior to the beginning of instruction and periodically review instructional facilities to ensure compliance.
College and District/School representatives at each site will assess the facilities, determine the class size, and select the review instructional modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The state of Texas has created the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program (the FAST program) provides funding to colleges so only each student in an eligible dual credit course at a participating institution of higher education (IHE) will pay the tuition and mandatory fees for up to 60 SCH. The FAST program defines ‘educationally disadvantaged’ as a student eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program. These students are referred to as FAST-eligible students.
Students are considered eligible to enroll at no cost in a dual credit course under the FAST program if the student meets the following:
- Is currently in high school
- Is enrolled in a school district or charter school; and
- Is enrolled in a dual credit course at a participating institution of higher education
- Was educationally disadvantaged at any time during the four school years preceding the student’s enrollment in the dual credit course described Herein.
If a student is not eligible under the FAST program, the District/School or student will pay to the College the tuition and fees for courses in which the student enrolls under this Agreement, consistent with the pricing and provisions below.
- A core curriculum requirement
- A field of study requirement
Eligibility for the FAST program is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Each District is required to submit a roster of dual credit students to THECB for verification of FAST eligibility. In order to prepare and submit this roster, the District/School agrees to identify and verify to the College the students enrolling in the Dual Credit Program that meet the eligibility requirements for the FAST program. This verification shall occur by August 6th.
Students who are not identified as eligible under the FAST program are responsible for payment to the College District or the State of Texas for tuition and fees as outlined below:
- Option 1: If a qualified and approved instructor employed by the District is utilized for a course and the College does not pay the selected instructor a supplemental rate; THEN, a NON-FAST student would only pay $20 per credit hour (e.g. $60 for a three (3) credit hour course; or $80 for a four (4) credit hour course). Additionally, under this option, the District will receive a reimbursement of service payment of $600 for each course section of dual credit. A minimum of eight (8) students are required for each course in the Dual Credit Program.
- Option 2: If a qualified and approved instructor is employed by or paid by the College, but students take the class on a high school campus with a high school instructor; THEN, the tuition and fees required for each NON-FAST student is $75 per credit hour. There is NO COST to the student if a qualified and approved instructor is teaching a course on a high school campus by a high school instructor.
*During the term (as hereinafter defined) of this Agreement, the credit hour tuition and fees any such rates shall be established by the College’s Board of Trustees or the State of Texas, as defined.
Section 9. College Faculty Compensation
- B. College adjunct assignment.
- College will utilize adjunct instructors as needed for dual credit courses and will pay College employees who are adjunct instructors at the regular adjunct faculty rate for the course taught. The college will also reimburse the school for services as outlined in Appendix C.
- D. Dual credit tuition and fees for students enrolled on a college campus.
- Dual credit students who are enrolled in courses offered at a Blinn College campus will pay tuition and fees according to the published fee schedule. Tuition will be the Board of Trustees approved tuition rate and fees for dual credit enrollment.
- Dual credit courses utilizing a high school instructor.
- If a dual credit course is taught by a qualified and approved high school instructor, current state law does not allow a college to pay the instructor for dual credit instruction for which the instructor is also compensated by the District. If any other instructor is utilized and is paid by the District for a course that is eligible for dual credit, the District will invoice the College for the agreed upon services as outlined in Appendix C.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students may access instructional and curriculum resources offered by the School or any of the Blinn College campuses. Students also have access to other library resources and other instructional tools, technology, and support services available at locations where Blinn College Dual Credit Program are identified to provide instruction and classes.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
- The designated academic advising contact for dual credit for the College is:
- Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs
- 979-209-8218
- shannon.williford@blinn.edu
- Support Services—Dual credit students may use the computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any of the College’s campuses.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies and procedures including the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the College Catalog.
- Students must comply with the College’s academic regulations as it relates to academic integrity: Scholastic Integrity
- If a student is instructed to leave class because of violation of Blinn policy, the student may not return to that class unless admitted by the College’s Office of Student Conduct. A payment plan is available for tuition and fees. For instructions in resolving protocol, please consult Board Policy FLB.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fee payments must be made as required by the College’s published tuition and fee schedule. If payment is not made, the College reserves the right to drop the student from the course.
- A student who registers for a course but fails to make a payment prior to the start of the class may be dropped from the class roster.
