Mumford 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: Mumford 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 Mumford High School, high school ("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 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, Waller and Washington Counties and parts of Milam, Montgomery, Robertson and Walker Counties.
- The College will ensure that dual credit courses follow the same quality, sequencing, content, and rigor, as those courses taught to the institution’s other students. [Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standard]
- 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 (THECB) Lower Division 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 available to dual credit students. 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 seek every opportunity to use the 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. A course equivalency crosswalk will be used to equate high school courses with college courses. Such crosswalk identifies the number of credits that may be earned for each course completed through the Dual Credit Program. It will also provide an alignment of endorsements offered by the District and its corresponding dual credit course. As per SB 1276 from 2019, endorsements offered by the District, and dual credit courses offered under the agreement that apply towards those endorsements shall be aligned with postsecondary pathways and credentials at the institution and industry certifications. Information on postsecondary pathways and industry certifications are available on the College website under Degree Programs. The TEA graduation Toolkit offers information on graduation, college and career resources among others, and can be used as a reference by counselors, students, and families. See Appendix F, Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
- All College prerequisites must be met and all College course sequencing shall be followed.
- A participating student’s satisfactory academic performance in a course provided under the Dual Credit Program shall be determined in accordance with College Board Policy EGA(LOCAL), which is attached in Appendix A.
- The College reserves the right to set a minimum number of students for enrollment in each course. If this minimum is not met, the College reserves the right to cancel the course.
- The College strongly encourages dual credit students taking classes online to have an in-school time scheduled to work with a high school proctor.
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 particular requirements 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, who will be responsible for identifying, advising, and verifying prospective students’ eligibility to participate in the Dual Credit Program in accordance with Applicable Law.
- The School will assign trained professional-level personnel, as applicable and as agreed upon between the Parties, to assist with College registration functions, including but not limited to, completing and collecting appropriate admissions forms, and collecting student documentation.
- The School/District will initiate the process for course accommodations due to a disability by providing students with documentation outlining required accommodations and services under an Individual Education Plan (IEP). It is the student’s responsibility to provide the IEP documentation from the School/District to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at the College. Upon receipt of the School/District IEP documentation from the student, the College’s ODS will provide a verification form listing the required classroom accommodations to the student. The student is responsible for presenting the verification form from the College’s ODS to the instructor and making the necessary arrangements for accommodations with the instructor. Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodation to a student until appropriate verification from the College’s ODS has been provided; therefore, it is critical to complete this process as soon as possible to ensure the student receives accommodations. For additional information, please contact the College’s ODS.
- Whereas the College will follow existing Board of Trustees policies regarding assigning a grade for College credit in the dual credit courses, 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 scales. 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 received a grade which is the equivalent of 70 on a scale of 100. College personnel will not be expected to communicate with parents. See Appendix A.
- Dual credit students are not affected by the provisions of TEC §51.907. Therefore, dual credit students with Q drops will be recorded as a W and will not be penalized as one of the allowed six-state-drops.
C. Applicable Law
-
The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program and perform their obligations under this Agreement in compliance with all applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to:
- Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- FERPA
- Title IV of the Higher Education Act
- Texas constitution
- Texas Education Code
- Reporting of child abuse, school-related crimes, sexual molestation
- State record retention laws
- Title 19 TAC, Chapter 4, Subchapter D and Chapter 9, Subchapter H
- TEA guidelines and requirements, including Student Attendance Accounting Handbook
- THECB guidelines and requirements
- Rules imposed by accrediting agencies
These collectively shall be referred to as "Applicable Law" or "Applicable Laws". The Parties agree to operate the Dual Credit Program in compliance with their respective applicable board policies and procedures.
- To certify that their sites are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
- To comply with all applicable provisions of FERPA.
- To comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws applicable to this MOU.
- To have policies prohibiting discrimination, including harassment, on legally protected bases.
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 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
902 College Avenue
Brenham, Texas 77833
Administration Building Room 219
adrienne.mccain@blinn.edu
979-830-4216
More information: https://www.blinn.edu/title-ix/index.html
To report sex discrimination: Reporting Information
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The College prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of College District policy.
Statement on Parenting Services
Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the Parenting Services Office.