- If a student requests to take a class more than twice, he or she will be responsible for the tuition for that course and a $50.00 per semester hour for the course. Technical courses and FAST-eligible students are exempt from this fee. (see Blinn College Catalog – College Expenses)
- The College is not responsible for the transportation of dual credit students.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class Rosters. The College will provide class rosters (listing the names and grades in a numerical format of 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 for their respective obligations under this Agreement, including the other Party copies of these records, where maintained, under an obligation to preserve such records as necessary for both Parties to fulfill their statutory and regulatory compliance responsibilities pertaining to the Dual Credit Program in conformance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Both Parties will comply with all applicable policies and procedures in accordance with FERPA. Both Parties agree that students will be provided adequate notification of their rights and responsibilities under FERPA.
- Confidentiality. Confidential student records and other information as well as college personnel records (if applicable) must be maintained in accordance with FERPA and other applicable legal requirements as required by Chapter 4, Subchapter D, and Subchapter H, Texas Administrative Code.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level possible with an understanding that, if no agreement is reached, there is a procedure for advancing the conflict through each Party’s chain of command. The agreed party will be to maintain communications with early discussion sought on issues/conflicts and solutions summarized in writing after each discussion. In order to be collaborative, the College must be able to communicate with the administrators on campus in which the dual credit student/programs are present.
Each Party shall designate and administrative liaison for the purposes of communication and each of the Parties (liaison must be the District Superintendent or their designated administrator and the College level (Director, Dual Credit Programs). If a resolution is not found at that initial level, the conflict resolution process should advance to their respective district level administrator (such as a District Director or Assistant Superintendent or President of the College) and/or their designated representative. If the Parties cannot resolve this Agreement in the manner described, the matter shall be resolved through the Parties’ respective legal counsel.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term. The Term of this Agreement will commence upon the Effective Date and continue through the last day of the following academic year for which it is executed unless earlier terminated as provided herein. Either Party may terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, upon providing written notice to the other Party no less than sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of such termination.
- Survival. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, all rights, obligations, and liabilities accrued up to the date of expiration or termination shall survive.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- A. Entire Agreement
- This Agreement, including the Recitals, the Appendices, and any exhibits, all of which are incorporated herein, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties regarding the subject matter herein described. This Agreement supersedes all negotiations or previous agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Parties expressly acknowledge that in entering into and executing this Agreement the Parties rely solely upon the representations and agreements contained in this Agreement and no others.
- B. Amendments
- This Agreement may be modified and amended only by written signatures of both Parties, and any such modifications or amendments shall be attached to this Agreement.
- C. Governing Law; Venue
- This Agreement and the rights and obligations herein shall be performed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Each Party irrevocably consents to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Washington County, Texas for all actions under this Agreement.
- D. Relationship of the Parties
- In the performance of their respective duties hereunder, the Parties hereto and their respective employees and agents, are at all times acting and performing as independent contractors of each other (notwithstanding the foregoing, employees of the District may teach college courses as adjunct professors of the College or through some other teaching arrangement, if such arrangement is approved in advance by the Parties). This Agreement does not create a partnership or joint venture between the parties hereto, nor does it authorize either Party to serve as the legal representative or agent of the other. No Party will have the authority to act for or bind another Party in any respect to incur or assume any expense, debt, obligation, liability, tax, or any activities on behalf of the other in the name of the other Party.
- E. No Waiver
- No delay or failure by either Party in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement or under Applicable Law, and no partial or single exercise of any such right, power, or privilege shall operate as a waiver thereof.
- F. Severability
- If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void, unenforceable, or invalid for any reason, such provision shall be deemed severable and such invalidity, unenforceability, or illegality shall not affect any other provision.
Section 18. List of Appendices
The following appendices are attached to and incorporated into this Blinn College Dual Credit Program Agreement:
- Appendix A: Board Policy EG (LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- Appendix B: Dual Credit Approval Form
- Appendix C: Dual Credit Notice of Reimbursement
- Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
- Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
Executed by the Parties as of the date first written above of: 7/26/2024
BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT
Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor of the Blinn College District
Date: 7/26/2024
Moulton ISD
Renee Faucher
Date: 7/25/2024
Appendix A
Regarding Grading System
EG(LOCAL) and Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
The Board shall establish the manner in which grades shall be determined and the methods for reporting student grades. The calculation of a student's grade point average (GPA), the classification of students based on credits earned, the transfer of credits, student standards of performance, grade appeal procedures, and any other relevant matters. The provisions shall be published in the College District catalog. The Chancellor shall develop written procedures on other matters that may require administrative direction, subject to approval by the Board. (For index calculations and honors, see the Blinn College Catalog.)