Section 2. Dual Credit Admission – Student’s Required Actions
Students may attend the College during the semester in which the student demonstrates readiness for College-level courses or otherwise is eligible in accordance with Applicable Law. Admission requirements:
- Obtain written or electronic permission from the high school principal or designee (see Dual Credit Approval Form, Appendix C).
- Earn a "B" or better average in all high school work attempted (or a “C” for WECM trades courses). For lower averages, a letter from the principal/designee and College approval is required.
- Complete a College Application for admission through ApplyTexas.
- Meet the following requirements:
- Satisfy current TSI criteria for dual credit as determined by the THECB. Scores, exemptions, or waivers must be furnished by the District/School or the student.
- Proof of Bacterial Meningitis Vaccine is required unless classes are exclusively at the School facility or are completely online. (Dual credit students taking classes in-person at any Blinn College Campus must provide proof.)
Students enrolled in private or non-accredited secondary schools or homeschooled students must meet all 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 proposed course schedule with the School. Student numbers are due by May 1; proposed schedule by July 20 before the school year starts.
- All high school students enrolled in College academic dual credit follow the official College calendar. Cancellations are processed through District/School administration and the College.
- Eligible students may take the number of academic classes permitted by Applicable Law. See Appendix C.
- Academic dual credit courses must be taught in classes composed solely of academic dual credit students or both dual credit and AP students. Technical classes may be a combination of technical dual credit students, college credit students, and/or local articulation students.
- For face-to-face instruction, the minimum class size must be met. Students from multiple school districts/educational institutions may be combined. The College will not provide transportation.
- If face-to-face instruction is provided on 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
- All dual credit instructors follow College credentialing and hiring procedures and must complete required orientation.
- Approved District Dual Enrollment Faculty teach as part of their regular high school assignment and must follow all applicable regulations.
- Faculty compensation is detailed in Section 6.
- The College’s academic leadership oversees, supervises, and evaluates instructional delivery, including credentialing, curricular discussions, and assessment. Employment status and liability for personnel remain unchanged between the Parties.
Section 5. Facilities
- Facilities must meet SACSCOC accreditation guidelines. The College will periodically review facilities for compliance.
- College and District/School representatives at each site will assess the facilities, determine class size, and select instructional modality.
Section 6. Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program
The FAST program provides funding to colleges so they can offer dual credit courses at no cost to educationally disadvantaged students ("FAST eligible students"). Eligibility and course requirements for FAST funding are set by statute.
Section 7. Tuition
- Option 1: NON-FAST students pay the State of Texas approved tuition rate for the academic year.
- Option 2: If a qualified instructor employed by the District is used and the College does not pay a faculty overload rate, a NON-FAST student pays $20 per credit hour, and the District receives a $500 reimbursement per course section (minimum eight students per course).
- Option 3: For technical dual credit courses taught by a District instructor without College compensation, tuition is waived for enrolled students.
*During the Term, credit hour tuition and fees are subject to change per College Board of Trustees or the State of Texas.
Section 8. College Faculty Compensation
- Full-time faculty: compensated per contract.
- Adjunct instructors: compensated based on the course rate.
Section 9. Syllabus, Curriculum, Supplies, and Textbooks
- Dual Credit instruction uses the same curriculum, materials, grading, and rigor as on-campus courses.
- A common syllabus must be posted in Concourse for each course.
- Courses use identical or equivalent textbooks as campus courses. The College does not provide textbooks. The use of free or low-cost open educational resources is considered per HB 3650. FAST eligible students will not incur the cost; the District provides required materials for them.
Section 10. Library and Learning Resources
Dual credit students and instructors may use both School and College library resources, including online services. Privileges and services are identical to those for all College students and instructors.
Section 11. Academic Advising and Student Support Services
A. Advising
- The College provides instructional support services, including advising in compliance with SB 1277 and SB 25, SB 1324, and related regulations (see Appendix G).
- Advising contact: Shannon Williford, Director, Dual Credit Programs, 979-209-8218, shannon.williford@blinn.edu
B. Support Services
Students may use computer labs, writing centers, and learning centers on any College campus.
Section 12. Student Code of Conduct
- Dual credit students must comply with College policies, including the Student Code of Conduct.
- Academic regulations, including academic integrity, apply to all students.
- If removed for uncivil behavior, students may not return until they arrange a conference with the instructor. See Board Policy FLB for more information.