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 student record. The College's grading system shall be as follows:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| A | (90-100) - Excellent |
| B | (80-89) - Good |
| C | (70-79) - Average |
| D | (60-69) - Average |
| F | (Below 60) - Failure |
| I | Incomplete |
| Q | Drop |
| W | Withdrawn |
| P, NP, FS | Academic Fresh Start |
I - Incomplete: indicates that the coursework was incomplete because of serious illness or other justified emergency. The instructor shall change the grade of “I” to a grade based on the work completed for the course in addition to the work specified in the course completion contract. All incomplete work shall be completed within 90 days of the start of the next long semester. Failure to complete the work specified in the course completion contract shall result in a grade of zero, which shall be entered into the final grade calculation with appropriate weighting relative to other course work grades.
Q - Dropped before census or on the “Q-Date” if the student is passing the course at the time the official drop is processed.
W - Dropped Due to Good Cause: assigned before or on the official “Q-Date” as indicated on the College calendar when a student has officially withdrawn from the College or is officially dropped from any or all of the following “Good Cause” criteria:
- A severe illness or other debilitating condition that affects the student’s ability to satisfactorily complete a course;
- The care of a sick, injured, or needy person if the provision of that care is responsible for the student’s satisfactory academic progress;
- The death of the student’s family member within a close relationship;
- The student’s active military duty as part of their membership in the armed forces;
- Involuntary call to active duty for military service, and other good cause as determined by the institution;
- Other good cause as determined by an institution.
Note: Dropping due to COVID-19-related issues (including impact by SB 1231) will require adequate documentation and completion of the appropriate College process. Students who drop a course for good cause will receive a W and are not counted as part of the six-state-allowed limit.
The grading scale for Health Science programs may differ from the approved College grading scale as noted in their program handbook and course syllabus.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
College progress is normally determined by grade point average (GPA). Grade points shall be calculated by assigning values to each grade. The value is illustrated in the chart below:
| 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 of a repeated course shall be used in determining the cumulative grade point average. A grade of “W” or “Q” shall not replace a grade of “F” or higher in a repeated course, but a grade of “F” shall replace a grade of “W” or “Q”.
All grades for courses enrolled in the College shall be used in computing a student’s College grade point average, including repeated courses. The computation of a student’s College grade point average is found in the student’s College student record.
For any questions regarding grade changes, call the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at 979-830-4130. (The office will respond to email requests only if (1) the request is from the student, (2) your name appears on the roster, and (3) you are the instructor of record for the specified class.)
Academic Good Standing
In order to remain in academic good standing with the College, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C). A 2.0 cumulative grade point average is the minimum average required for graduation.
Scholastic Probation or Suspension
A student who falls below a 2.0 college-sponsored grade point average (GPA) at the close of any long semester or summer school will be placed on scholastic probation. A student who fails to achieve a minimum 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA at the end of subsequent semesters will continue to be on scholastic probation. A student with a semester GPA of greater than 2.0 and a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 will remain on scholastic probation. Students being placed on scholastic probation will receive an email at their Blinn College Buc account. Students who have not achieved academic standing will be mailed a letter at their permanent address.
A student will be placed on scholastic suspension for failure to achieve both a semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0 for two successive semesters. Any student on suspension will be suspended for one long semester and will not be eligible to enroll during the next long semester. Any subsequent suspension will be for one long semester.
Scholastic probation or suspension becomes effective after official notification has been sent to the student’s permanent address and/or email address. Students who are scholastically suspended will have a separate appeals procedure outlined in the Blinn College Catalog.
Appendix B
Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form (2024-25)
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| High school | [input field] |
| Class of | [input field] |
| Name | [input field] |
| Date of Birth | [input field] |
| Blinn ID | [input field] |
[Parent/guardian and student information and signatures]
| Course Name | Semester | CRN | Day/Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| [input rows] | |||
For academic dual credit, I certify the student has attained an “80” or better average on all schoolwork attempted. For technical dual credit, I certify the student has attained a “70” or better average on all schoolwork attempted.
Signature of High School Principal or Designee Signature of College Designee
Appendix C
Notice of Reimbursement of Services
From:
- Blinn College District (College), reimbursement for services of High School faculty teaching Dual Credit classes during AY 2024-2025
To:
- [District Superintendent], [School], [School Address]
- The dual credit students in the said class will be charged for fees according to the Agreement between the College and the District.
- The College agrees that the class will be required to have a minimum of eight (8) students in order to run.
- The College agrees to