Section 13. Funding and Payment
- Tuition and fees are due at registration. Payment plans are available. Non-payment may result in being dropped from classes.
- Financial Aid is not available to dual credit students (see federal regulations).
- State funding rules apply, and both College and District/School may claim funding per current policies.
- For courses taken more than twice, tuition and a $50 per semester hour fee apply (except for technical courses and FAST-eligible students).
- The College is not responsible for transportation.
Section 14. Records and Reporting
- Class rosters with names and numerical grades are provided to the School after each semester.
- Both Parties maintain student records as necessary, including FERPA compliance. Both Parties are agents with legitimate educational interest in the other’s records for dual credit students. Proper procedures for disclosure, record retention, and re-disclosure prevention are followed.
- Dual credit courses: credits transcribed immediately upon student’s course completion.
Section 15. Conflict Resolution
Conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level possible, with written summaries after each discussion. Administrators are designated as liaisons for conflict resolution. If unresolved, escalation moves through District and College hierarchy, up to legal counsel if necessary.
Section 16. Term and Termination
- Term: The Agreement is effective June 1, 2024 and expires the last day of the second summer semester of 2027, pending board approval. The Agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement.
- Termination: Either Party may terminate with or without cause by providing written notice at least 60 days prior to the end of the semester. No termination takes effect for students already enrolled until their courses are complete.
Section 17. General Contract Terms
- A. Entire Agreement
- This document, with recitals, appendices, and exhibits, is the entire agreement.
- B. Amendments
- Only in writing with signatures of both Parties.
- C. Governing Law; Venue
- State of Texas law applies. Venue: Washington County, Texas.
- D. Relationship of Parties
- The Parties act as independent contractors – not partners or agents.
- E. No Waiver
- No delay or partial action is a waiver.
- F. Assignment
- Neither Party may assign its interest without written consent.
- G. Captions
- For convenience only; not binding.
- H. Severability
- If any provision is invalid, the rest remains in effect.
- I. No Third Party Rights
- This Agreement is for the benefit of College and District only.
J. Counterparts; Electronic Signatures; Electronic Transmissions
This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, all of which, when taken together, constitute one instrument. Each Party may rely on facsimile or electronic signature.
Section 18. List of Appendices
- 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
Executed By The Parties As Of The Date Of 8/15/2024
| BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT | Mumford ISD |
|---|---|
| Mary Hensley, Ed.D., Chancellor Signed: 8/15/2024 |
Dr. Allen Reese, Superintendent Signed: 7/17/2024 |
Appendix A: Regarding Grading System (EGA LOCAL)
The Board establishes methods for determining grades, awarding credit, GPA calculation, student classification, transfer of credits, standards of performance, grade appeal procedures, and related matters, which are published in the College catalog.
Current College Procedures for Grading and Credit
- 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
Full grading, transcript, and academic standing procedures are detailed above.
Appendix B: Dual Credit/Early Admission Course Approval Form (2024-25)
Appendix D: Dual Credit Course Crosswalk
*High School course is subject to change. Alignment of high school course is determined and approved by the High School.
** Each school district determines which courses they will 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 |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication | Public Speaking | 3 | All Areas |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | English III or English IV | 3 | All Areas |
Appendix E: Advising Terminology
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- College-level coursework designed by College Board for potential college credit based on AP exam score.
- Advising
- Academic guidance for student educational and career success.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Credit by examination program.
- Contact Hours
- Total number of hours a class meets per week.
- Degree Plan
- Course of study requirements for an undergraduate degree.
- Dual Credit
- Students earn high school and college credit for the same course.
- Drop
- Request to be removed from a course while in progress.
Appendix F: Statewide Dual Credit Goals
- Goal 1: Implement collaborative outreach to inform all students and parents of dual credit benefits and cost.
Examples: Collaboration sessions, student relations advisors, counselor workshops. - Goal 2: Assist high school students in successful transition to and acceleration through postsecondary education.
Examples: Campus tours, new student registration events, senior transition. - Goal 3: All dual credit students receive college readiness advising and support.
Examples: Advising, career counseling, access to learning centers and student services. - Goal 4: Dual credit course quality and rigor ensure student success in subsequent coursework.
Examples: Performance data, curriculum alignment, readiness requirements.